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Posted: January 5, 2026 (9 days ago)
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Dispatch Coordinator - Washington State Ferries
State of Washington
Dept. of Transportation
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$72,744 - $104,940
per year
Type
Closes
January 13, 2026More State jobs →
Job Description
Summary
This job involves leading a team to schedule and assign ferry crew members for Washington State Ferries, ensuring boats always have enough staff to run safely and on time.
You'll handle long-term planning, track employee records, and step in to dispatch workers during busy or unexpected times.
It's a great fit for someone organized with experience in logistics or team coordination who enjoys working in a fast-paced transportation environment.
Key Requirements
- Experience in scheduling, dispatching, or crew management, preferably in transportation or maritime settings
- Knowledge of labor agreements, seniority rules, overtime policies, and USCG regulations
- Strong organizational skills to develop and adjust long-term schedules and forecast staffing needs
- Ability to maintain accurate employee records, including qualifications, attendance, and status changes
- Proficiency in communication, both verbal and written, with personnel, operations, and management
- Capability to train and guide dispatch team members while performing dispatching duties as needed
- Familiarity with fleet support tasks like coordinating vessel deliveries and assisting with bid processes
Full Job Description
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 a Crew Dispatch Coordinator to serve as the lead dispatcher responsible for long-term scheduling and assignment of relief personnel to vessels, ensuring minimum crewing requirements are met and ferry service operates without interruption.
This role provides guidance to Crew Dispatchers, performs dispatching duties as needed, and supports fleet operations by maintaining employee documentation, coordinating essential vessel deliveries, and assisting with bid-related processes.
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 Dispatch Coordinator will:
- Plan, schedule, and assign certified and qualified relief vessel personnel to ensure WSF vessels meet minimum crewing requirements in compliance with operational needs, labor agreements, and USCG regulations.
- Develop, distribute, and adjust long-term and relief schedules; forecast staffing needs and create schedules based on projected demand and personnel availability.
- Maintain accurate employee records within the Crew Dispatch System, including schedules, attendance, leave, qualifications, promotions, and status changes to support compliance and operational readiness.
- Serve as dispatching lead by coordinating daily workloads, training and guiding Crew Dispatchers, and dispatching licensed and unlicensed deck and engine personnel as needed.
- Fill relief requests using applicable seniority, overtime, and collective bargaining rules; document communications and assign personnel for standard operations, vessel moves, inspections, sea trials, and emergencies.
- Communicate with personnel, operations, and management regarding work assignments, schedules, and unexpected circumstances; maintain operational and radio communications as required.
- Perform fleet support functions, including maintaining employee documentation, coordinating fuel, lube oil, bilge pump, and other vessel deliveries, creating on-call lists, and reviewing workplace violations.
- Assist the Bid Administrator with vacation, seasonal, and permanent bid processes; support reporting, audits, pay order reviews, and other related duties as assigned.
- 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 Expertise: Demonstrates a thorough understanding of vessel operations, crew scheduling, and dispatching principles to ensure staffing meets operational and regulatory requirements.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to assess staffing needs, anticipate challenges, and develop effective scheduling solutions within established guidelines and labor agreements.
- Communication and Collaboration: Communicates clearly and respectfully with vessel personnel, management, and labor representatives, both verbally and in writing, to coordinate relief assignments and resolve scheduling matters.
- Customer and Service Orientation: Provides responsive, professional, and courteous service to employees and partners, reflecting WSF’s values of Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate.
- Technical Proficiency: Uses computer systems and applications effectively, including the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and specialized dispatch or scheduling software.
- Time Management and Organization: Manages multiple priorities efficiently and meets deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Confidentiality and Professional Judgment: Maintains composure and discretion while managing sensitive personnel information and making time-critical decisions.
- The candidate must be able to work a set schedule as well as have some flexibility to accommodate contractual deadlines.
Regulatory and Contractual Knowledge: Interprets and applies collective bargaining agreements, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations, and WSF policies consistently and accurately. Preferred Competencies: Candidates who also demonstrate the following competencies will be highly valued:
- Maritime and Transportation Knowledge: Familiarity with maritime or transportation operations, including relevant terminology, vessel requirements, and safety protocols.
- Labor Relations Awareness: Experience interpreting and applying provisions of collective bargaining agreements in scheduling or personnel management contexts.
- Regulatory Familiarity: Working knowledge of ISM Code, USCG regulations, WSF operational policies, and related compliance requirements.
- Advanced Scheduling and Dispatching Skills: Demonstrated ability to develop and manage complex work schedules that support continuous ferry service operations.
Important Notes
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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
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.
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 25DOT-WSF-A0223 in the subject line.
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