Ballast Water Vessel Inspector — Maritime Compliance

State of Washington; Ridgefield (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ballast Water Vessel Inspector at the State of Washington will perform onboard inspections of commercial vessels to ensure ballast water management compliance. You will conduct risk audits, issue actions, and coordinate with federal and state agencies to support environmental protection across key ports in the Columbia River, Grays Harbor, and Puget Sound.

The role involves fieldwork in hazardous port environments, reporting, and adapting protocols as regulations evolve, with travel between

Qualifications

• Requires BS or MS in marine engineering, nautical science, naval architecture, or related field and 4 years of professional vessel experience.
• Alternative: BS or MS in environmental planning or natural sciences with 4 years in maritime ops, AIS management, or regulatory/scientific work including 2 years in vessel design/inspection.
• Option 3 requires a PhD in Environmental Planning, Marine Engineering, Natural Sciences or Nautical Industrial fields.

Responsibilities

• Conduct onboard ballast water risk audits and inspect targeted vessel arrivals.
• Explain state ballast water laws and assist vessel crews in achieving compliance objectives.
• Coordinate with Coast Guard and state agencies to minimize duplication and share data.
• Analyze inspection data and support development of regulatory updates and protocols.
• Develop and evaluate ballast water treatment protocols and performance measures.

Skills

Field inspections

Regulatory compliance

Crew communication

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Marine Engineering/related

Bachelor's in Environmental Planning/Natural Sciences

PhD in Environmental Planning or Marine Engineering

Tools

Vessel inspection equipment

Documentation protocols

Job description

Description

Title- Ballast Water Vessel Inspector

Classification- Marine Transportation and Safety Specialist 3

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management

Duty Station- Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

MSC Katie – Photo Credit: Grace Thornton

As the Ballast Water Vessel Inspector, you’ll help protect Washington’s waters from aquatic invasive species and support the long-term health of our marine ecosystems.

In this role, you’ll train to conduct onboard inspections of commercial vessels arriving in Washington State to ensure compliance with ballast water management regulations designed to prevent the spread of invasive species. You’ll work in active port environments throughout the Columbia River, Greys Harbor, and South Puget Sound.

This is a great opportunity for someone interested in maritime operations, environmental compliance, vessel inspection, and protecting Washington’s natural resources through hands-on fieldwork and regulatory enforcement.

Unladened Ship – Photo Credit: WDFW

What To Expect

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, Notices of Correction, 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, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and Washington Department of Ecology to support cooperative vessel management and minimize duplication of efforts on concurrent vessel boardings.
• Analyze, evaluate, and interpret vessel inspection data.
• 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.
  
  

Working Conditions

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.

Tools And Equipment

Use appropriate safety equipment including flotation devices, hard hats, safety goggles, and steel-toed boots.

Customer Interactions

Regular interaction with regulated industry representatives, including situations that may be complex or confrontational. Communication may also involve working with individuals for whom English is a secondary language.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Option 1– All Of The Following

• A Bachelor of Science or Master's degree involving major study in one of the following:
• Marine Engineering
• Nautical Industrial Science
• Naval Architecture
• A closely related field
• *Four (4) years of professional-level experience in vessel design or vessel inspection.
  

Option 2 – All of the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• A Bachelor of Science or Master’s degree involving major study in one of the following:
• Environmental Planning
• Natural Sciences
• A closely related field
• *Four (4) years of professional-level experience in maritime operations, aquatic invasive species management, environmental compliance, or closely related regulatory or scientific work.
• Including at least two (2) years of professional-level experience in vessel design or vessel inspection.
  

Option 3– All Of The Following

• A PhD in one of the following:
• Environmental Planning
• Marine Engineering
• Natural Sciences
• Nautical Industrial Science
• Naval Architecture
• A closely related field
• *Two (2) years of professional-level experience in vessel design or vessel inspection.
• Qualifying experience must include substantial professional-level work in at least two (2) of the knowledge areas listed below, including at least one (1) area from Part A and one (1) area from Part B:
  

Part A

• Shipping regulatory and management operations.
• Vessel operations.
• Vessel and port safety requirements.
• Vessel ballast water management system operations, testing, and quality control requirements used for regulatory purposes.
• Other related commercial vessel inspection duties, such as oil spill prevention and other vessel discharge.
  
  

Part B

• Marine and freshwater Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) risks to the state, including ballast water and biofouling pathways and management techniques.
• Working effectively with diverse vessel managers, agents, officers, and crew.
• Field research, sampling, monitoring, and testing techniques.
• Other related natural resource duties and responsibilities, such as fishery observations and environmental compliance.
  
