Inspector Specialist Marine - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington•King County - Seattle – Belltown, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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. WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Marine Inspector Specialist to help ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of vessel preservation repair projects that keep Washington State Ferries operating at their best. In this role, you will serve as a key field representative during shipyard contracts, helping ensure contractor work meets established technical standards while supporting the long-term maintenance and integrity of the fleet. Working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners, you will contribute to continuous process improvements that strengthen fleet maintenance and operational excellence. By upholding WSF's core values of Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate, you will play an important role in delivering safe, dependable ferry service to the communities of Washington State. 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

Marine Engineering and Vessel Systems – Knowledge of marine vessel systems including Structural steel, piping systems and preservation processes with the ability to learn more shipboard systems.
Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, technical specifications, and condition reports for marine vessels.
Ability to assess vessel material condition, diagnose system deficiencies, and recommend repair approaches that align with operational requirements and industry standards.
Quality Assurance and Inspection activities – Knowledge of marine quality assurance practices, inspection protocols, and acceptance standards for shipyard work.
Demonstrated proficiency evaluating contractor-furnished material and workmanship, and processing condition deficiency reports.
Ability to identify noncompliant work and require corrective action consistent with contract terms.
Regulatory Compliance and Coordination – Knowledge of marine regulatory requirements applicable to vessel preservation work, including United States Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency, and state-level requirements.
Demonstrated proficiency in coordinating with regulatory agencies during active shipyard work.
Ability to interpret regulations, apply them to in-progress repair activity, and communicate compliance expectations to contractors and inspection staff.
Service-Oriented – Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
Proven success in fostering and developing constructive and collaborative organization-wide relationships, with the ability to lead through communication and trust-building, seeking and welcoming different perspectives toward shared outcomes.
Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
Growth Mindset – Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Demonstrated ability to self-reflect, identify personal and professional strengths and growth areas, and adapt to new challenges through innovative solutions.
Safety and Field Operations - Demonstrated ability to safely perform work in active shipyard and vessel environments by maintaining situational awareness, following established safety practices, navigating challenging work areas, and performing the physical activities necessary to conduct inspections and support vessel maintenance operations.
Shall have the ability to independently move and maintain balance and mobility on uneven surfaces, climbing ladders and stair towers, and accessing various areas of vessels including confined spaces, bilges, and heights up to 30 feet.
Requires the ability to maintain awareness of surroundings and hazards in an active work environment.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within six (6) months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Marine Engineering Credentialing – Demonstrated knowledge of marine vessel machinery operation and oversight at a level typically reflected by a United States Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer (Limited-Near Coastal), Second Assistant Engineer Steam, Second Assistant Engineer Motor Vessel Unlimited, or equivalent demonstrated experience overseeing marine vessel machinery systems.
Owner's Representative Experience – Demonstrated proficiency serving as an owner's representative, regulatory inspector, or shipyard project supervisor responsible for repair, overhaul, or renovation of steam or motor vessels in a commercial or governmental shipyard.
Ferry System Operations – Familiarity with ferry system maintenance environments, fleet preservation cycles, or comparable marine repair operations supporting a recurring service schedule.

Responsibilities

Inspect ferry vessel construction, preservation, structural, and piping work to verify compliance with contract requirements, technical specifications, approved drawings, and regulatory standards.
Monitor contractor performance, document inspection activities, identify deficiencies, and verify corrective actions throughout project execution.
Serve as a liaison between contractors and the Vessel Project Engineer to interpret contract requirements, resolve field issues, and provide technical clarification.
Assist in developing and reviewing technical specifications, work requests, contract documents, and change orders.
Evaluate structural, system, and material requirements, identify potential issues, and prepare project documentation, including reports and red-line markups.
Review and approve contractor-furnished equipment, materials, drawings, and construction work for compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
Support equipment commissioning, start-up activities, and factory acceptance testing to ensure successful project completion.
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.