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Posted: January 29, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Journey Welder/Boilermaker

State of Washington

Dept. of Transportation

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

From $41.09

per hour

Closes

February 10, 2026More State jobs →

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves skilled welding and boilermaking to repair and build parts for ferries, terminals, and bridges in Washington's ferry system, ensuring everything meets safety rules and keeps services running smoothly.

Workers handle tasks like reading plans, welding metals, testing repairs, and operating equipment, often around the clock to fix urgent issues.

It's a great fit for experienced welders who enjoy hands-on technical work in a team-focused environment and value safety and reliability in transportation.

Key Requirements

  • Journey-level qualification in welding or boilermaking
  • Ability to interpret blueprints and technical plans
  • Knowledge of welding processes, metallurgy, and relevant codes (e.g., Coast Guard, American Welding Society)
  • Experience fabricating and repairing steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper-nickel parts
  • Proficiency in non-destructive testing and operational tests
  • Commitment to safety practices, including Job Hazard Analysis and PPE use
  • Ability to operate material handling equipment like forklifts and perform administrative tasks

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

WSDOT is currently seeking WSDOT is currently seeking a skilled Welder/Boilermaker to support the Washington State Ferries system by performing welding, burning, rigging, and ship fitting work in compliance with Federal, State, and U.S.

Coast Guard regulations.

This role requires interpreting blueprints and technical plans and applying knowledge of codes, welding processes, and metallurgy to complete high-quality repairs and fabrications, as well as responding to equipment failures around the clock to help sustain safe, reliable ferry service.

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 Welder/Boilermaker will:

  • Repair terminals and vessels to meet federal and local requirements by fabricating or repairing steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper-nickel parts and equipment to maintain ferries, terminals, and bridges.
  • Lay out, fit up, and weld fabricated, cast, and forged components of ship and terminal structures and assemblies.
  • Fabricate, install, and repair assemblies such as pressure vessels, pipe assemblies, deck plate supports, equipment foundations, ladders, railings, hatches, void covers, gates, pad eyes, and traffic control devices.
  • Perform non-destructive testing and operational tests; document results in accordance with Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, and American Welding Society codes, as applicable.
  • Establish work safety zones and complete Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) documents; ensure proper use of safety tape and PPE.
  • Participate in required safety meetings and training, including online mandatory training.
  • Complete administrative duties using office equipment and computers for technical documents and electronic communications.
  • Operate light duty fleet vehicles and material handling equipment (e.g., forklifts, telescoping aerial platforms, hand trucks, hydraulic/electric assisted equipment) 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:

  • Journey-Level Welding/Boilermaker Qualification:
    • Evidence of journey-level Boilermaker/Welder status or completion of a recognized Boilermaker or Welder apprenticeship.
  • WABO-Eligible Welding Skill:
    • Demonstrated welding experience consistent with the ability to obtain/maintain WABO certification using 1/8" 7018 rod in all positions.
  • Regulatory/Medical Compliance Readiness:
    • Ability to meet safety/medical requirements for respiratory questionnaire and annual fit testing Valid driver’s license.
  • Operational Readiness & Access:
    • Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a TWIC within 90 days of hire.


It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • Ship Fitting Proficiency
    • Demonstrated ship fitting experience including layout, fit-up, alignment, and installation of fabricated components/assemblies in a marine/shipyard environment.


Important Notes

  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • 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-C0441 in the subject line.

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

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Posted on NEOGOV: 1/29/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/30/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5217391