Quality Assurance Lead Washington State Ferries

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 Quality Assurance Lead to strengthen safety regulatory compliance and continuous improvement across terminal operations Eagle Harbor and the ferry fleet. This position plays a key role in evaluating operational practices identifying opportunities for improvement and supporting compliance with regulatory standards and WSFs Safety Management System. Through quality assurance internal audits training and process improvement this role helps foster a culture of safety accountability and operational excellence. The Quality Assurance Lead directly contributes to safe reliable ferry service and WSFs commitment to providing exceptional service to the communities and customers we serve.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role you/the Quality Assurance Lead will:

• Lead vessel and terminal audits for regulatory and Safety Management System compliance.
• Serve as a technical expert on applicable laws regulations standards and policies.
• Analyze audit findings and monitor corrective and preventative actions.
• Provide quality assurance training and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead environmental compliance activities including VGP reporting and spill response readiness.
• Develop and maintain regulatory plans technical documentation and compliance records.
• Develop and update policies procedures guidance and interagency agreements.
• Review regulatory changes prepare reports and represent WSF at external meetings.
• 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:

• Growth Mindset Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Education/Experience:
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and apply quality assurance engineering or compliance principles to solve maritime or complex operational challenges. (This competency may be developed through formal education technical training military service community leadership or equivalent professional experience.)
• Demonstrated success in leading and managing quality assurance auditing or continuous process-improvement initiatives ideally within a maritime or similarly regulated operational environment.
• Proven capability to plan conduct and document internal audits identify system non-conformities and coordinate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) within an established safety management system.
• Ability to interpret apply and integrate maritime compliance frameworks (such as ISM Code SOLAS or relevant environmental standards) into daily operations and procedural updates.
• Knowledge Skills Abilities and Behaviors:
• Knowledge
  • Demonstrated understanding of maritime regulations and safety management systems with the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure operational compliance and safety.
  • Knowledge of maritime operations and vessel functions with the ability to apply this understanding to daily operational decisions.
  • Ability to utilize quality assurance methodologies and tools (such as Lean Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement frameworks) to analyze processes and drive operational efficiency.
  • Understanding of audit processes and compliance standards with the ability to execute evaluate or support internal and external audits.
• Skills
  • Ability to analyze complex operational data identify root causes of issues and develop effective practical solutions.
  • Ability to communicate technical and regulatory information clearly concisely and effectively to diverse audiences both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to use data analysis and reporting tools to track performance identify trends and inform operational decision-making.
• Abilities
  • Ability to manage individual tasks independently while actively collaborating within cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.
  • Ability to prioritize organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously to deliver high-quality results within established timelines.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy thoroughness and quality in compliance monitoring reporting and operational tasks.
  • Ability to draft edit and publish clear professional reports official correspondence and technical documentation.
  • Ability to self-manage workloads and maintain accountability to consistently deliver assignments on schedule.
  • Ability to maintain composure prioritize tasks effectively and make sound safe decisions in fast-paced high-stress or demanding operational environments.
• Behaviors
  • Demonstrated initiative in anticipating operational needs addressing potential compliance or safety issues before they escalate and focusing on measurable outcomes.
  • Ability to build positive working relationships lead project teams and influence others to adopt safety and quality-focused practices.
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development actively seeking feedback and staying updated on evolving industry standards and best practices.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Demonstrated knowledge of maritime operations environmental compliance quality management principles and applicable regulatory requirements with the ability to apply this knowledge to assigned compliance activities.
• Completion of coursework or professional training in safety management regulatory compliance or related operational safety disciplines.
• Extensive experience directing quality assurance auditing or continuous process improvement initiatives particularly within the maritime industry.
• Proven track record of successfully planning leading and executing quality improvement projects and strategic initiatives from inception to completion.
• Direct operational experience in vessel engine rooms including a strong technical understanding of vessels onboard machinery and vessel systems.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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.
• 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.
• Plan For 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-90037in the subject line.