Port Captain - Washington State Ferries

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, 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, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Port Captain to provide operational leadership that supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Washington State Ferries fleet. This position will serve as the South Pod Port Captain, with primary responsibility for supporting operations on the Point Defiance–Tahlequah, Fauntleroy–Vashon–Southworth (Triangle), and Seattle–Bremerton routes. The position plays a key role in promoting operational excellence, regulatory compliance, crew readiness, and the effective resolution of issues that impact ferry service and the customer experience. Working collaboratively with fleet personnel, agency leadership, and key partners, the Port Captain helps remove barriers, strengthen operations, and ensure teams have the support needed to successfully serve the traveling public. Through strong leadership and a commitment to WSF’s values of Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate, this position helps maintain a dependable ferry system that connects communities and provides an essential transportation service throughout the Puget Sound region.

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 Port Captain will:

• Provide operational oversight and support to licensed and unlicensed deck personnel to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable fleet operations.
• Serve as a liaison between vessel operations and shoreside management, resolving operational issues affecting safety, compliance, and service reliability.
• Conduct vessel inspections and audits for seaworthiness and Navigation, Deck, Safety, and Environmental compliance in accordance with SMS, Bridge Resource Management, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee regulatory training, certification, and Staff Captain evaluations in coordination with Crew Resource Managers and Training.
• Coordinate vessel maintenance and operational readiness, including USCG/CFR compliance and bridge navigation equipment.
• Participate in vessel damage and personal injury investigations and support effective operational evolutions within the assigned region.
• Lead Route Focus Group meetings, participate in safety and operational committees, and support operational budgets and vessel supply purchases.
• Provide crew management support and collaborate with Staff Captains, HR, and Crew Resource Managers to uphold conduct standards, address personnel issues, and foster an inclusive workplace.
• 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:

• Service-Oriented – Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Growth Mindset – Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Ability to apply professional level-knowledge for the purposes of sound decision making as it relates to vessel operating principles, loading/unloading operations, best safety practices, and application of federal regulations to analyze issues, develop solutions, and support effective vessel operations. This knowledge may be gained through professional practice and credentials, military or public service, community leadership, certifications, apprenticeships, self-directed learning, academic study in related field, or other structured training pathways.
• Extensive experience in a marine supervisory position or equivalent and experience in supervising various levels of personnel in the maritime environment.
• Proficiency in vessel scheduling and understanding of navigational principles, tidal/current effects, and safe vessel movement in port.
• Experience with shipboard operations, shipboard management, and watchstanding requirements.
• Professional level knowledge of federal maritime regulations and USCG Directives, specifically 33 and 46 CFR.
• Professional level knowledge and experience in implementation of Safety Management Systems.
• Experience in budget development and management.
• Ability to analyze complex situations, identify options and make sound recommendations for action.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people.
• Professional level demonstrated expertise supervising vessel crews or shore-based personnel, including scheduling, training, and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge and ability to respond to and manage incidents such as environmental, safety, and security incidents and implementation of emergency response plans and SMS procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with strong problem-solving, clear communication and decision-making under pressure cross departmentally in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and practices related to vessel operations.
• Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) within 60 days of hiring.
• Ability to work nights or weekends on-call

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Progressive maritime experience, including demonstrated leadership of vessel operations, with experience in a shoreside marine-management role preferred.
• Experience in Change Management, LEAN, or Six Sigma process improvements
• Familiarity with labor relations and contract negotiations.
• Proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Office and familiarity with marine software used for navigation, scheduling, and shipboard management tools.

Important Notes

• This position offers telework flexibility, with occasional travel throughout the Puget Sound region for site visits, meetings, and other operational needs.
• 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28of 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 www.uscis.gov

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 State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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.

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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 www.uscis.gov

Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-9W119 in the subject line.