Able Seaman

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.

The Washington State Ferry system is an essential part of Washington's transportation network with more than 1,800 employees working together to safely and efficiently carry nearly 24 million passengers a year! There are over 400 sailings each day on 9 ferry routes across Puget Sound and through the San Juan Islands, including an international route to Sidney, British Columbia.

The Opportunity

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is excited to announce that we are currently seeking Able-Bodied Seamen (AB). This is a grand opportunity to build a career in the largest ferry system in the United States and provide an extremely valuable service to the communities that we serve.

WSF has in-house training programs that will assist candidates in advancing to a Licensed Deck Officer.

What to Expect

Able-Bodied Seamen are hired "on-call", which means there is no set schedule or minimum guaranteed hours and must be available for all shifts including morning, mid-morning, evening, weekends, and holidays within a 35-mile radius of your assigned homeport (Homeport is designated as the port closest to your permanent residence). As an Able-Bodied Seaman, you may fill both the Able-Bodied (AB) Seaman and Ordinary Seaman (OS) Deckhand positions and will be paid in accordance with which position you are filling. While you are in training you will be paid at the AB rate.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Help foster a safe experience for the customers, crew, and vessel.

• Assist passengers as required, including response to inquiries, assistance with boarding, and response to problems escalating to the Mate when necessary.

• Perform a full range of general maintenance duties: general cleaning, stripping, and waxing floors, restocking supplies, clearing litter, etc.

• Operate lift to secure vehicle-loading bridge using an automated system.

• Provide backup for scheduled absences and fill in as needed for last-minute staff shortages.

• Support directing traffic onto the car deck securing the vehicles before departure and assisting in removing inoperable vehicles from the deck.

• Participate with the crew in fire, abandon ship, and rescue drills, performing aspects of the drill such as handling fire hose for testing and preparing the rescue boat for launch and recovery.

• During emergencies, fulfill duties on the muster list, or duties as assigned, and assist in rescue procedures.

• Participate in training as directed.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• A valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

• A valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), with a minimum of an AB Limited or AB Unlimited endorsement. 

• A valid United States Coast Guard Medical Certificate using the CG-719K long form, a successful color vision exam must be achieved without restrictions.

• Valid unrestricted Driver's License and ability to operate heavy equipment, such as a bullnose tractor and transfer spans.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also:

• Accept work on-call 24/7, including holidays, and be punctual and reliable at all times.

• Have exceptional communication skills, other written and verbal.

• Have excellent customer service skills.

• Have the ability to respond to vessel emergencies.

• Have knowledge of commonly used nautical terms.

• Have experience in the maritime environment.

Important Notes

• The anticipated start date for this recruitment is August 26, 2024.

• The salary range listed includes the legislative-approved general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2024.

• This recruitment will be used to fill open AB Limited & AB Unlimited positions and may have an opportunity to fill OS positions as needed. Candidates' pay may fluctuate depending on the actual position that they are filling.

• This recruitment will be used to fill multiple positions.

• You will attend full-time paid training at the AB rate of pay.

• After receiving a conditional job offer, candidates will need to pass a drug screening. For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.

• 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 applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of 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 www.uscis.wa.gov

Why WSDOT

• Paid Leave

• In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum of 14 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 to State 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 your salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

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 for 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 www.uscis.wa.gov

Contact us:

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Renee Mason, at MasonR@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-WSF-AB 24.4 in the subject line.