Dispatch Coordinator - 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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award‑winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, 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 is currently seeking a Crew Dispatch Coordinator to serve as the lead dispatcher responsible for long‑term scheduling and assignment of relief personnel to vessels, ensuring minimum crewing requirements are met and ferry service operates without interruption. This role provides guidance to Crew Dispatchers, performs dispatching duties as needed, and supports fleet operations by maintaining employee documentation, coordinating essential vessel deliveries, and assisting with bid‑related processes.

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 Dispatch Coordinator will:

• Plan, schedule, and assign certified and qualified relief vessel personnel to ensure WSF vessels meet minimum crewing requirements in compliance with operational needs, labor agreements, and USCG regulations.
• Develop, distribute, and adjust long‑term and relief schedules; forecast staffing needs and create schedules based on projected demand and personnel availability.
• Maintain accurate employee records within the Crew Dispatch System, including schedules, attendance, leave, qualifications, promotions, and status changes to support compliance and operational readiness.
• Serve as dispatching lead by coordinating daily workloads, training and guiding Crew Dispatchers, and dispatching licensed and unlicensed deck and engine personnel as needed.
• Fill relief requests using applicable seniority, overtime, and collective bargaining rules; document communications and assign personnel for standard operations, vessel moves, inspections, sea trials, and emergencies.
• Communicate with personnel, operations, and management regarding work assignments, schedules, and unexpected circumstances; maintain operational and radio communications as required.
• Perform fleet support functions, including maintaining employee documentation, coordinating fuel, lube oil, bilge pump, and other vessel deliveries, creating on‑call lists, and reviewing workplace violations.
• Assist the Bid Administrator with vacation, seasonal, and permanent bid processes; support reporting, audits, pay order reviews, and other related duties as assigned.
• 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
:

• Operational Expertise: Demonstrates a thorough understanding of vessel operations, crew scheduling, and dispatching principles to ensure staffing meets operational and regulatory requirements.
• Analytical and Problem‑Solving
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to assess staffing needs, anticipate challenges, and develop effective scheduling solutions within established guidelines and labor agreements.
• Communication and
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Communicates clearly…