On-Call Oiler/Wiper - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington • Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Washington State Ferries (WSF), part of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), is hiring multiple on-call USCG-documented Marine Oiler and Wiper employees for its 21-vessel fleet. Unlicensed engine-room employees help ensure vessels operate efficiently by monitoring, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing engine-room machinery and systems. They work collaboratively with licensed and unlicensed crew members and support safe, reliable vessel operations.

After New Employee Orientation, on-call employees are assigned to an A-week or B-week schedule with a designated 10-day availability period. During that period, they are expected to be available for dispatch and work seven 12-hour shifts, with four consecutive scheduled days off. They are guaranteed at least 80 hours of pay per two-week work period. Assignments may be offered on short notice, may involve different vessels and routes, and may require travel to different terminals. Employees must be responsive to Dispatch and available for emergency call-outs.

As seniority and openings permit, on-call Oilers may advance to permanent Oiler assignments. Permanent Oilers work a rotating schedule of seven days on and seven days off, alternating between 12-hour day and night shifts. Promotions to permanent and licensed positions depend on seniority, appropriate credentials, and available openings.

Oiler compensation starts at $37.63 per hour, with an additional 10% for Oilers holding an applicable engineering license. Wiper compensation starts at $30.36 per hour for the first 1,044 straight-time hours worked and increases to $31.87 per hour thereafter. On-call engine-room employees are eligible for overtime after 12 hours per assignment or more than 80 hours per 14-day work period. Additional compensation may apply to certain assignments or tasks under the collective bargaining agreement.

The tentative start date is January 11, 2026. The recruitment may be used to fill multiple on-call positions. WSDOT offers paid leave and a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare options and state retirement programs.

Requirements

• Speak, read, and write English.
• Knowledge of engines, pumps, compressors, hydraulics, and other mechanical and electrical systems commonly found on marine vessels.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to prioritize projects and daily maintenance.
• Ability to fully participate in firefighting and lifesaving activities for passengers and crewmembers.
• Physical ability to climb steep stairs or vertical ladders, move 60 pounds, and crouch or kneel in small spaces.
• Oiler candidates must hold a Merchant Mariner Credential with a USCG Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) – Oiler or Junior Engineer endorsement, or meet the stated endorsement, application, sea-time, and education documentation deadlines.
• Oiler candidates must meet Coast Guard drug-testing requirements, hold a Coast Guard Medical Certificate without limitations prohibiting work in a qualified engine rating, and have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Wiper candidates must provide proof of completing a USCG-approved QMED – Oiler course within the 12 months before the hiring date, or proof of approval to test for QMED – Oiler and/or Junior Engineer.
• Wiper candidates must meet Coast Guard drug-testing requirements, hold a Merchant Mariner Credential and a Coast Guard Medical Certificate without limitations prohibiting work in a qualified engine rating, and have a TWIC.
• After boarding, fulfill requirements for respirator fit testing, SCBA medical clearance, firefighting school, first aid and CPR, in-water rescue and survival training, a baseline hearing test, and knowledge of Safety Management System procedures.

Nice To Haves

• For Wiper applicants who completed a QMED – Oiler course, at least 90 days of creditable sea time as a wiper, including any sea time waived by a completed course.
• Applicable work experience related to vessel operation and maintenance.
• One year of experience performing routine maintenance on a vessel’s propulsion, auxiliary, and mechanical systems, and watch standing.
• One year of professional seagoing experience, commercial or military.
• Applicable STCW endorsements.
• An applicable engineering license; candidates with one are eligible for a 10% wage premium.
• Qualified Oiler candidates receive hiring preference.

Responsibilities

• Work with engine-room personnel to monitor, operate, and maintain vessel machinery and systems in support of safe, reliable vessel operations.
• Check fuel, lubrication points, and water levels; inspect water pressure and flow; and determine whether bilges require attention.
• Monitor temperature and pressure readings and inspect operating machinery and equipment for potential issues.
• Assist licensed engineering officers with equipment monitoring, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance.
• Repair fixtures and maintain inventories of consumable supplies.
• Maintain proper lighting in engineering spaces, shaft alleys, control rooms, and steering compartments.
• Clean, paint, and maintain machinery spaces as directed.
• Provide mechanical and electrical assistance with repairs and maintenance as requested.
• Assist licensed engineering officers during emergencies, including fire and abandon-ship situations.
• Monitor security risks and mitigation measures identified in Fleet Advisories and Quick Notices, and promptly report suspicious activity or potential security breaches.
• Communicate professionally and promptly with engine-room personnel, engineering officers, deck crews, terminal personnel, and shipyard crews to coordinate work and support safe operations.
• Keep WSF Dispatch informed about assignments, availability, scheduling changes, and other employment-related notifications.
• Report equipment status, maintenance needs, unusual operating conditions, and discrepancies to licensed engineering officers in a timely manner.
• Complete required in-person and computer-based training under WSF policies, USCG regulations, and applicable Washington Administrative Code requirements.
• Be available when called by Dispatch and accept assignments.

Benefits

• At least 80 hours of pay per two-week work period for on-call employees.
• Paid leave, including 13 paid holidays and vacation accrual for full-time employees.
• Comprehensive benefits package with a variety of healthcare options.
• Choice of state retirement programs.
• Overtime eligibility after 12 hours per assignment or more than 80 hours per 14-day work period.
• Additional compensation for certain assignments and tasks under the collective bargaining agreement.
• Opportunities for career advancement to permanent Oiler and licensed positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed