Advanced Training Programs Specialist - 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 an Advanced Training Programs Specialist to help develop the next generation of licensed deck officers. This position administers advanced training programs that support WSF employees as they work toward United States Coast Guard credentials and advance their maritime careers. Working closely with the Advanced Training Programs Manager and internal and external partners, this specialist strengthens the deck officer pipeline essential to safe, reliable ferry operations. Through this work, the position supports the communities who depend on ferry service while upholding WSF’s values: Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate. 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 Advanced Training Programs Specialist will:

• Coordinate pilotage trips, documentation, and testing with vessel masters, Dispatch, training staff, and pilots to ensure timely completion of USCG requirements.
• Schedule Pilotage Program testing, onboarding, and training; record results and maintain trip records.
• Coordinate course schedules, enrollment, and program requirements with MITAGS and other training providers for Mate Apprenticeship and AB to Mate participants.
• Arrange Mate Apprenticeship vessel placements and provide onboard support and mentoring to promote training progress, engagement, safety, and performance.
• Track sea time, required training, and progress toward USCG credentials; monitor apprenticeship payroll and stipends and coordinate AB to Mate leave and return-to-work dates.
• Support centralized recruitment, fair and open candidate assessment, and participant selection and placement in coordination with Human Resources and the Advanced Training Programs Manager.
• Maintain participant and compliance records; provide program updates, figures, and feedback to the Advanced Training Programs Manager to support oversight and improvement.
• Support Marine Operations and workforce development and perform other duties as assigned.
• 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.
• Program Coordination – Ability to coordinate schedules, records, and logistics for several programs at the same time and meet program deadlines.
• Credential Tracking – Ability to learn credentialing requirements and apply them to track participant progress accurately.
• Applying Requirements – Ability to turn regulatory and operational requirements into clear program procedures and records.
• Working Relationships – Ability to build working relationships with internal and external partners to keep the programs effective and efficient. The work calls for tact, discretion, and professional conduct.
• Participant Guidance – Ability to guide participants through program milestones toward their career goals and credentials.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Familiarity with the WSF fleet.
• Familiarity with maritime apprenticeship programs.
• Knowledge of USCG regulations, maritime credentialing, and vessel movement requirements.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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 357-28 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 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-91002 in the subject line.