WSF Tribal Liaison - 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 WSDOT, is currently seeking a Tribal Liaison to build and sustain meaningful government-to-government relationships with Puget Sound Tribes.

This role is vital to ensure ferry operations and capital projects are delivered in a manner that respects treaty rights, cultural resources, and environmental commitments.

Through early coordination, collaboration, and conflict resolution, the Tribal Liaison helps integrate Tribal perspectives into WSF’s work, strengthening trust and partnership.

This position plays a key role in supporting safe, reliable ferry service while upholding WSF’s values of service, respect, and accountability.

By fostering ongoing engagement with Tribal partners, this role contributes directly to WSF’s mission of serving the public with integrity and care.

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 WSF Tribal Liaison will:

• Lead government-to-government coordination with Puget Sound Tribes in accordance with established protocols and Executive Order 25-10.
• Foster relationships and represent WSF in meetings, consultations, and negotiations.
• Document, track, and implement Tribal agreements and commitments.
• Develop and execute the Tribal Coordination Plan aligned with WSDOT and state guidance.
• Integrate Tribal perspectives into planning, policies, operations, and project delivery.
• Coordinate with Federal/State agencies and specialists to ensure regulatory compliance and consultation.
• Maintain records and draft agreements related to environmental, fisheries, and cultural resources.
• Advise leadership on Tribal relations, negotiation strategies, and engagement practices; support executive initiatives.
• 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:

• Equity, Inclusion & Respectful Workplace Practices
  Demonstrated experience contributing to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
• Tribal Relations & Cultural Competency
  Experience working with sovereign Tribal governments, including knowledge of Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and cultural considerations.
• Relationship Building & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across teams, agencies, or stakeholder groups.
• Communication (Written & Verbal)
  Proven ability to clearly communicate complex information to diverse audiences through written and verbal methods.
• Time Management & Independent Work
  Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently in a dynamic environment.
• Digital & Technical Proficiency
  Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools; ability to learn and apply new systems or software.
• Mobility & Travel Readiness
  Ability and willingness to travel within Washington State to support work activities.
• Credentialing Requirement (TWIC)
  Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within 6 months of employment.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Intergovernmental Relations & Project Coordination
  Experience working within complex intergovernmental environments, infrastructure delivery, or transportation planning.
• Environmental Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge
  Experience with environmental review, permitting, and regulatory processes related to Tribal treaty rights and natural resources.
• Organizational Knowledge (WSF/WSDOT)
  Familiarity with Washington State Ferries operations and WSDOT policies and procedures.
• Facilitation & Consensus Building
  Experience facilitating diverse groups and achieving consensus in complex or sensitive situations.
• Marine Infrastructure & Construction Knowledge
  Knowledge of marine transportation systems, vessel operations, or related engineering/construction practices.
• Contract & Agreement Management
  Experience managing contracts, consultants, or multi-agency agreements

Important Notes

• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County

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 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-90060 in the subject line.