Marine Operations Watch Supervisor - Washington State Ferries

Marine Operations Watch Center Supervisor

The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries employees with at least 2 years of employment in one of the following departments: Operations, Deck, Engine, Information, or Terminal.

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 state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's 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 2,100 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 Operations Watch Center Supervisor to serve as a critical link in maintaining the safe, secure, and reliable operation of the Washington State Ferry system. As the central communications hub for ferry operations, this position coordinates responses to emergencies, operational disruptions, security incidents, and other time-sensitive events that impact ferry service and the traveling public. Working closely with vessel crews, terminals, public safety agencies, emergency responders, and partner organizations, this role helps ensure the continuity of ferry operations while supporting the safety of passengers, employees, and communities throughout the region. Through leadership, sound decision-making, and a commitment to WSF's core values of Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate, this position plays a vital role in delivering dependable transportation service across Washington State.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Marine Operations Watch Supervisor will:

• Serve as the central communications hub for WSF operations.
• Coordinate communications between vessels, terminals, management, and support agencies.
• Receive, assess, prioritize, and coordinate responses to operational issues and emergencies.
• Operate telephone, radio, and electronic communication systems.
• Coordinate emergency transportation for individuals in critical medical condition.
• Manage operational disruptions and emergency events in accordance with the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Monitor and support safe, reliable, and efficient ferry operations.
• Liaise with local, state, and federal agencies on regulatory and emergency response matters.
• Uphold WSF's strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF's 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.
• Ability to lead, work, and communicate with seasoned maritime professionals both internal and external. In depth knowledge of maritime passenger transportation systems. Additional qualifying experience in marine operations or passenger transportation systems.
• Working knowledge of International Safety Management (ISM); Safety Management Systems (SMS), USCG regulations and WSF regulations and vessel staffing requirements; Collective Bargaining agreements as they relate to hours of work and paid/unpaid leaves; must be comfortable using computer programs/Office suite; familiarity with proprietary computer programs used by the Dispatch/Operations department.
• Ability to plan, organize and work independently while maintaining cooperative professional relationships with fleet and terminal employees and operational staff. Must be able to follow directions and carry out assigned tasks in a timely and effective manner.
• Must be able to take the lead during a crisis or service disruption and maintain composure while working in a high stress environment.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• In depth knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the following Incident Command System (ICS) qualifications:ICS-100, ICS-200, and ICS-300.

Important Notes

• The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries employees with at least 2 years of employment in one of the following departments: Operations, Deck, Engine, Information, or Terminal.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. Regular travel is limited to approximately one day per quarter for meetings, training, or operational needs. In the event the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated due to incidents such as a tsunami, earthquake, or other emergency response event, employees may be required to report onsite to support operations.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
• 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

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 may earn 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 to State Benefits for more information.

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 about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-E9809 in the subject line.