Director of Vessel Maintenance

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 20000 lane miles of state highway and 4100 bridges WSDOT manages the worlds longest floating bridge leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan holds the record for the worlds widest tunneling project 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 2100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Director of Vessel Maintenance to provide executive leadership and strategic direction for vessel operations maintenance preservation design and capital construction programs. This critical leadership role is responsible for establishing and implementing policies procedures and standards that ensure the safe reliable and efficient operation of Washington State Ferries marine transportation system.

Key oversight areas include the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and staff materials and asset management vessel maintenance and preservation design and improvement projects vessel engineering crew operations and vessel support services.

The Director will also lead long-range and strategic planning for the Vessel Maintenance department including workforce development recruitment and technical and fiscal management. In alignment with WSFs strategic goalsService Excellence Improved Communication and Empowered Peoplethis position is instrumental in building and sustaining a high-performing inclusive and resilient workforce. Consistent with WSDOTs strategic priority of Inclusion the Director is expected to champion a culture that values diversity equity and inclusion across the department and the broader agency.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system guided by our core valuesServe Respect Trust Grow and Navigate and bold strategic prioritiesService Excellence Improved Communication and Empowered People theres never been a more meaningful time to join us.

What to Expect

This role has system-wide impact and holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring the safety and reliability of vessels and terminals that transport over 22 million passengers and 11 million vehicles annually. Primary areas of focus include policy development capital program execution maintenance oversight culture-building and aligning resources to meet both immediate operational needs and long-term organizational objectives.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role you/the Director of Vessel Maintenance will:

• Develop an implement an Asset Management Plan.
• Update and oversee vessel asset lifecycle cost model plans.
• Ensure alignment of Operations Maintenance and Preservation objectives.
• Assist in prioritizing capital an operational maintenance funding.
• Ensure fleet standardization in maintenance procedures materials and repair methods.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory agencies.
• Establish capital investment priorities to maintain 21-26 vessels in a State of Good Repair.
• Provide terminal maintenance resources at 20 terminal locations.
• Develop and implement policies related to materials management inventory warehouse and supply for WSF.
• Engage in long-term strategic planning budget development capital planning.
• Direct budget preparation and coordinating budget expenditure.
• Develop managers through coaching training and mentoring.
• Uphold WSFs strategic priorities (Service Excellence Improved Communication and Empowered People) and values (Serve Grow Trust Respect and Navigate) ensuring they are embedded in WSFs culture through leadership actions.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity the following are required:

• Executive Leadership & Strategic Oversight
  Demonstrated success in leading large complex teams in operations transportation logistics or related fields with experience setting strategic direction developing policy and driving performance improvement across matrixed organizations.
• Organizational Change & Conflict Management
  Proven ability to lead high-performing diverse teams through periods of change conflict and operational complexity while maintaining employee engagement and accountability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  Experience working collaboratively across organizational functions such as planning finance HR and engineering to align operational strategies and outcomes.
• Public Representation & Stakeholder Engagement
  Demonstrated experience representing an organization in public forums media events legislative/executive meetings and community engagements including hosting tours and preparing correspondence for diverse audiences.
• Labor Relations & Workforce Management
  Knowledge of labor relations practices with experience navigating collective bargaining coaching and motivating staff and managing employee performance within unionized environments.
• Financial & Operational Integrity
  Proven experience managing budgets financial controls and public accountability in high-visibility environments.
• Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
  Skilled in resolving complex issues involving multiple stakeholders including contractors vendors consultants agencies and communities.
• Equity Inclusion & Culture Building
  Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment and success in building workplace culture aligned with organizational values (Serve Grow Trust Respect Navigate).
• Communication & Influence
  Advanced written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex topics for varied technical and non-technical audiences and foster transparent effective communication across all levels.
• Strategic Execution & Continuous Improvement
  Strong ability to set strategic direction implement plans lead continuous improvement initiatives and ensure consistent execution across teams and functions.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Advanced Technical Expertise
  Possesses an advanced degree in Engineering (e.g. Naval Architecture Mechanical Electrical) and/or a valid Professional Engineer (PE) license demonstrating high-level technical proficiency.
• Marine Operations & Maintenance Knowledge
  In-depth understanding of vessel repair shipyard operations and maintenance project management within complex operational environments.
• Regulatory Compliance & Safety Standards
  Familiarity with maritime regulations and environmental standards including those issued by the U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Ecology.
• Public Sector & Labor Relations Knowledge
  Working knowledge of state personnel laws policies and collective bargaining practices with demonstrated experience in labor relations.
• Operational Oversight in Complex Environments
  Experience overseeing maintenance management programs in large technically demanding and highly regulated operational settings.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The listed salary includes a legislatively approved 5% premium for positions located in King County as well as a 3% general wage increase effective July 1 2025.
• 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 applicableCollective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found inChapter 357-28of 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

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. As such there are a number of flexible schedule options available including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave In addition to 12 paid holidays full-time employees mayearn 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.
• PlanFor 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 toState Benefitsfor 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 of 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

Contact Us

For inquiries aboutthis posting you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference25DOT-WSF-9E132 in the subject line.