Salary : $87,015.00 - $117,079.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 25DOT-WSF-90229
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Washington State Ferries
Opening Date: 07/24/2025
Closing Date: 8/13/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.
The Opportunity

WSF is currently seeking an Inspector Specialist - Preservation and Structural to lead and oversee technical inspection activities related to vessel construction, preservation, and maintenance. This position is responsible for scheduling and conducting inspections, directing inspection teams, and ensuring thorough documentation of asset history and contract compliance. Serving as the division's subject matter expert in preservation and structural integrity, this role plays a critical part in supporting the long-term safety, reliability, and operational readiness of the WSF vessel fleet.
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Inspector Specialist will:

• Direct and performs structural and piping inspection phases of ferry vessel construction, preservation, and maintenance activities.
• Provides inspection of the contractor's work.
• Performs on-site inspections at State and Commercial shipyards, and manufacturing or repair facilities, or aboard vessels underway.
• Reviews and approve the contractor-furnished equipment and materials.
• Provides technical advice to the contractor during the production phase.
• Direct or prepare contract documentation and red line markups.
• Prepare inspection reports, progress reports, and condition deficiency reports.
• Reviews specifications, working drawings, and construction work.
• As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system - guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow, and Navigate- and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People - there's never been a more meaningful time to join us.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Licensing & Credentialing
  • Possession of a valid State driver's license.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) within six (6) months of hire, in accordance with federal maritime security regulations.
• Relevant Experience
  • Shipyard or Owner's Representative Experience: - Demonstrated experience working in a shipyard or as an owner's representative, with direct project-level responsibility for vessel preservation (coatings), structural repairs, renovations, or construction. Equivalent military experience qualifies.
  • Superintendent or Owner's Rep Experience in Commercial/Governmental Shipyards - Demonstrated experience of assigned responsibility as a shipyard superintendent or owner's representative for vessel preservation and steel repair/testing in a major commercial or governmental shipyard.
  • Vessel Inspection or Surveying Experience - Demonstrated experience as vessel inspector or surveyor with an authoritative agency (e.g., U.S. Coast Guard or Classification Society like ABS), with responsibility for preservation, steel fit-up, welding processes, and testing.
• Technical Competencies
  • Strong working knowledge of shipboard preservation, structural welding practices, and safety protocols.
  • Familiarity with modern marine construction equipment, materials, and methods.
  • Understanding of relevant state, federal, and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
  • Experience with construction cost estimating and financial planning.
• Professional Skills
  • Ability to read, interpret, and develop marine construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
  • Ability to provide regulatory liaison and ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards.
  • Capable of exercising sound, independent professional judgment and providing technical advice to contractors and construction managers.
  • Strong analytical skills to solve complex technical issues and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Professional Licensure - Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington or in another state with equivalent requirements in one of the following engineering disciplines.
  • Naval Architecture or Ship Design
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
• Vessel Repair & Overhaul Experience - A minimum of two (2) years of experience with project-level responsibility for the repair, overhaul, or refurbishment of steam or motor vessels in a commercial or government shipyard.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options available when not assigned to active inspection duties.
• The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions with an assigned duty station in King County.
• In addition to based salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensuring that our staff experiences the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum of 14 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs and much more. Go tofor more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine your salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; it does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application for this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal-opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit
Contact us:
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Renee Mason, at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-WSF-90229 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025
01

Do you possess OR do you have the ability to obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) within 6 months of hire?

• Yes
• No
• I have the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.

02

Do you have a Valid State-issued Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have the ability to move 40 pounds from floor to a height of 5 feet on a seldom basis?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have experience in a shipyard or as an owner's representative with project-level responsibility for preservation (coatings) and structural repair, overhaul, renovation, or construction of steam or motor vessels in a commercial or government shipyard.

• Yes
• No

05

Briefly describe your experience as an owner's representative with project-level responsibility for preservation (coatings) and structural repair, overhaul, renovation, or construction of steam or motor vessels in a commercial or government shipyard.
06

Do you have experience as a ship/shipyard superintendent in a major commercial or government shipyard?

• Yes
• No

07

Briefly describe your experience as a ship/shipyard superintendent in a major commercial or government shipyard.
08

Do you have experience as an Owner's Representative in a commercial shipyard?

• Yes
• No

09

Briefly describe your experience as an Owner's Representative in a commercial shipyard.
10

Do you have experience as a vessel inspector or surveyor for an authoritative agency or vessel classification society such as the American Bureau of Shipping or the U.S. Coast Guard?

• Yes
• No

11

Briefly describe your experience as a vessel inspector or surveyor for an authoritative agency or vessel classification society such as the American Bureau of Shipping or the U.S. Coast Guard.
12

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

13

If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question