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Inspector Specialist Marine Washington State Ferries


Job Location:

Seattle, WA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 88754 - 119422
Posted: 2 September 2026 (27 days ago)
Application Deadline: 30 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

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 addition to maintaining over 20000 lane miles of state highway and 4100 bridges WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan manages the worlds longest floating bridge 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

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 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 WSFs 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 theres never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.



What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role you/the Inspector Specialist Marine will:

  • 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 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:

  • 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.
  • Required Credential -Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within six (6) months of hire.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • 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.
  • Owners Representative Experience Demonstrated proficiency serving as an owners 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.


Important Notes


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.
  • 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 Benefits for 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 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 reference26DOT-WSF-90229 in the subject line.

Required Experience:

IC