Inspector Specialist, Marine Structural - 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

Washington State Ferries (WSF), a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), is currently seeking multiple seasoned marine inspection professionals to serve as senior Inspector Specialists supporting new vessel construction and modification projects.

These roles will serve as representatives of WSF at shipyards and contractor facilities in Panama City, FL.

Marine inspector ensure work performed meets contract requirements, approved designs, and regulatory standards.

By providing expert technical oversight, identifying deficiencies, and verifying corrective actions, these positions play a critical role in delivering safe, reliable vessels to our fleet.

The Inspector Specialists partners closely with project engineering staff to safeguard quality, accountability, and compliance throughout the construction process.

This work directly supports WSF’s mission to provide safe, dependable ferry service to the communities we serve.

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 will:

• Inspect and survey structural and piping fabrication and installation during new vessel construction to ensure compliance with WSF specifications, contract requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Witness structural testing, reject deficient work, and coordinate with regulatory agencies to ensure vessel compliance and final acceptance.
• Serve as liaison between contractor and WSF engineering teams in interpreting specifications and drawings.
• Prepare daily inspection reports, progress updates, and nonconformance documentation; advise Project Engineers on production status and potential delays.
• Provide technical guidance; review “As-Built” drawings; verify proper installation of equipment and approved materials.
• Support commissioning and start-up activities; witness factory acceptance tests; review and approve Time and Material hours/charges.
• Assist with technical specifications, engineer’s estimates, change orders, red-line markups, and deficiency reports; provide lessons learned for process improvement.
• Review specifications and construction work for compliance and workmanship; represent the work unit on project teams and support the Vessel Electrification Program, including cross-training and special assignments 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:

• Marine Construction Inspection & Quality Assurance
  • Demonstrated experience conducting in-progress surveillance, final acceptance inspections, and witnessing non-destructive testing, operational testing, and sea trials to ensure compliance with contract requirements and regulatory standards.
• Regulatory Compliance & Agency Coordination
  • Experience interpreting and applying State, Federal, and U.S. Coast Guard regulations, and interfacing with regulatory agencies to ensure vessel compliance throughout construction.
• Engineering Drawing & Contract Interpretation
  • Ability to read and interpret marine construction drawings, specifications, contract documents, acceptance standards, and Code of Federal Regulations to verify proper installation, material usage, and workmanship.
• Technical Evaluation & Problem Resolution
  • Experience evaluating contractor work for acceptability, identifying deficiencies, analyzing engineering or production issues, and recommending sound solutions while maintaining established operating policies.
• Shipboard Systems & Fabrication Knowledge
  • Working knowledge of vessel structural fabrication steps, weld procedures and qualifications, visual weld inspection, piping systems, electrical systems, material certifications, and non-destructive testing methods.
• Technical Documentation & Reporting
  • Experience preparing detailed daily reports, inspection reports, deficiency documentation, and technical correspondence; reviewing contractor documentation and time & material reporting for accuracy.
• Communication & Stakeholder Coordination
  • Ability to clearly communicate technical issues to engineering teams, contractors, and regulatory agencies; serve as liaison between project stakeholders to ensure timely resolution of production or design issues.
• Independent Judgment & Professional Accountability
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, manage priorities and deadlines, exercise sound professional judgment, and maintain attention to detail in a dynamic construction environment.
• Service Orientation & Continuous Learning
  • Demonstrates a service-oriented approach to supporting project teams and stakeholders, along with a commitment to professional growth and continuous improvement.
• Licenses
  • Possession of a valid state-issued driver’s license.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within six (6) months of hire.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Shipyard or Owner’s Representative Experience
  • Experience serving as a shipyard employee or owner’s representative with project-level responsibility for vessel construction, repair, overhaul, or renovation in a commercial, government, or military shipyard.
• Marine Inspection or Classification Experience
  • Experience serving as a vessel inspector, surveyor, or representative of a regulatory body or Vessel Classification Society (e.g., U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, or similar authoritative agency).
• Professional Engineering Application
  • Demonstrated competency in applying professional engineering principles in ship design, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering within a marine construction environment.
• Marine Construction Cost & Estimating Knowledge
  • Experience with construction estimating, cost evaluation, or financial planning related to marine construction projects.

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 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-9P019m in the subject line.