SHIPWRIGHT HEALTH & SAFETY - Washington State Ferries

SHIPWRIGHT HEALTH & SAFETY - Washington State Ferries

Salary

$95,943.60 Annually

Location

Kitsap County - Other, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

26DOT-WSF-G0090r

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Washington State Ferries

Opening Date

09/22/2026

Closing Date

9/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

First consideration and/or preference will be given to WSF employees represented by Puget Sound Metal Trades Council (IBEW Local 46, IAMAW Local 79, SMART Local 66, IBT Local 117, IBB Local 104, and UA Local 32) and Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.

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 Health and Safety Specialist to support the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and help foster a safe, healthy, and productive workplace for employees and visitors. This position provides frontline safety expertise, identifies and helps mitigate workplace hazards, promotes safe work practices, and supports compliance with occupational health and safety requirements. Working closely with employees and management, this role strengthens a culture of shared accountability, continuous improvement, and proactive risk prevention. By helping ensure maintenance activities are performed safely and responsibly, this position directly supports the reliable operation of WSF vessels and terminals and the essential transportation services they provide to communities across Washington.

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 Health and Safety Specialist will:

• Conduct scheduled and unscheduled safety and health inspections at Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility (EHMF), including shops, yard areas, and vessels, to identify hazards, unsafe practices, and compliance concerns.
• Provide frontline safety guidance to employees, supervisors, and management; recommend corrective actions and solutions to mitigate immediate and foreseeable workplace hazards.
• Document inspection findings, safety observations, non-conformities, corrective actions, and trends; prepare reports and recommendations for EHMF management and the Health and Safety Program Manager.
• Support occupational health and safety programs, including respiratory protection, fit testing, hearing conservation, Shipyard Competent Person activities, employee safety training, and required documentation.
• Serve as EHMF's fall protection competent person, including evaluating work activities, inspecting fall protection equipment and systems, assessing anchorages and controls, and recommending appropriate protective measures.
• Chair the EHMF Health and Safety Committee and coordinate safety matters with employees, management, WSF programs, WISHA/L&I, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor regulatory and industry requirements, review safety policies and procedures, and recommend improvements to maintain compliance and strengthen EHMF safety programs and practices.
• Provide on-call emergency safety support and fulfill assigned Incident Command System (ICS), EHMF Contingency Plan, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) responsibilities.

Qualifications

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

• Regulatory Research, Interpretation, and Compliance: Ability to independently research and interpret overlapping federal and state requirements, determine when requirements apply, and defend compliance determinations to regulators and management.
• Occupational Safety and Health Program Management: Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate occupational safety and health programs, policies, and procedures in a maritime or industrial environment, including evaluating program effectiveness using lagging and leading indicators.
• Independent Site Safety Representation: Experience serving as an independent site safety representative and providing safety oversight and guidance.
• Hazard Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate workplace hazards, including confined space, fall, and shipyard-specific risks, and apply applicable federal, state, and maritime safety regulations, including OSHA, WAC, and USCG requirements.
• Organization and Safety Project Coordination: Ability to organize workload, set priorities, and log, track, and coordinate multiple safety projects and investigations while meeting established and shifting schedules, timelines, and deadlines.
• Safety and Stakeholder Communication: Ability to convey complex or nuanced safety requirements clearly, verbally and through documentation, to diverse stakeholders, including frontline employees, managers, and senior managers.
• Computer and Microsoft Proficiency: Demonstrated competency using a personal computer and proficiency utilizing Microsoft products and tools.
• Database and Maritime Systems Proficiency: Competency in database management and ability to adopt internal maritime systems such as AOSS crewing and dispatching software and the Washington State Online Learning Center.
• Safety Hazard Recognition and Response: Ability to recognize and address safety hazards and unsafe practices.
• Initiative, Independence, and Collaboration: Ability to take initiative, work independently, and collaborate as part of an inclusive, diverse, and cohesive team.
• Maritime Security Credential: Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card within six months of employment.
• Fall Protection Certification: Ability to obtain and maintain Fall Protection Competent Person & Inspection certification within six months of employment.
• Shipyard Competent Person Certification: Ability to obtain and maintain Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) certification within six months of employment.
• First Aid and Emergency Response Certification: Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, and AED certification within six months of employment.
• OSHA Safety Certification: Ability to obtain OSHA 30-Hour Maritime, Construction, or General Industry certification within six months of employment.
• HAZWOPER Certification: Ability to obtain Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification within six months of employment.
• Hazardous Waste Management Certification: Ability to obtain Hazardous Waste RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)/WA Dangerous Waste Management certification within six months of employment.
• Incident Command System Certification: Ability to obtain Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700, and 800 certifications within six months of employment.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Professional Safety Program Leadership: Ability to design, lead, or support occupational safety and health programs at a professional or lead level within a marine, shipyard, or general industry setting.
• Regulatory Agency Coordination: Demonstrated ability to serve as the employer point of contact with L&I/DOSH throughout inspections, citation response, abatement, and appeals.
• Safety Committee Experience: Experience serving as a safety committee representative in a maritime, construction, or general industry setting.
• Respiratory Protection: Competency in performing qualitative and quantitative respirator fit testing.
• Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Experience planning and leading cross-functional projects to completion.

Important Notes

• First consideration and/or preference will be given to WSF employees represented by Puget Sound Metal Trades Council (IBEW Local 46, IAMAW Local 79, SMART Local 66, IBT Local 117, IBB Local 104, and UA Local 32), and/or Western states Regional Council of Carpenters who have completed all identified required training and meet the qualifications for the position.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• 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-G0090 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

Are you currently a Washington State Ferries (WSF) employee represented by the Puget Sound Metal Trades Council and/or the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters?

