Buyer 3 - Washington State Ferries

Full Job Description

The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries OPEIU members

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

Washington State Ferries (WSF), a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), is currently seeking a Buyer 3 to support the safe and reliable operation of the nation’s largest ferry system through specialized procurement of essential goods and services.

This position plays a key role in ensuring employees have the uniforms, equipment, and resources needed to perform their duties effectively, directly contributing to operational readiness across vessels, terminals, and maintenance facilities.

By partnering with vendors and internal teams, the Buyer 3 helps maintain continuity of service and supports efficient, accountable purchasing practices.

This role contributes to WSF’s ability to deliver dependable transportation while upholding high standards of public service and stewardship.

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 Buyer 3 will:

• Oversee WSF employee uniform procurement, including reviewing order forms, submitting orders through the GALLS portal, and utilizing blanket purchase orders.
• Track uniform allotments, maintain GALLS and FedEx accounts, set up and inactivate employee accounts, and provide guidance on uniform ordering.
• Coordinate with vendors and WSF personnel to resolve uniform order issues and process non-standard uniform purchases using the WSF Procurement System (EAM).
• Manage procurement of goods and services by reviewing requisitions, selecting procurement methods, coordinating quotes and approvals, and issuing purchase orders.
• Develop procurement documentation, support bid processes, evaluate supplier performance, and coordinate with vendors and internal partners.
• Research and resolve procurement issues, including tracking delinquent items, monitoring asset shipments and repairs, and coordinating with vendors and WSF departments.
• Assist departments with procurement processes, invoice discrepancies, payment resolution, and appropriate procurement methodologies.
• Document and reconcile Purchasing Card (P-Card) transactions in PCMS and resolve discrepancies with vendors and Accounting.
• 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 action.

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.
• Fostering Respect and Equal Opportunity
  • Experience contributing to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
• Technical Proficiency
  • Use Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Teams) at an intermediate level to create, edit, and share documents, spreadsheets, and communications.
• Customer Service & Communication
  • Clearly and professionally communicate, both verbally and in writing, with diverse internal and external customers; actively listen to understand needs and respond appropriately.
• Teamwork & Collaboration
  • Work cooperatively and respectfully with colleagues to meet shared goals, contributing to a positive and productive team environment.
• Procurement
  • knowledge of procurement methods and procedures, purchasing laws & regulations. Ability to work effectively with agency automated procurement management systems. Ability to analyze bids and determine awards.
• Independence & Initiative
  • Work with minimal supervision, taking responsibility for completing tasks and proactively identifying opportunities to improve processes.
• Contract Management
  • ability to manage contract workflows, track deadlines, and communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely execution and compliance.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Knowledge of public sector procurement methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of WSF operations.
• Knowledge of WSF EAM purchasing system.

Important Notes

• The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries OPEIU members
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.

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 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.
• 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-A0346 in the subject line.