Purchasing Agent - Washington State Ferries

Salary : $74,928.00 - $108,084.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 26DOT-WSF-A0349
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Washington State Ferries
Opening Date: 10/21/2026
Closing Date: 10/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries OPEIU members

The Opportunity

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Purchasing Agent to lead purchasing services that support safe, reliable ferry operations. This position helps ensure vessels, terminals, and facilities have the goods and services needed to serve Washington's ferry communities. By guiding purchasing staff and overseeing complex, specialized procurements, the Purchasing Agent supports vessel preservation and responsible stewardship of public resources. Join a team committed to meeting operational needs through efficient purchasing practices that comply with applicable laws and regulations.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system - guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People - there's never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Purchasing Agent will:

• Conduct complex WSF procurements, including federally and grant-funded purchases, in compliance with purchasing laws, regulations, and WSDOT requirements.
• Review EAM requisitions, select procurement methods, obtain budget approval, and issue purchase orders; approve purchases within $100,000 delegated authority and escalate higher amounts.
• Prepare solicitations and technical specifications, conduct public bids, evaluate and award bids, and negotiate agreements and contracts.
• Research vendors, evaluate supplier performance, plan long-lead purchases, coordinate inventory use, and conduct procurement site visits.
• Process emergency purchases, document competitive-process exceptions, and resolve issues with WSDOT PMMO and DES.
• Lead Buyer 2 and Buyer 3 staff by assigning and reviewing work, providing technical guidance, ensuring compliance, and overseeing complex procurements.
• Resolve overdue requisitions, asset tracking, shipping, invoice, and payment issues with vendors and agency staff.
• Assist the Purchasing & Facilities Manager in improving purchasing programs, policies, procedures, specifications, and practices.
• Uphold WSF's strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF's culture through leadership actions

Qualifications

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

• Respect and Equal Opportunity: Experience contributing to a work environment that supports a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
• Service Orientation: Experience taking action to meet the needs of others.
• Learning and Growth: Demonstrated commitment to learning and growth through training, skill development, or application of new knowledge.
• Complex Procurement Planning and Completion: Ability to plan, prioritize, and complete complex procurements of goods and services in accordance with purchasing laws, regulations, and delegated authority, gained through work, personal, or lived experience.
• Procurement Principles and Ethics: Knowledge of procurement principles, methods, and ethical standards, such as those covered by professional purchasing certifications, including CPPB or CPPO.
• Microsoft Office Proficiency: Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Contract Interpretation: Experience working with contracts and contract language, including the ability to understand and interpret contract provisions.
• Procurement Procedures and Legal Requirements: Knowledge of procurement methods and procedures and purchasing laws and regulations.
• Verbal and Written Communication: Ability to communicate procurement information verbally and in writing with diverse employees and vendors.
• Automated Procurement Systems: Ability to use automated procurement management systems to perform purchasing activities.
• Bid Analysis and Award Determination: Ability to analyze bids and determine procurement awards.
  
  It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
• Technical Specification Writing: Technical writing skills related to developing procurement specifications.
• Public Sector or Marine Procurement: Experience performing complex procurements in a public sector or marine environment.
• WSF Operations Knowledge: Knowledge of Washington State Ferries (WSF) operations.
• WSF EAM Purchasing System: Experience using the purchasing functions of the WSF Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) System.

Important Notes

• The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries OPEIU members
• In addition to base 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 ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 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 to for 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 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 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; 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 to this opportunity.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-A0349 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.

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