Inspector Specialist Marine - Washington State Ferries

Location Alert:
This opportunity is based in Panama City, FL! 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.

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking three Inspector Specialist, Marine positions to serve as senior marine inspectors supporting new vessel construction and modification activities in Panama City, Florida. These roles provide critical oversight of shipyard work to help ensure vessels are built and modified in alignment with contract expectations, approved plans, and applicable standards. Serving as owner representatives, these positions help identify and resolve issues early, supporting quality, safety, and accountability throughout the construction process.

Through this work, the Inspector Specialists contribute directly to WSF’s mission of providing safe, reliable ferry service for the communities and travelers who depend on Washington’s marine highway system.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow, Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Inspector Specialist will:

• Inspect surface preparation, coatings, structural fabrication, and piping installation to ensure compliance with WSF specifications, contract requirements, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Witness testing, coating evolutions, factory acceptance trials, commissioning, and startup activities to support vessel acceptance and operational readiness.
• Identify deficiencies and nonconformances, reject unacceptable work, and verify corrective actions to ensure quality and contract compliance.
• Coordinate with contractors, regulatory agencies, manufacturers, Project Engineers, and WSF engineering staff to interpret specifications, drawings, and technical requirements.
• Provide technical oversight to ensure proper installation of coatings, mechanical equipment, and approved materials.
• Prepare inspection reports, daily reports, deficiency reports, correspondence, and other project documentation; communicate project status, delays, and compliance issues.
• Review contractor documentation, including as‑built drawings, specifications, submittals, and time‑and‑material reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Assist with testing procedures, progress validation, technical recommendations, and lessons learned to support successful project delivery and continuous improvement.
• 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.

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Valid Driver’s License – Possession of a valid state‑issued driver’s license, as demonstrated through application materials and eligibility to operate a motor vehicle for business purposes.
• On‑Site Availability – Ability to work on‑site in Panama City, Florida, up to 100% of the time, as demonstrated through work history, availability, or applicant responses.
• Marine Construction…