Marine Vessel Operator Assistant

Marine Vessel Operator Assistant

Full Time | Permanent

Location: McNeil Island | Steilacoom, WA

Salary Range: $5,611 - $6,836 Monthly

This on-call position is represented by the Teamsters 117 Bargaining Unit.

The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) Correctional Industries (CI) is committed to maintain and expand incarcerated worker training programs which develop marketable skills, instill and promote positive work ethics, and reduce the tax burden of Corrections. Within this commitment are various critical, yet unique opportunities for our team members, including the opportunity to assume the role of Marine Vessel Operator Assistant (MVOA)! The goal of the Marine Vessel Operator is to assist the Captain in safely operating the vessel, engine room checks, passenger safety and tying up the boat when landed at one of our docks.

As an MVOA, you will perform various tasks related to the vessel operation including making minor repairs to the vessel main and auxiliary systems such as changing belts, replacing alternators, impellers and other maintenance that is necessary, as well as conducting safety and security checks. You will take part in drills, training and inspections at the direction of the Captain, and also assume lead responsibilities during emergencies.

The ideal candidate will assist in providing safe, secure and dependable transportation between McNeil Island and Steilacoom, Washington and performs minor repairs to equipment within the marine program. This position is also "Shore Crew" (3) days a week and will be asked to complete dock projects and other marine element projects and preventive maintenance. As the Marine Vessel Operator Assistant, you will ensure and enforce USCG regulations, Homeland Security regulations, RCW, WAC rules, and Department of Correction Policies. If you have read this far and are interested in a career ensuring public safety by positively changing lives, we encourage you to apply!

A completed application packet will include:

• A cover letter regarding your interest for this position with our agency
• A detailed resume
• Three professional references

We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.

As a Marine Vessel Operator Assistant, some of your duties will include:

• Vessel Operation to include:
  • Serving as a Deckhand on inspected passenger vessels up to 100 tons and certified for up to 149-passengers.
  • Assisting the Marine Vessel Operator (Captain) in the operation of the vessel
  • Operating the vessel in the event of an emergency or should the Captain become incapacitated
  • Loading ramps and assisting with vessel maintenance, cleanliness, mooring and unmooring of lines
  • Operating the vessel and navigational and communication equipment such as radar, automatic identification systems, and radios
  • Conducting safety briefings to passengers
  • Assisting in the startup and shut down of engines, generators and conducting check of engines, reduction gears, auxiliary equipment and emergency equipment
• Security Checks/Inventories/Maintenance which could look like:
• Conducting security checks of vessel at each docking prior to allowing passengers to board
• Drills, Training, and Inspections
• Other Duties as Assigned

What we need (required qualifications):

• High School Graduate or GED certificate
• One-year verifiable experience in the maritime industry as deckhand or engine crew member
• Possess a current Transportation Workers Identification Credentials (TWIC) or ability obtain a TWIC within 30-days of employment
• Required to maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state or privately owned vehicle on state business

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• Knowledge of main and auxiliary machinery, steering systems, refueling techniques.
• Valid First Aid/CPR Certification
• One year experience operating single and twin-screw vessels
• One year experience working on vessels of at least 50 tons in either the engine department or deck department
• One year experience in vessel deck maintenance on steel and/or fiberglass vessels
• One year experience in operation, maintenance and/or repair of marine diesel engines, vessel mechanical and/or electrical systems

Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

Important notes:

• This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates. **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from and . Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form.
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit

Telework Details

This position may be allocated for telework. Work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a "drop in" area available, however,