Project Controller - Washington State Ferries

Project Controller - Washington State Ferries

Salary

$93,227.00 - $125,433.00 Annually

Location

King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-WSF-90873

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Washington State Ferries

Opening Date

10/14/2026

Closing Date

10/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washingtons 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 Project Controller to support the successful delivery of terminal design and engineering projects. Working with the terminal design engineering manager and project managers, this position helps align project agreements, schedules, and financial plans to keep projects on time and within budget.

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 Project Controller will:

• Develop and maintain critical path schedules and delivery-method templates for Terminal Engineering projects.
• Analyze and report project progress, schedule rollups, workforce projections, variances, and change impacts.
• Identify delivery trends and risks; develop "what if" scenarios for risk planning.
• Develop and monitor baseline and control budgets, forecast costs, analyze variances, and communicate recommendations.
• Provide project controls expertise in PRI, Primavera P6, and Oracle Unifier for E-CON; coordinate resolution of scheduling system issues.
• Manage system profiles, permissions, and initial project files; administer SharePoint sites and Power BI dashboards.
• Conduct special projects, research, and other assigned duties.
• Attend required training, project site visits, and WSDOT 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.
• Project Scheduling & Controls - Develop, maintain, and coordinate complex critical path, resource-loaded schedules for multiple Terminal Engineering projects.
• Integrated Project Planning and Financial Control - Ensure schedules and budgets accurately reflect approved scope, milestones, dependencies, resources, funding, planned expenditures, and project delivery requirements.
• Baseline Management - Apply project controls principles to maintain accurate and reliable baselines and baseline performance information throughout the project lifecycle.
• Project Trend Analysis - Evaluate schedule and budget performance data to identify project trends, variances, delays, and risks and impacts to enable timely corrective action.
• Schedule, Cost & Risk Analysis - Develop "what-if" scenarios and alternative strategies, evaluate potential outcomes, and recommend practical solutions to support proactive risk management and successful project delivery.
• Project Management Systems Expertise - Provide technical expertise and guidance to WSF project managers and Terminal Engineering staff in the use of Primavera P6, Oracle Unifier, SharePoint, Microsoft Power BI dashboards, and other systems used for project scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and reporting.
• Project Controls Systems Administration - Establish initial project files, configure user access and permissions, and support effective and consistent administration and use of project management and controls systems.
• Information Systems & Data Management - Collaborate with engineering, project management staff, IT, and Headquarters to troubleshoot and resolve scheduling, budgeting, and reporting system issues, to improve data accuracy and maintain system reliability.
• Project Performance Communication - Communicate complex schedule, budget, cost, risk, forecast, and project controls information to project engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders.
• Project Analysis & Delivery Coordination - Provide clear, actionable analysis and recommendations to support informed decision-making, facilitate project coordination, and promote accurate, consistent, and timely project delivery.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Integrated Scheduling - Integrate multiple schedules across internal and external project teams and disciplines to illustrate timing, resource dependencies, and coordination requirements across an active project delivery portfolio.
• Project Systems Integration - Collect and assemble data from project scheduling systems, finance and accounting systems, and other project management tools and systems to support executive decision-making.
• Public Agency Processes - Demondstrated knowledge and experience with project design processes, contract and advertisement, procurement requirements, and basic construction principles in a public agency environment.

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 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.

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.

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 renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-90862 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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

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

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Describe your experience developing, maintaining, and coordinating complex critical path, resource-loaded schedules for multiple engineering projects. Explain how you managed milestones, dependencies, and resource constraints, identify the scheduling tools used, and distinguish your responsibilities from those of others.

02

Describe a project where you aligned the schedule and budget with approved scope, milestones, dependencies, resources, funding, and planned expenditures. Explain how you established and maintained baselines, incorporated approved changes, and ensured reliable performance information throughout the project lifecycle.

03

Which statement best describes your proficiency with project controls systems such as Primavera P6, Oracle Unifier, SharePoint, and Microsoft Power BI?

• I independently use advanced functions in multiple systems and provide technical guidance to others on scheduling, budgeting, risk management, or reporting.
• I independently use advanced functions in at least one system and provide technical guidance to others.
• I independently use routine system functions to perform project controls work.
• I use system functions with guidance or have completed training without independently applying it.
• I have no experience or training in project controls systems.

04

Which statement best describes your experience evaluating schedule and budget performance?

• I independently evaluate performance across multiple projects, identify trends and impacts, and recommend timely corrective actions.
• I independently evaluate performance for an individual project, identify trends and impacts, and recommend corrective actions.
• I independently identify and report variances, delays, and risks, with guidance on their impacts.
• I assist with compiling performance data or identifying variances under direction.
• I have not evaluated project schedule or budget performance.

05

Which statement best describes your experience developing "what-if" scenarios and alternative project delivery strategies?

• I independently develop scenarios across multiple projects, evaluate schedule and cost outcomes, and recommend strategies to manage risks.
• I independently develop scenarios for an individual project, evaluate outcomes, and recommend practical solutions.
• I develop scenarios and evaluate alternatives with guidance on recommendations.
• I assist with gathering data or preparing scenarios under direction.
• I have not developed project scenarios or evaluated alternative strategies.

06

Which statement best describes your experience administering project management and controls systems?

• I independently administer systems across multiple projects or teams, configure access and permissions, establish project files, and develop consistent administration procedures.
• I independently establish project files and configure access and permissions for individual projects or teams.
• I independently perform routine administration using established procedures, with guidance for complex configurations.
• I assist with project file setup or user access changes under direction.
• I have not administered project management or controls systems.

07

Which statement best describes your experience resolving scheduling, budgeting, or reporting system issues?

• I lead coordination among project staff, IT, and organizational reporting teams to resolve complex issues and implement data accuracy and reliability improvements.
• I independently investigate issues and coordinate with project staff and IT to resolve them.
• I independently identify and correct routine data issues and escalate problems requiring technical support.
• I assist with identifying issues or correcting data under direction.
• I have not performed project systems troubleshooting or data management.

08

Which statement best describes your experience communicating project controls analysis to support decisions and delivery coordination?

• I independently present complex analysis and recommendations across multiple projects and coordinate stakeholder actions.
• I independently explain analysis and recommendations for an individual project and coordinate follow-up actions.
• I independently prepare and explain reports, with guidance on recommendations or coordination.
• I assist with preparing reports or communicating project status under direction.
• I have not communicated project controls analysis or supported delivery coordination.

09

Which statement best describes your experience integrating schedules and supporting data across project teams and systems?

• I independently integrate schedules across internal and external teams and combine scheduling, financial, and project management data for portfolio-level executive reporting.
• I independently integrate schedules across teams and combine data from multiple systems for individual project planning and reporting.
• I independently consolidate schedules or system data, with guidance on cross-team dependencies or data reconciliation.
• I assist with collecting schedules or assembling data under direction.
• I have not integrated schedules or assembled data across project systems.

10

Which statement best describes your knowledge and application of public agency design, contract advertisement, procurement requirements, and construction principles?

• I independently apply these processes across multiple public agency projects and advise others on their delivery implications.
• I independently apply these processes to support an individual public agency project.
• I apply specific public agency processes with guidance on unfamiliar requirements.
• I have introductory knowledge through coursework, training, or supporting tasks but have not independently applied these processes.
• I have no related knowledge or experience.

11

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)

12

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

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov