Description

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 deckhands, both Ordinary Seamen (OS) and Able-Bodied Seamen (AB). This a grand opportunity to start and build a career in the largest ferry system in the United States and provide an extremely valuable service to the communities that we serve.

What to Expect
Deckhands are hired “on-call”, which means there is no set schedule or minimum guaranteed hours. However, there may be opportunities to work an average of 32-40 hours per week. Deckhands 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 closes to your permanent residence).

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Deckhand 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 and securing the vehicles before departure and assist 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:

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
• A valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• A valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), with a minimum of an OS or AB endorsement
• A valid United States Coast Guard Medical Certificate using the CG-719K long form (Download PDF reader), 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 have:

• Accept work on-call 24/7, including holidays, and be punctual and reliable at all times
• Exceptional communication skills, other written and verbal
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to respond to vessel emergencies
• Knowledge of commonly used nautical terms
• Experience in the maritime environment

Important Notes

• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. An exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
• Application review will begin on February 1, 2023. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
• Expected start date for this recruitment is April 10, 2023.
• Candidates holding an AB Limited credential or higher will be given first consideration.
• This recruitment will be used to fill multiple positions.
• You will attend full-time paid training.
• After receiving a conditional job offer, candidates will need to pass a drug screening. For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.

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 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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam-era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, 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. For more information, please visit www.uscis.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 23DOT-WSF- Deckhand 23.1 in the subject line.