  

Please Note

• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
• A current Maritime License for Marine Officer or Marine Engineer may substitute for the education requirement.
  
  

Certifications/Licenses

Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions Of Employment

• This position will be required to undergo a federal background check as part of obtaining a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or similar federal credential.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Results Orientation and Initiative: Focuses on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them. Proactively identifies needs and takes appropriate action.
• Decision Making: Ability to make independent decisions in a manner that produces outcomes that are consistent with Agency, Program, and Division policy is essential. Appropriately involves supervisor or others in decision making.
• Communication: Demonstrates clear, concise written and verbal communication skills. Keeps supervisors and co-workers informed of need to know items.
• Planning: Uses strategic thinking to evaluate proposed actions and timelines against organizational mission and values. Integrates current plans with other plans as needed to achieve the overall mission.
• Relationship Building and Collaboration: Develop and maintain effective internal and external partnerships that promote and support the Agency’s mission and goals.
  
  

Your Application Should Include The Following

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.
  
  

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union- WAFWP

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran And Military Spouse Preference Notice

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [e-mail].
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone [phone] or email [e-mail], or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [phone] or [e-mail].

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [e-mail] and reference job #2026-08084.

Know someone who would like to volunteer? WDFW-Get Involved-Volunteer!

Follow Us On Social Media

LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

AL

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

A federal background check may be required for this position as part of obtaining a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or similar federal credential. Are you willing to meet this requirement?

• Yes, I am willing to meet this requirement.
• No, I am not willing to meet this requirement.
  
  

03

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
• No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.
  
  

04

Do you have a current Maritime License for Marine Officer or Marine Engineer?

• Yes
• No
  
  

05

Please select the highest level of education you have completed in Environmental Planning, Marine Engineering, Natural Sciences, Nautical Industrial Science, Naval Architecture, or a closely related field?

• No qualifying degree
• Bachelor's Degree.
• Master's Degree.
• Doctoral degree (PhD)
  
  

06

In support of the question above, please list your degree(s) and field of study. If you selected “No qualifying degree,” please describe how your relevant professional experience meets the year-for-year substitution for the required education.

07

Please select the option below that best describes your professional-level experience in vessel design or vessel inspection.

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 2 years of this experience.
• I have between 2 - 4 years of this experience.
• I have 4 or more years of this experience.
  
  

08

Which of the following areas do you have professional-level experience in? (Select ALL that apply.)

• Vessel design
• Vessel inspection
• None of the above
  
  

09

Please briefly describe your professional-level experience in vessel design and/or vessel inspection. (“See Resume” is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).

10

Please select the option below that best describes your professional-level experience in maritime operations, aquatic invasive species management, environmental compliance, or closely related regulatory or scientific work.

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 4 years of this experience.
• I have between 4 - 8 years of this experience.
• I have 8 or more years of this experience.
  
  

11

Please briefly describe your professional-level experience in maritime operations, aquatic invasive species management, environmental compliance, or closely related regulatory or scientific work. Include the type of work performed, your specific responsibilities, and the types of vessels, aquatic environments, regulatory programs, or scientific activities involved. (“See Resume” is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).

12

Which of the following Part A knowledge areas have you performed substantial professional-level work in? (Select ALL that apply.)

• Shipping regulatory and management operations.
• Vessel operations.
• Vessel and port safety requirements.
• Vessel ballast water management system operations, testing, and quality control requirements used for regulatory purposes.
• Other related commercial vessel inspection duties, such as oil spill prevention and other vessel discharge.
• None of the above.
  
  

13

Which of the following Part B knowledge areas have you performed substantial professional-level work in? (Select ALL that apply.)

• Marine and freshwater Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) risks to the state, including ballast water and biofouling pathways and management techniques.
• Working effectively with diverse vessel managers, agents, officers, and crew.
• Field research, sampling, monitoring, and testing techniques.
• Other related natural resource duties and responsibilities, such as fishery observations and environmental compliance.
• None of the above
  
  

14

Please describe your experience in the Part A and Part B knowledge areas selected above. Include the specific duties performed for each area and the duration of your experience. (“See Resume” is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).

15

How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).

• American Fisheries Society (AFS)
• Careers.wa.gov
• Community Based Organization
• Community/Technical College
• Conservation Job Board
• El Informador
• Facebook
• Four W's Fishing Team, LLC – Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
• Handshake
• Hiring Event/Workshop
• Hydraulic Institute
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• MHCC - Mount Hood Community College
• Newspaper
• Other
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Texas A&M
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource
• X (formerly Twitter)
  
  

16

Tell us more – kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.

• Required Question