Health & Safety Program Manager - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington • King County, WA

28d • Hybrid

About The Position

WSDOT is currently seeking a Health and Safety Program Manager to lead WSF's efforts to maintain a safe, healthy, and compliant work environment. This position develops and implements safety programs, conducts inspections, supports emergency response planning and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations. By promoting a strong safety culture and providing guidance across the organization this role helps protect employees and supports the safe, reliable operation of the WSF system. 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.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and maintain occupational health and safety programs compliant with OSHA, USCG, L&I, PHMSA, and industry standards.
• Experience tailoring health and safety programs to complex operational environments (e.g., maritime, industrial, shipyard, transportation).
• Proven skill conducting safety inspections, hazard assessments, and compliance evaluations.
• Ability to recommend and implement corrective and preventive actions based on inspection findings.
• Experience supervising or leading health and safety staff, providing day-to-day guidance, coaching, performance management, and technical direction.
• Supports a collaborative, respectful, and equitable team environment.
• Experience in managing the budget for health and safety programs including funding decisions related to health and safety program improvements, technology investments, personal protective equipment (PPE) and maritime safety gear.
• Experience in managing resources or assets related to portable emergency response equipment, such as: fire extinguishers, first aid & trauma kits, automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), and respiratory protection equipment.
• Experience managing HAZCOM programs, including MSDS/SDS systems, chemical authorization, and assessing safer chemical alternatives.
• Demonstrated ability to review, evaluate, and approve hazardous materials transportation requests.
• Working knowledge of PHMSA special permits and federal transportation requirements.
• Experience conducting ergonomic assessments for employees, job tasks, and worksites.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret safety performance data.
• Experience in preparing safety reports, dashboards, and recommendations or corrective actions for leadership.
• Skill designing and delivering health and safety training, workshops, and briefings for diverse audiences.
• Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies, industry groups, and internal departments to support compliance and promote best practices.

Nice To Haves

• OSHA 30-Hour (Maritime/Construction/General Industry).
• HAZWOPER 40-hour.
• RCRA/Dangerous Waste certification.
• Fall Protection Competent Person.
• Shipyard Competent Person.
• ICS 100/200/300/700/800.
• First Aid/CPR/AED.
• Experience administering HAZCOM programs.
• Experience applying ISO 45001 safety management systems.
• Experience in maritime, shipyard, industrial, and transportation safety environments with elevated risk profiles.
• Track record developing comprehensive health and safety programs, risk assessments, emergency response procedures, and organization-wide safety initiatives.
• Ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels and support safety culture improvements across an organization.
• Experience presenting health and safety information to leadership, workforce groups, external partners, or industry forums both virtually and in-person.
• Skill supporting organizational change related to new safety systems, standards, or cultural initiatives.
• Commitment to staying current on regulatory changes and emerging safety best practices.
• Ability to anticipate evolving risks and develop proactive, practical, and innovative safety solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive health and safety programs for maritime operations, ensuring compliance with local, national, international regulations, and ISO 45001.
• Conduct regular inspections and evaluations to identify hazards, assess compliance, and recommend corrective and preventative actions.
• Supervise and support health and safety staff, fostering teamwork and professional growth.
• Manage the Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) Program, including MSDS access, chemical authorization, and introduction of safer products.
• Review and authorize hazardous materials transportation requests and ensure adherence to Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Special Permits.
• Provide ergonomic assessments for employees, worksites, and specific job functions upon request.
• Collect and analyze safety performance metrics, preparing reports and recommendations for senior management.
• Lead training and awareness programs and engage with regulatory bodies, industry groups, and internal partners to align safety practices.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Administration of Economic Programs
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees