On-Call Oiler/Wiper - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington; Wenatchee (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Guaranteed pay: 80 hours/2 weeks

Career advancement to permanent Oiler

A/B week scheduling with 10-day avail.

Job summary

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is hiring on-call Oilers to support its 21-vessel fleet. The role focuses on monitoring, inspecting, and maintaining engine-room machinery, with responsibilities expanding as you gain seniority.

You will be scheduled A- or B-week, with 10 days of availability and seven 12-hour shifts per period. Initial compensation includes base hourly pay with higher rates for licensed oilers.

Qualifications

• Unlicensed engine-room employees must have knowledge of various power/hand tools and equipment.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts and on-call availability is required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, operate, and maintain vessel machinery and systems.
• Check fuel, lubrication, water levels, and bilge status; inspect systems regularly.
• Monitor temperature and pressure readings and inspect operating machinery for issues.

Skills

Flexibility

Reliability

Responsiveness

Tool knowledge

Tools

Power tools

Hand tools

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 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.

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking to fill multiple USCG Documented Marine Oiler and Wiper positions to join licensed and unlicensed employees operating WSF's 21-vessel fleet. Promotions to permanent assignments and licensed positions (such as an assistant engineer or chief engineer) are based on the mariner’s seniority, appropriate credentials, and position openings.

Unlicensed Engine-Room Employees ensure vessels operate efficiently and perform maintenance on all engine-room machinery. These positions will be responsible for the monitoring, inspecting, maintenance, and repair duties on a routine basis. Unlicensed engine-room employees must have knowledge of various power/hand tools and equipment as well as standard engine-room equipment such as motors, pumps, gauges, indicators, compressors, main power plants, steering mechanisms, electrical systems, battery storage systems, fuel systems, sewage systems, and emergency equipment operations.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system - guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow, and Navigate - and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People - there's never been a more meaningful time to join us.

What to Expect

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is committed to providing predictable schedules, stable income, and opportunities for career growth for our on-call Oilers. This position requires flexibility, reliability, and responsiveness, as employees must be available to accept work assignments, including those offered on short notice. Reliable transportation and timely communication with Dispatch are essential to successfully fulfilling the responsibilities of this role.

Following completion of New Employee Orientation, on-call Oilers will be assigned to either an A-week or B-week schedule, with a designated 10-day availability period. During this period, employees are expected to be available for dispatch and work seven 12-hour shifts. Under the current collective bargaining agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), on-call Oilers are guaranteed 80 hours of pay per two-week work period, providing greater income stability while maintaining the flexibility needed to support fleet operations.

As an On-call employee, you can expect:

• Predictable Availability: A designated 10-day availability period during which you are expected to be available for dispatch and work seven shifts.
• Scheduled Time Off: Four consecutive scheduled days off, with the option to accept additional work assignments.
• Guaranteed Pay: A minimum of 80 hours of pay per two-week work period.
• Variety of Assignments: Opportunities to work aboard different vessels, on different routes, and with different crews throughout the WSF fleet.
• Flexibility and Travel: Assignments are based on operational needs and may require travel to different terminals and reporting to work on short notice.
• Career Advancement: Permanent Oiler positions are awarded based on seniority as vacancies become available.

Transitioning to a Permanent Oiler Position

As you gain seniority, you will have opportunities to move into a permanent Oiler position with a regularly assigned vessel and watch. Permanent Oilers work a rotating schedule of seven days followed by seven days off, alternating between day and night shifts. Each shift is 12 hours long. Once a permanent assignment has been issued, employees may bid on other job assignments in order of seniority.

An on-call Oiler position is an opportunity to gain hands-on maritime experience, work with a variety of crews, and build a long-term career with Washington State Ferries.

Learn More About Working at WSF

Prospective employees are strongly encouraged to review the 2025-2027 MEBA Unlicensed Collective Bargaining Agreement to better understand the terms and conditions of employment, including work schedules, dispatch procedures, seniority, compensation, benefits, and leave provisions.

Candidates holding a QMED - Junior Engineer endorsement are eligible to apply for Oiler positions.

Selected candidates with an applicable U.S. Merchant Mariner Engineer's License are placed on a promotion list upon employment.

Compensation

The base of compensation for Oilers is $37.63/hour. An additional 10% above the base wage ($41.39/hour) is paid to oilers who hold an applicable engineering license.

The initial base compensation for Wipers is $30.36/hour for the first 1,044 hours of straight time worked, then is increased to $31.87/hour thereafter.

On-call engine-room employees are eligible for overtime after 12 hours per assignment, or over 80 hours per work period (14 days). Unlicensed engine-room employees receive additional compensation for certain assignments/tasks in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Responsibilities

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, unlicensed engine-room employees will:

• Work collaboratively with fellow engine-room personnel to monitor, operate, and maintain vessel machinery and systems, supporting safe and reliable vessel operations.
• Check all fuel, lubrication points, and water levels; inspect water pressure and flow to all systems; and determine whether bilges require attention.
• Monitor temperature and pressure readings and regularly inspect operating machinery and equipment to identify potential issues.