Purchasing Agent - Washington State Ferries

The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries OPEIU members

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 a Purchasing Agent to lead purchasing services that support safe, reliable ferry operations. This position helps ensure vessels, terminals, and facilities have the goods and services needed to serve Washington’s ferry communities. By guiding purchasing staff and overseeing complex, specialized procurements, the Purchasing Agent supports vessel preservation and responsible stewardship of public resources.

Join a team committed to meeting operational needs through efficient purchasing practices that comply with applicable laws and regulations.

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 Purchasing Agent will:

• Conduct complex WSF procurements, including federally and grant-funded purchases, in compliance with purchasing laws, regulations, and WSDOT requirements.
• Review EAM requisitions, select procurement methods, obtain budget approval, and issue purchase orders; approve purchases within $100,000 delegated authority and streamline higher amounts.
• Prepare solicitations and technical specifications, conduct public bids, evaluate and award bids, and negotiate agreements and contracts.
• Research vendors, evaluate supplier performance, plan long-lead purchases, coordinate inventory use, and conduct procurement site visits.
• Process emergency purchases, document competitive-process exceptions, and resolve issues with WSDOT PMMO and DES.
• Lead Buyer 2 and Buyer 3 staff by assigning and reviewing work, providing technical guidance, ensuring compliance, and overseeing complex procurements.
• Resolve overdue requisitions, asset tracking, shipping, invoice, and payment issues with vendors and agency staff.
• Assist the Purchasing & Facilities Manager in improving purchasing programs, policies, procedures, specifications, and practices.
• 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:

• Respect and Equal Opportunity
  :
  Experience contributing to a work environment that supports a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
• Service Orientation
  :
  Experience taking action to meet the needs of others.
• Learning and Growth
  :
  Demonstrated commitment to learning and growth through training,…