Port Captain - Washington State Ferries

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

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Port Captain to provide operational leadership for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Washington State Ferries (WSF) fleet. This position, serving as the South Pod Port Captain, will primarily support operations on the Point Defiance–Tahlequah, Fauntleroy–Vashon–Southworth (Triangle), and Seattle–Bremerton routes. The role is crucial for promoting operational excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining crew readiness, and effectively resolving issues that impact ferry service and the customer experience. By collaborating with fleet personnel, agency leadership, and partners, the Port Captain aims to remove barriers, strengthen operations, and ensure teams are well-supported to serve the public. This position upholds WSF’s values of Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate, contributing to a dependable ferry system that connects communities. As WSF undergoes a significant transformation to decarbonize its system, this role is part of a meaningful effort to shape the future of ferry travel.

Requirements

• Service-Oriented – Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Growth Mindset – Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Ability to apply professional level-knowledge for the purposes of sound decision making as it relates to vessel operating principles, loading/unloading operations, best safety practices, and application of federal regulations to analyze issues, develop solutions, and support effective vessel operations.
• Extensive experience in a marine supervisory position or equivalent and experience in supervising various levels of personnel in the maritime environment.
• Proficiency in vessel scheduling and understanding of navigational principles, tidal/current effects, and safe vessel movement in port.
• Experience with shipboard operations, shipboard management, and watchstanding requirements.
• Professional level knowledge of federal maritime regulations and USCG Directives, specifically 33 and 46 CFR.
• Professional level knowledge and experience in implementation of Safety Management Systems.
• Experience in budget development and management.
• Ability to analyze complex situations, identify options and make sound recommendations for action.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people.
• Professional level demonstrated expertise supervising vessel crews or shore-based personnel, including scheduling, training, and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge and ability to respond to and manage incidents such as environmental, safety, and security incidents and implementation of emergency response plans and SMS procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with strong problem-solving, clear communication and decision-making under pressure cross departmentally in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and practices related to vessel operations.
• Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) within 60 days of hiring.
• Ability to work nights or weekends on-call.

Nice To Haves

• Progressive maritime experience, including demonstrated leadership of vessel operations, with experience in a shoreside marine-management role preferred.
• Experience in Change Management, LEAN, or Six Sigma process improvements.
• Familiarity with labor relations and contract negotiations.
• Proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Office and familiarity with marine software used for navigation, scheduling, and shipboard management tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational oversight and support to licensed and unlicensed deck personnel to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable fleet operations.
• Serve as a liaison between vessel operations and shoreside management, resolving operational issues affecting safety, compliance, and service reliability.
• Conduct vessel inspections and audits for seaworthiness and Navigation, Deck, Safety, and Environmental compliance in accordance with SMS, Bridge Resource Management, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee regulatory training, certification, and Staff Captain evaluations in coordination with Crew Resource Managers and Training.
• Coordinate vessel maintenance and operational readiness, including USCG/CFR compliance and bridge navigation equipment.
• Participate in vessel damage and personal injury investigations and support effective operational evolutions within the assigned region.
• Lead Route Focus Group meetings, participate in safety and operational committees, and support operational budgets and vessel supply purchases.
• Provide crew management support and collaborate with Staff Captains, HR, and Crew Resource Managers to uphold conduct standards, address personnel issues, and foster an inclusive workplace.
• 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

• Telework flexibility
• Legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County
• Paid Leave (up to 25 paid vacation days per year)
• 12 paid holidays
• Tuition Assistance (tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges)
• Eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness
• Comprehensive benefits package including a variety of healthcare options
• State retirement programs

What This Job Offers

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