Inspector Specialist, Marine – Coatings - Washington State Ferries

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, a division of the WSDOT, is currently seeking an Inspector Specialist, Marine to support vessel construction and modification efforts critical to the state’s ferry system.

This role serves as WSF’s on-site representative at shipyards, ensuring work meets contract requirements, approved designs, and regulatory standards that directly impact vessel safety and performance.

By providing expert inspection oversight and identifying issues early, this position helps ensure vessels are delivered safely, reliably, and ready to serve the traveling public.

The Inspector Specialist plays a key role in supporting engineering teams and safeguarding the quality and integrity of WSF’s fleet.

This is an opportunity to contribute to the long-term reliability of one of the nation’s largest ferry systems and the communities it serves.

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 Inspector Specialist, Marine - Coatings will:

• Performs inspection and surveillance of surface preparation and coatings to ensure compliance with WSF specifications, standards, and regulatory requirements
• Conducts checkpoint inspections and verifies preparation, environmental controls, application methods, and approved materials
• Witnesses coating testing and supports final acceptance activities
• Inspects contractor work, identifies deficiencies, rejects nonconforming work, and communicates issues to Project Engineers
• Coordinates with contractors, manufacturers, and WSF team; provides updates on progress, delays, and nonconformances
• Prepares and maintains required documentation, including Inspector’s Daily Reports and inspection/progress reports
• Provides technical guidance, reviews T&M work hours, and verifies “As-Built” drawings for accuracy and completeness
• Reviews construction work and documentation for compliance, workmanship, and completeness; supports change orders and project activities
• 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:

• Licensure & Mobility: Possession of a valid state-issued driver’s license and ability to travel between work sites
• Service Orientation: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders
• Continuous Learning & Growth Mindset: Actively seeks opportunities to learn, improve, and apply new knowledge in a technical environment
• Time Management & Accountability: Manages priorities, meets deadlines, and organizes work effectively in a dynamic project environment
• Adaptability & Initiative: Works independently and collaboratively, adapts to changing priorities, and proactively develops solutions within established policies
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy: Ensures information, inspections, and documentation are accurate, complete, and timely
• Inspection & Compliance Oversight: Conducts in-progress and final inspections of contractor work, including testing and trials, to ensure compliance with contract requirements, standards, and regulatory requirements
• Regulatory & Stakeholder Coordination: Interfaces with regulatory agencies (e.g., U.S. Coast Guard), contractors, and project teams to ensure compliance and resolve issues
• Engineering Interpretation & Application: Reads and interprets engineering drawings, specifications, and contract documents to verify proper installation, materials, and workmanship
• Technical Problem Solving & Communication: Evaluates production or design issues, communicates findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders, and supports resolution
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepares daily reports and technical documentation; reviews contractor reports and time/material records for accuracy
• Construction & Marine Systems Knowledge: Applies knowledge of ship fabrication, welding, piping, electrical systems, materials, methods, and safety practices in marine construction
• Regulatory & Standards Knowledge: Interprets and applies State, Federal, and U.S. Coast Guard regulations, contract documents, and referenced standards
• Professional Judgment & Decision-Making: Exercises sound, independent judgment in inspection activities, analysis, and recommendations

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Shipyard Project Experience: Experience working in a commercial or government shipyard, or as an owner’s representative, with responsibility for vessel construction, repair, or overhaul
• Vessel Inspection & Survey Experience: Experience serving as a vessel inspector or surveyor for a regulatory agency or classification society (e.g., U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping)
• Engineering Application: Demonstrated application of professional engineering principles in ship design, electrical, or mechanical engineering contexts

Important Notes

• This recruitment will be used to fill multiple positions.
• These positions will observe hands-on work at WSF project office, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, onboard vessels and at industrial and manufacturing facilities located in Panama City, FL.

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 project position opportunity.
• 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 toState 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-9P025m in the subject line.