Job Description

Posting number: 26DOT-WSF-90037

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Washington State Ferries

Job classification: TRANSPORTATION PLANNING SPECIALIST 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Engineering, Transportation

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!

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, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Quality Assurance Lead to strengthen safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across terminal operations, Eagle Harbor, and the ferry fleet. This position plays a key role in evaluating operational practices, identifying opportunities for improvement, and supporting compliance with regulatory standards and WSF’s Safety Management System. Through quality assurance, internal audits, training, and process improvement, this role helps foster a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence. The Quality Assurance Lead directly contributes to safe, reliable ferry service and WSF’s commitment to providing exceptional service to the communities and customers we serve.

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.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Quality Assurance Lead will:

• Lead vessel and terminal audits for regulatory and Safety Management System compliance.
• Serve as a technical expert on applicable laws, regulations, standards, and policies.
• Analyze audit findings and monitor corrective and preventative actions.
• Provide quality assurance training and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead environmental compliance activities, including VGP reporting and spill response readiness.
• Develop and maintain regulatory plans, technical documentation, and compliance records.
• Develop and update policies, procedures, guidance, and interagency agreements.
• Review regulatory changes, prepare reports, and represent WSF at external meetings.
• 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

Qualifications

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.
• Education/Experience:
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and apply quality assurance, engineering, or compliance principles to solve maritime or complex operational challenges. (This competency may be developed through formal education, technical training, military service, community leadership, or equivalent professional experience.)
• Demonstrated success in leading and managing quality assurance, auditing, or continuous process-improvement initiatives, ideally within a maritime or similarly regulated operational environment.
• Proven capability to plan, conduct, and document internal audits, identify system non-conformities, and coordinate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) within an established safety management system.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and integrate maritime compliance frameworks (such as ISM Code, SOLAS, or relevant environmental standards) into daily operations and procedural updates.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors:
• Knowledge
  • Demonstrated understanding of maritime regulations and safety management systems, with the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure operational compliance and safety.
  • Knowledge of maritime operations and vessel functions, with the ability to apply this understanding to daily operational decisions.
  • Ability to utilize quality assurance methodologies and tools (such as Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement frameworks) to analyze processes and drive operational efficiency.
  • Understanding of audit processes and compliance standards, with the ability to execute, evaluate, or support internal and external audits.
• Skills
  • Ability to analyze complex operational data, identify root causes of issues, and develop effective, practical solutions.
  • Ability to communicate technical and regulatory information clearly, concisely, and effectively to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to use data analysis and reporting tools to track performance, identify trends, and inform operational decision-making.
• Abilities
  • Ability to manage individual tasks independently while actively collaborating within cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.
  • Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously to deliver high-quality results within established timelines.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy, thoroughness, and quality in compliance monitoring, reporting, and operational tasks.
  • Ability to draft, edit, and publish clear, professional reports, official correspondence, and technical documentation.
  • Ability to self-manage workloads and maintain accountability to consistently deliver assignments on schedule.
  • Ability to maintain composure, prioritize tasks effectively, and make sound, safe decisions in fast-paced, high-stress, or demanding operational environments.
• Behaviors
  • Demonstrated initiative in anticipating operational needs, addressing potential compliance or safety issues before they escalate, and focusing on measurable outcomes.
  • Ability to build positive working relationships, lead project teams, and influence others to adopt safety and quality-focused practices.
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development, actively seeking feedback, and staying updated on evolving industry standards and best practices.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Demonstrated knowledge of maritime operations, environmental compliance, quality management principles, and applicable regulatory requirements, with the ability to apply this knowledge to assigned compliance activities.
• Completion of coursework or professional training in safety management, regulatory compliance, or related operational safety disciplines.
• Extensive experience directing quality assurance, auditing, or continuous process improvement initiatives, particularly within the maritime industry.
• Proven track record of successfully planning, leading, and executing quality improvement projects and strategic initiatives from inception to completion.
• Direct operational experience in vessel engine rooms, including a strong technical understanding of vessels, onboard machinery, and vessel systems.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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 357-28of 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 are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn 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.
• Plan For 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 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 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; 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 to 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.gov

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-90037 in the subject line.