Able Seaman

About WSDOT
 Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.
  
 The Washington State Ferry system is an essential part of Washington's transportation network with more than 1,800 employees working together to safely and efficiently carry nearly 24 million passengers a year! There are over 400 sailings each day on 9 ferry routes across Puget Sound and through the San Juan Islands, including an international route to Sidney, British Columbia.
  
 The Opportunity
 Washington State Ferries (WSF) is excited to announce that we are currently seeking Able-Bodied Seamen (AB). This is a grand opportunity to build a career in the largest ferry system in the United States and provide an extremely valuable service to the communities that we serve.
WSF has in-house training programs that will assist candidates in advancing to a Licensed Deck Officer. 
 
  What to Expect
 Able-Bodied Seamen are hired “on-call”, which means there is no set schedule or minimum guaranteed hours and must be available for all shifts including morning, mid-morning, evening, weekends, and holidays within a 35-mile radius of your assigned homeport (Homeport is designated as the port closest to your permanent residence). As an Able-Bodied Seaman, you may fill both the Able-Bodied (AB) Seaman and Ordinary Seaman (OS) Deckhand positions and will be paid in accordance with which position you are filling. While you are in training you will be paid at the AB rate. 
  
 Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Help foster a safe experience for the customers, crew, and vessel.
• Assist passengers as required, including response to inquiries, assistance with boarding, and response to problems escalating to the Mate when necessary.
• Perform a full range of general maintenance duties: general cleaning, stripping, and waxing floors, restocking supplies, clearing litter, etc.
• Operate lift to secure vehicle-loading bridge using an automated system.
• Provide backup for scheduled absences and fill in as needed for last-minute staff shortages. 
• Support directing traffic onto the car deck securing the vehicles before departure and assisting in removing inoperable vehicles from the deck.
• Participate with the crew in fire, abandon ship, and rescue drills, performing aspects of the drill such as handling fire hose for testing and preparing the rescue boat for launch and recovery.
• During emergencies, fulfill duties on the muster list, or duties as assigned, and assist in rescue procedures.
• Participate in training as directed.

• A valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• A valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), with a minimum of an AB Limited or AB Unlimited endorsement. 
• A valid United States Coast Guard Medical Certificate using the CG-719K long form, a successful color vision exam must be achieved without restrictions. 
• Valid unrestricted Driver’s License and ability to operate heavy equipment, such as a bullnose tractor and transfer spans.

• Accept work on-call 24/7, including holidays, and be punctual and reliable at all times.
• Have exceptional communication skills, other written and verbal.
• Have excellent customer service skills.
• Have the ability to respond to vessel emergencies.
• Have knowledge of commonly used nautical terms.
• Have experience in the maritime environment.

• The anticipated start date for this recruitment is September 23, 2024.
• This recruitment will be used to fill open AB Limited & AB Unlimited positions and may have an opportunity to fill OS positions as needed. Candidates’ pay may fluctuate depending on the actual position that they are filling. 
• This recruitment will be used to fill multiple positions.
• You will attend full-time paid training at the AB rate of pay.
• After receiving a conditional job offer, candidates will need to pass a drug screening. For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.
• 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.wa.gov 

• 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.  
• 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.