Crew Dispatcher - 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

WSDOT is currently seeking a service-driven non-permanent Crew Dispatcher to support WSF’s commitment to Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate by ensuring the continuous, safe, and efficient delivery of ferry service through accurate personnel dispatch and operational coordination.

Working under general direction, this role processes employee relief requests, assigns qualified personnel to vessels, and manages daily and long-term staffing coverage to meet minimum crewing and regulatory requirements while maintaining accurate employee records.

The Dispatcher also coordinates essential vessel logistics (including fuel, lube oil, bilge pump, and other critical deliveries), helping prevent service disruptions or delays through timely, accurate decisions, effective problem-solving, and professional communication that builds trust and supports a respectful, responsive workplace.

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 Crew Dispatcher will:

• Dispatch deck and engine room personnel in compliance with ISM, WSF policy, USCG requirements, and labor agreements.
• Receive relief requests; apply rules/seniority/overtime lists; contact personnel; document and enter assignments in the WSF Dispatching System.
• Assign qualified relief personnel and coordinate coverage for sea trials, vessel moves, inspections, training, and other operational needs.
• Maintain communication with operations, management, and vessel crews; support response to unexpected events/emergencies and escalate as needed.
• Maintain, enter, audit employee documentation/credentials; coordinate removal from vessels when documentation is not current; update dispatch team.
• Forecast and coordinate fuel, lube oil, bilge pump, and other operational deliveries; communicate timelines; maintain related records.
• Create on-call lists and long-term relief schedules; forecast labor needs; track daily schedules and paid/unpaid leave.
• Support labor agreement processes/projects (seniority lists, vacation schedules, bids/bumping) and assist Dispatch Coordinators as needed.
• 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:

• Operational and Dispatch Experience
  • Experience applying knowledge and skills gained through experience in an office, maritime, or operational environment to accurately receive, prioritize, and process dispatch requests; assign qualified personnel to vessels in compliance with applicable rules, regulations, and crewing requirements.
• Communication
  • Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills; effectively conveys work assignment information, scheduling details, and operational updates to vessel personnel, management, and external vendors using phone, email, and radio.
• Technology and Information Management
  • Experience using office productivity and workforce management software tools to accurately enter, track, and audit personnel records, schedules, and operational data; learns and applies new or specialized technology systems as required by the position.
• Critical Thinking and Regulatory Compliance
  • Research, interpret, and apply contract language, USCG regulations, collective bargaining agreement provisions, and other regulatory requirements accurately and consistently to dispatch decisions and personnel management actions.
• Composure and Professionalism
  • Maintains composure, sound judgment, and confidentiality in fast-paced, high-stress, and time-sensitive operational environments; manages competing priorities and urgent requests without compromising accuracy or professionalism.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Contributes to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect, equal opportunity, and inclusion; demonstrates equitable and consistent treatment of all personnel in dispatch, scheduling, and operational interactions.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Industry and Domain Knowledge
  • Applies knowledge of maritime or transportation industry operations, terminology, and regulatory context to support effective and compliant dispatch activities.
• Labor Relations and Contract Interpretation
  • Interprets and applies collective bargaining agreement provisions accurately in scheduling, dispatch decisions, seniority determinations, and bid processes; identifies and resolves contract-related conflicts with consistency and fairness.
• Scheduling and Workforce Planning
  • Plans, schedules, and dispatches employees to ensure appropriate crewing coverage for operational needs; anticipates staffing gaps, forecasts labor requirements, and manages competing scheduling priorities with strong time management and organizational skills.

Important Notes

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

This position is based in Seattle, Washington, with a designated duty station in Seattle.

While the role may be eligible for telework flexibility consistent with operational needs, business requirements, and management approval, the primary work location remains Seattle and may require full-time, on-site presence.

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.

• This is a non-permanent opportunity, expected to last 12 months.
• 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-A0241n in the subject line.