State of Washington
Preservation and Structural Marine Inspector Specialist
State of Washington, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
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
WSF is currently seeking an Inspector Specialist – Preservation and Structural to lead and oversee technical inspection activities related to vessel construction, preservation, and maintenance. This position is responsible for scheduling and conducting inspections, directing inspection teams, and ensuring thorough documentation of asset history and contract compliance. Serving as the division’s subject matter expert in preservation and structural integrity, this role plays a critical part in supporting the long-term safety, reliability, and operational readiness of the WSF vessel fleet.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Inspector Specialist will:
Direct and performs structural and piping inspection phases of ferry vessel construction, preservation, and maintenance activities.
Provides inspection of the contractor’s work.
Performs on-site inspections at State and Commercial shipyards, and manufacturing or repair facilities, or aboard vessels underway.
Reviews and approve the contractor-furnished equipment and materials.
Provides technical advice to the contractor during the production phase.
Direct or prepare contract documentation and red line markups.
Prepare inspection reports, progress reports, and condition deficiency reports.
Reviews specifications, working drawings, and construction work.
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. Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following are
required : Licensing & Credentialing
Possession of a valid State driver’s license. Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) within six (6) months of hire, in accordance with federal maritime security regulations.
Relevant Experience
Shipyard or Owner's Representative Experience: - Demonstrated experience working in a shipyard or as an owner’s representative, with direct project-level responsibility for vessel preservation (coatings), structural repairs, renovations, or construction. Equivalent military experience qualifies. Superintendent or Owner’s Rep Experience in Commercial/Governmental Shipyards – Demonstrated experience of assigned responsibility as a shipyard superintendent or owner’s representative for vessel preservation and steel repair/testing in a major commercial or governmental shipyard. Vessel Inspection or Surveying Experience – Demonstrated experience as vessel inspector or surveyor with an authoritative agency (e.g., U.S. Coast Guard or Classification Society like ABS), with responsibility for preservation, steel fit-up, welding processes, and testing.
Technical Competencies
Strong working knowledge of shipboard preservation, structural welding practices, and safety protocols. Familiarity with modern marine construction equipment, materials, and methods. Understanding of relevant state, federal, and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Experience with construction cost estimating and financial planning.
Professional Skills
Ability to read, interpret, and develop marine construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents. Ability to provide regulatory liaison and ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards. Capable of exercising sound, independent professional judgment and providing technical advice to contractors and construction managers. Strong analytical skills to solve complex technical issues and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
It is
preferred
that qualified candidates also have: Professional Licensure – Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington or in another state with equivalent requirements in one of the following engineering disciplines.
Naval Architecture or Ship Design Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Vessel Repair & Overhaul Experience – A minimum of two (2) years of experience with project-level responsibility for the repair, overhaul, or refurbishment of steam or motor vessels in a commercial or government shipyard. Important Notes This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options available when not assigned to active inspection duties. The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions with an assigned duty station in King County. In addition to based 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.wa.gov Why WSDOT Work-Life Balance
– We are committed to ensuring that our staff experiences the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle. Paid Leave
– In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum of 14 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 their choice of state retirement programs and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT? How to Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine your salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date. An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role. Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; it does not require an additional attachment. Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed.
Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application for this opportunity. 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 listed Recruiter. 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.wa.gov Contact us: For inquiries aboutthis posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Renee Mason, at renee.mason@wsdor.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-WSF-90229
in the subject line. #J-18808-Ljbffr
— there’s never been a more meaningful time to join us. Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following are
required : Licensing & Credentialing
Possession of a valid State driver’s license. Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) within six (6) months of hire, in accordance with federal maritime security regulations.
Relevant Experience
Shipyard or Owner's Representative Experience: - Demonstrated experience working in a shipyard or as an owner’s representative, with direct project-level responsibility for vessel preservation (coatings), structural repairs, renovations, or construction. Equivalent military experience qualifies. Superintendent or Owner’s Rep Experience in Commercial/Governmental Shipyards – Demonstrated experience of assigned responsibility as a shipyard superintendent or owner’s representative for vessel preservation and steel repair/testing in a major commercial or governmental shipyard. Vessel Inspection or Surveying Experience – Demonstrated experience as vessel inspector or surveyor with an authoritative agency (e.g., U.S. Coast Guard or Classification Society like ABS), with responsibility for preservation, steel fit-up, welding processes, and testing.
Technical Competencies
Strong working knowledge of shipboard preservation, structural welding practices, and safety protocols. Familiarity with modern marine construction equipment, materials, and methods. Understanding of relevant state, federal, and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Experience with construction cost estimating and financial planning.
Professional Skills
Ability to read, interpret, and develop marine construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents. Ability to provide regulatory liaison and ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards. Capable of exercising sound, independent professional judgment and providing technical advice to contractors and construction managers. Strong analytical skills to solve complex technical issues and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
It is
preferred
that qualified candidates also have: Professional Licensure – Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington or in another state with equivalent requirements in one of the following engineering disciplines.
Naval Architecture or Ship Design Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Vessel Repair & Overhaul Experience – A minimum of two (2) years of experience with project-level responsibility for the repair, overhaul, or refurbishment of steam or motor vessels in a commercial or government shipyard. Important Notes This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options available when not assigned to active inspection duties. The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions with an assigned duty station in King County. In addition to based 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.wa.gov Why WSDOT Work-Life Balance
– We are committed to ensuring that our staff experiences the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle. Paid Leave
– In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum of 14 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 their choice of state retirement programs and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT? How to Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine your salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date. An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role. Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; it does not require an additional attachment. Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed.
Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application for this opportunity. 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 listed Recruiter. 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.wa.gov Contact us: For inquiries aboutthis posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Renee Mason, at renee.mason@wsdor.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-WSF-90229
in the subject line. #J-18808-Ljbffr