Salary : $84,520.00 - $113,639.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-WSF-90037
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Washington State Ferries
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Quality Assurance Lead to strengthen safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across terminal operations, Eagle Harbor, and the ferry fleet. This position plays a key role in evaluating operational practices, identifying opportunities for improvement, and supporting compliance with regulatory standards and WSF's Safety Management System. Through quality assurance, internal audits, training, and process improvement, this role helps foster a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence. The Quality Assurance Lead directly contributes to safe, reliable ferry service and WSF's commitment to providing exceptional service to the communities and customers we serve.
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 Quality Assurance Lead will:

• Lead vessel and terminal audits for regulatory and Safety Management System compliance.
• Serve as a technical expert on applicable laws, regulations, standards, and policies.
• Analyze audit findings and monitor corrective and preventative actions.
• Provide quality assurance training and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead environmental compliance activities, including VGP reporting and spill response readiness.
• Develop and maintain regulatory plans, technical documentation, and compliance records.
• Develop and update policies, procedures, guidance, and interagency agreements.
• Review regulatory changes, prepare reports, and represent WSF at external meetings.
• 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:

• Growth Mindset - Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented - Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Education/Experience:
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and apply quality assurance, engineering, or compliance principles to solve maritime or complex operational challenges. (This competency may be developed through formal education, technical training, military service, community leadership, or equivalent professional experience.)
• Demonstrated success in leading and managing quality assurance, auditing, or continuous process-improvement initiatives, ideally within a maritime or similarly regulated operational environment.
• Proven capability to plan, conduct, and document internal audits, identify system non-conformities, and coordinate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) within an established safety management system.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and integrate maritime compliance frameworks (such as ISM Code, SOLAS, or relevant environmental standards) into daily operations and procedural updates.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors:
• Knowledge
  • Demonstrated understanding of maritime regulations and safety management systems, with the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure operational compliance and safety.
  • Knowledge of maritime operations and vessel functions, with the ability to apply this understanding to daily operational decisions.
  • Ability to utilize quality assurance methodologies and tools (such as Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement frameworks) to analyze processes and drive operational efficiency.
  • Understanding of audit processes and compliance standards, with the ability to execute, evaluate, or support internal and external audits.
• Skills
  • Ability to analyze complex operational data, identify root causes of issues, and develop effective, practical solutions.
  • Ability to communicate technical and regulatory information clearly, concisely, and effectively to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to use data analysis and reporting tools to track performance, identify trends, and inform operational decision-making.
• Abilities
  • Ability to manage individual tasks independently while actively collaborating within cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.
  • Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously to deliver high-quality results within established timelines.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy, thoroughness, and quality in compliance monitoring, reporting, and operational tasks.
  • Ability to draft, edit, and publish clear, professional reports, official correspondence, and technical documentation.
  • Ability to self-manage workloads and maintain accountability to consistently deliver assignments on schedule.
  • Ability to maintain composure, prioritize tasks effectively, and make sound, safe decisions in fast-paced, high-stress, or demanding operational environments.
• Behaviors
  • Demonstrated initiative in anticipating operational needs, addressing potential compliance or safety issues before they escalate, and focusing on measurable outcomes.
  • Ability to build positive working relationships, lead project teams, and influence others to adopt safety and quality-focused practices.
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development, actively seeking feedback, and staying updated on evolving industry standards and best practices.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Demonstrated knowledge of maritime operations, environmental compliance, quality management principles, and applicable regulatory requirements, with the ability to apply this knowledge to assigned compliance activities.
• Completion of coursework or professional training in safety management, regulatory compliance, or related operational safety disciplines.
• Extensive experience directing quality assurance, auditing, or continuous process improvement initiatives, particularly within the maritime industry.
• Proven track record of successfully planning, leading, and executing quality improvement projects and strategic initiatives from inception to completion.
• Direct operational experience in vessel engine rooms, including a strong technical understanding of vessels, onboard machinery, and vessel systems.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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.

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-90037 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 S