Journey Machinist - 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 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), a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a skilled Marine Machinist and Diesel Mechanic to help maintain the safe and reliable operation of the Washington State Ferry system. This position plays a critical role in supporting vessel and terminal operations by performing essential maintenance and repair work on marine equipment and systems in accordance with Federal, State, and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

Working both independently and collaboratively, this role helps ensure vessels remain operational and ready to serve the traveling public. Employees in this position respond to equipment issues around the clock and contribute directly to WSF’s mission of providing dependable transportation service to communities across Washington State.

• Perform planned and emergency troubleshooting, repair, and overhaul of marine propulsion, hydraulic, steering, pump, and auxiliary systems.
• Repair and overhaul sewage, potable water, raw water, fuel, oil transfer, and saltwater pumps.
• Diagnose and repair hydraulic systems, including watertight doors, boat davits, steering systems, and terminal ramps.
• Perform preventative maintenance on assigned vessel and terminal equipment.
• Operate machine shop equipment, including lathes, milling machines, and drill presses.
• Remove, replace, and precision align pumps and motors using dial indicators and laser tooling.
• Utilize rigging equipment and cranes to support maintenance and repair work.
• Manage work assignments, adapt to changing priorities, and prepare related reports and documentation.
• 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.

• Journey-Level Machining Experience – Demonstrated experience as a journey-level machinist, completion of a recognized apprenticeship, or equivalent mechanical and machining experience in an industrial, marine, or related environment.
• Mechanical Troubleshooting and Diagnostics – Experience diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving mechanical, hydraulic, fluid power, or equipment system failures.
• Precision Machining and Fabrication – Experience performing precision machining, fabrication, equipment repair, or component overhaul while interpreting specifications, schematics, blueprints, or technical documentation.
• Preventative Maintenance and Repair – Experience performing preventative maintenance, inspections, repairs, and operational support on mechanical or fluid power systems and equipment.
• Work Planning and Prioritization – Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize, organize, and complete multiple maintenance or repair assignments within operational timelines.
• Teamwork and Collaboration – Experience working collaboratively with maintenance teams, operations staff, supervisors, contractors, or other stakeholders to support operational goals and resolve equipment issues.
• Safety Compliance and Hazard Awareness – Knowledge of workplace safety practices, hazard recognition, and compliance with applicable safety procedures, regulations, or industry standards.
• Written and Verbal Communication – Ability to communicate maintenance activities, operational needs, repair status, and technical information clearly through verbal communication and written documentation.
• Adaptability and Continuous Learning – Demonstrated willingness to learn new systems, processes, equipment, or technologies and adapt to changing operational priorities.
• Customer Service and Public Service…