Ballast Water Vessel Inspector - Marine Transportation and Safety Specialist - Perm

Title- Ballast Water Vessel Inspector

Classification- Marine Transportation and Safety Specialist 3

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program

Duty Station- Stanwood, Washington – Snohomish County

Hybrid/Telework- This position offers a hybrid work schedule, with onsite work at the Stanwood, WA duty station as needed and up to 4 days of telework. The selected candidate must be available to work onsite for in-person meetings and to meet business needs.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Ballast Water Vessel Inspector will,

Vessel Ballast Water Risk Audits:

• Assess daily vessel arrivals to identify the highest ballast water risks using vessel compliance history, department protocols, and professional judgement.
• Select, board, and inspect at least 5% of all targeted vessel arrivals in assigned region.
• Explain state laws and regulations and assist vessel officers and crew in meeting compliance objectives for state ballast water management.
• Complete required department inspection forms per protocols.

Compliance Actions:

• Assess onboard evidence of ballast water management compliance using vessel records, equipment specifications, and certifications.
• Investigate and issue appropriate compliance actions per department protocols for vessel situations including Warnings, Notice of Corrections, or recommendations for Notice of Penalty.
• Compile evidence to create professional and legally defensible compliance actions.

Coordination, Planning, and Reporting:

• Coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Ecology to support cooperative vessel management and minimize duplication of efforts on concurrent vessel boardings.
• Analyze, evaluate, and interpret vessel inspection data.
• Assist senior staff in writing annual and biennial compliance, accomplishment, and recommendation reports.
• Support the development and implementation of work plans, regulatory updates, performance measures, management forms, protocols, and procedures.
• Participate in state, regional, and national work groups as assigned.

Monitoring and Research:

• Conduct onboard testing of new protocols and equipment as directed.
• Analyze ballast water treatment system (BWTS) voyage maintenance records and annual independent laboratory performance test reports to support the development of new regulatory requirements.
• Assist senior staff in developing and evaluating enhanced vessel ballast water and biofouling risk assessment protocols.
• Develop, evaluate, and interpret protocols, tools, and performance measures used to assess the effectiveness of ballast water management practices.

Work Setting, including hazards:

Work is performed in potentially hazardous industrial port environments aboard merchant vessels conducting cargo operations. Board and inspect all types of vessels in a variety of weather conditions and physically access all areas of vessels, including climbing ladders and entering engine/pump rooms, and occasionally, ballast tanks to inspect ballast management activities. Frequently lift and carry a 40-pound gear bag. Handle hazardous biological sample preservation chemicals, such as Formalin and ethanol.

This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements:

Travel between state ports is required and may average approximately 1,500 to 3,000 miles per month.

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