Marine Operations Watch Supervisor - Washington State Ferries

The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries employees.

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 Marine Operations Watch Center Supervisor to serve as a critical link in maintaining the safe, secure, and reliable operation of the Washington State Ferry system. As the central communications hub for ferry operations, this position coordinates responses to emergencies, operational disruptions, security incidents, and other time‑sensitive events that impact ferry service and the traveling public.

Working closely with vessel crews, terminals, public safety agencies, emergency responders, and partner organizations, this role helps ensure the continuity of ferry operations while supporting the safety of passengers, employees, and communities throughout the region. Through leadership, sound decision‑making, and a commitment to WSF’s core values of Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate, this position plays a vital role in delivering dependable transportation service across Washington State.

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.

• Serve as the central communications hub for WSF operations.
• Coordinate communications between vessels, terminals, management, and support agencies.
• Receive, assess, prioritize, and coordinate responses to operational issues and emergencies.
• Operate telephone, radio, and electronic communication systems.
• Coordinate emergency transportation for individuals in critical medical condition.
• Manage operational disruptions and emergency events in accordance with the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Monitor and support safe, reliable, and efficient ferry operations.
• Liaise with local, state, and federal agencies on regulatory and emergency response matters.
• 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:

• Growth Mindset – Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service‑Oriented – Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Ability to lead, work, and communicate with seasoned maritime professionals both internal and external. In‑depth knowledge of maritime passenger transportation systems. Additional qualifying experience in marine operations or passenger transportation systems.
• Working knowledge of International Safety Management (ISM);
  Safety Management Systems (SMS), USCG regulations and WSF regulations and vessel staffing requirements;
  Collective Bargaining agreements as they relate to hours of work and paid/unpaid leaves; must be comfortable using computer programs/Office suite; familiarity with proprietary computer programs used by the Dispatch/Operations department.
• Ability to plan, organize and work independently while maintaining cooperative professional…