Ferry Operator Assistant

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Washington; On-site; USD 30,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation days

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The State of Washington Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT) invites applications for a Ferry Operator Assistant to support the Keller Ferry operations on the Columbia River. The role involves loading, unloading, securing the ferry, and providing safe passenger and vehicle crossings aboard the M.V.

Sanpoil. You will work outdoors on the ferry deck, in engine spaces, and on ramps, with shifts including days, evenings, and some weekends.

Qualifications

• Professional communication & teamwork: communicate clearly with customers and team members; maintain logs and records.
• Safety & compliance: follow safety procedures, participate in training, report concerns.
• Operational readiness: securely prepare vessel, dock, handle lines, adjust ramps for safe transport.
• Mechanical & technical skills: inspect and perform repairs on ferry, ramps, facilities, and equipment.
• Growth mindset: actively demonstrate willingness to learn and grow.
• Service-oriented: take actions to meet the needs of others.

Responsibilities

• Assist Ferry Operator in operating the ferry.
• Participate in crew safety and training meetings.
• Secure the vessel at docking and manage lines during embarkation/disembarkation; adjust loading ramps as needed.
• Direct traffic with clear visual and verbal signals for embarkation/debarkation.
• Ensure vehicles are parked to balance the vessel; monitor passenger safety.
• Assist in lubricating engines, running gear, and winches; inspect engine room periodically.

Skills

Communication

Safety compliance

Operational readiness

Mechanical skills

Growth mindset

Service oriented

Job description

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!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a skilled and motivated Ferry Operator Assistant to support the operation and maintenance of the Keller Ferry located on the Columbia River 14 miles north of Wilbur, Washington on State Route 21. Located on the beautiful Lake Roosevelt, the successful incumbent will be responsible for loading, unloading, and securing the passenger vehicle ferry to provide safe crossing service to the public.

The "M.V. Sanpoil" ferry can carry up to 20 cars and 149 passengers, providing a safe crossing service to the public. The ferry operates 18 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are looking for a safety-minded individual to provide customer service to the public, as well as assist with ferry operations.

What to Expect

Work hours conducted in an outdoor environment while standing on the Keller Ferry car deck in a variety of weather conditions, including inclement weather and slippery conditions. Works day or evening shift. Works below deck in engine room with high heat and noisy conditions. Transverses steep stairs and walkways. Works around moving vehicles during embarkment and debarkation. Works around moving equipment, docks, loading ramps, operating engines, winches, and chain binders. Work is generally performed Monday–Thursday on four 10-hour shifts; however, weekends, holidays, night work, and extended hours may be required for emergency response and non-scheduled callouts. The position requires the ability to report to the duty station within 1 hour.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Ferry Operator Assistant will:

• Assist Ferry Operator in operation of Ferry.
• Participate in crew safety and training meetings to ensure safe work practices and compliance with policy and regulations.
• Secure the vessel upon docking, casting off lines upon embarking safely, and lowering of apron section of vessel slip to the level to permit embarking and debarkation of vehicles and passengers; adjust the loading ramp system as necessary to accommodate various vehicle types and weights.
• Direct traffic to the proper lanes embarking/debarkation from the vessel using precise and understandable visual and verbal signals.
• Ensure that vehicles are parked to properly balance the vessel and block the wheels of vehicles parked on the vessel.
• Keep watch on passenger safety.
• Assist in lubricating and servicing engines, running gear, and winches.
• Assist in periodic inspections of engine room.
• Utilize fire extinguisher and lifesaving procedures and assist accordingly in the case of such emergency.
• Clear debris from the roadway and the shore adjacent to the landings.
• Assist in vessel fueling operations.
• Have knowledge and understanding of United States Coast Guard rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of the vessel and the duties of the Ferry Operator Assistant.
• Assists in checking engines and keeping logs on trips, repairs, and damages.
• Perform major and minor repairs and maintenance to ferry, ramps, buildings, and equipment associated with ferry operation.

Qualifications

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

• Professional Communication & Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to communicate both verbally or in written form with customers and team members alike in a professional setting. Ability to maintain accurate logs and records accordingly and contribute to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
• Safety & Compliance : Demonstrated ability to follow established safety procedures, participate in safety training, prioritize safety and proper response procedures, and ability to identify and report safety concerns in a timely manner. Ability to multitask operational needs while maintaining a balanced and secure vessel for safe transport.
• Operational Readiness: Demonstrated ability to safely secure and prepare the vessel for operation, perform docking and line handling procedures, adjust loading ramps, and support safe and efficient passenger and vehicle transport.
• Mechanical & Technical Skills: Demonstrated ability to inspect, maintain perform major and minor repairs and maintenance on ferry, ramps, buildings, facilities, grounds, and related equipment.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card or ability to obtain within 6 months of appointment
• First Aid Card required within 6 months of appointment
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to respond to assigned duty station within 1 hour of an after-hours callout.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Marine & Vessel Operations: Demonstrated knowledge and ability to support ferry, marine, or commercial vessel operations in a public transportation or maritime environment. Ability to follow established operating procedures, safety requirements, and regulatory standards while working effectively as part of a vessel operations team.
• Customer Service & Public Interaction: Demonstrated ability to provide professional, courteous, and responsive customer service while interacting with passengers, coworkers, and members of the public in a fast-paced operational environment. Ability to communicate effectively, remain calm and professional in challenging situations, and respond appropriately to customer needs and concerns.
• Certifications & Licensures: Possession of a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card, Possession of a First Aid Card, Possession of a valid U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) license for master inland stream or motor vessels of not more than 100 gross tons valid on Lake Roosevelt between Grand Coulee Dam and the Canadian Border or documented 360 sea days of experience and the ability obtain the USCG 100-ton operator’s license.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• PlanFor Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter listed.