• Yes - I am currently a WSF employee represented by the Puget Sound Metal Trades Council.
• Yes - I am currently a WSF employee represented by the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.
• Yes - I am currently a WSF employee and believe I am represented by one of the identified bargaining groups, but I am unsure which one.
• I am currently a WSF employee but am not represented by either of the identified bargaining groups.
• No - I am not currently a WSF employee.

02

Please describe your experience serving as an independent site safety representative. Include the type of work environment, your level of responsibility, the safety oversight or guidance you provided, and approximately how long you performed this work.

03

Do you currently possess a valid drivers license and are you able to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within six (6) months of employment?

• I possess a valid drivers license and currently hold a valid TWIC card.
• I possess a valid drivers license and can obtain a TWIC within six months of employment.
• I possess a valid drivers license but am unsure whether I can obtain a TWIC within six months.
• I do not currently possess a valid drivers license but could obtain one before employment.
• None of the above.

04

Please identify which of the following certifications you currently possess and which you are willing to obtain within six (6) months of employment. Include any of the following that apply:

• Fall Protection Competent Person & Inspection
• Shipyard Competent Person (SCP)
• First Aid/CPR/AED
• OSHA 30-Hour Maritime, Construction, or General Industry
• HAZWOPER
• Hazardous Waste RCRA/WA Dangerous Waste Management
• ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800

05

Which option best describes your experience planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating occupational safety and health programs, policies, or procedures?

• I have independently designed and led comprehensive occupational safety and health programs at a professional or lead level in a marine, shipyard, or industrial environment and evaluated effectiveness using leading and lagging indicators.
• I have independently developed, implemented, and evaluated multiple occupational safety and health programs or major program components in a marine, shipyard, industrial, or comparable environment.
• I have independently implemented and administered established occupational safety and health programs and contributed to program evaluation or improvement.
• I have supported occupational safety and health programs, policies, or procedures under the direction of others.
• I have limited or no experience developing, implementing, or evaluating occupational safety and health programs.

06

Which option best describes your experience identifying, assessing, and addressing workplace safety hazards?

• I independently assess complex workplace hazards, including confined space, fall, and/or shipyard-specific risks; apply applicable OSHA, WAC, USCG, or comparable requirements; and develop or direct mitigation and corrective actions.
• I independently conduct hazard assessments involving multiple types of workplace risks, apply applicable safety requirements, and develop corrective or preventive actions.
• I routinely conduct workplace inspections, recognize hazards and unsafe practices, assess risk, and recommend corrective actions using established safety requirements.
• I assist with inspections or hazard assessments and identify safety concerns using established procedures under guidance.
• I have limited or no experience conducting workplace hazard assessments or determining corrective actions.

07

Which option best describes your experience coordinating safety projects, investigations, or corrective actions while managing competing priorities and deadlines?

• I have independently led multiple complex, cross-functional safety projects and/or investigations, including setting priorities, coordinating stakeholders, tracking corrective actions, and adjusting schedules to ensure completion.
• I have independently coordinated multiple safety projects and/or investigations involving different stakeholders, changing priorities, and established deadlines.
• I have independently coordinated routine safety projects, investigations, or corrective actions and tracked activities through completion.
• I have assisted with coordinating or tracking safety projects, investigations, or corrective actions under guidance.
• I have limited or no experience coordinating safety projects or investigations.

08

Which option best describes your experience communicating complex or nuanced safety requirements to frontline employees, managers, senior managers, or other stakeholders?

• I routinely develop and deliver written and verbal interpretations, recommendations, or guidance involving complex safety requirements to employees, management, senior leadership, and/or regulatory agencies.
• I independently communicate complex safety requirements, findings, and corrective actions in writing and verbally to employees and multiple levels of management.
• I routinely communicate established safety requirements, inspection findings, or corrective actions to employees, supervisors, and/or managers.
• I assist with communicating safety information or preparing safety documentation using established guidance.
• I have limited or no experience communicating occupational safety requirements in a professional setting.

09

Which option best describes your experience using Microsoft products, databases, and other electronic systems to support safety or operational programs?

• I independently use advanced Microsoft tools, databases, and specialized safety or operational systems to analyze data, track trends, manage records, prepare reports, and support program decisions.
• I independently use Microsoft products and databases to analyze information, manage records, track activities, and prepare reports or technical documentation.
• I routinely use Microsoft products, databases, or comparable systems for documentation, data tracking, communication, and recordkeeping.
• I have basic experience using Microsoft products or databases and require guidance for more complex functions.
• I have limited or no experience using Microsoft products or database systems.

10

Which option best describes your additional occupational safety experience?

• I have served as an employer point of contact with L&I/DOSH through inspections, citation response, abatement and/or appeals; served on or led a safety committee; and performed qualitative and quantitative respirator fit testing.
• I have direct experience in at least two of the following: L&I/DOSH regulatory coordination, safety committee representation, or qualitative/quantitative respirator fit testing.
• I have direct experience in one of the following: L&I/DOSH regulatory coordination, safety committee representation, or qualitative/quantitative respirator fit testing.
• I have assisted with one or more of these activities under the direction of others.
• I have limited or no experience with these activities.

11

Please provide one specific example of independently researching and interpreting overlapping federal and/or state safety requirements. Identify the requirements involved, how you determined which requirements applied, the compliance determination you made, and how you communicated or defended that determination to management and/or a regulatory agency.

12

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)

13

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