Employment with Washington State Ferries

We employ about 2,000 people throughout the Puget Sound region, on vessels, in terminals and at our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility. We also have staff at our headquarters and warehouse buildings in Seattle. 

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Before you apply

Some of our positions have specific requirements. It can be confusing for folks outside of the maritime industry to understand what is required to apply for various positions at WSF. This page is intended to serve as a guide to help you assess which job could be right for you. 

Deck positions

We hire new deckhands throughout the year to support operational demands for:

• Ordinary seafarer or OS (entry-level position).
• Able-bodied seafarer or AB (must have an AB Limited or AB Unlimited credential).

What to expect

Deckhands are hired on an on-call basis, so hours can vary week by week. You may work 32-40 hours a week, but schedules aren’t guaranteed. You must be able to work any shift, including mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays, and report to any terminal within 35 miles of your primary reporting location or homeport. 

As a deckhand, your job is to help keep passengers, crew, and the vessel safe. Typical work also includes:

• Assisting passengers with questions and boarding and directing issues to a Mate.
• Keeping passenger areas and the vessel clean and hazard-free through a variety of routine maintenance and janitorial tasks.
• Operate the vehicle-loading bridge and help direct vehicles on the car deck, including securing vehicles and removing any that can’t move.
• Take part in all required emergency drills and be ready to respond in real emergencies by carrying out assigned muster duties, using firefighting gear, helping with lifeboats, and assisting in rescue efforts.
• Complete all required safety, operations, and skills training as assigned.
• Supporting WSF’s priorities and values through daily actions.

Qualifications

To apply, you must have:

• A valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) and Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC), with a minimum of an OS or AB endorsement.
• A valid U.S. Coast Guard Medical Certificate using the CG-719K long form and pass a color vision exam without restrictions.
• The ability to pass our two-day USCG basic firefighting and personal survival trainings.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Be able to lift 50 pounds on your own.
• Be able to tread water for at least 60 seconds without a life jacket.
• Attend one of our virtual information sessions.

Mate and captain positions are licensed deck officers (LDOs). LDOs require extra training and licensing, and we offer internal programs for deckhands who want to advance.

After receiving a conditional job offer, candidates must pass a drug screening. For more information, see DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.

Engine room positions

Oiler Candidates

• Merchant Mariner Credential with Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) – Oiler or Junior Engineer endorsement issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
  OR
• Present QMED – Oiler or Junior Engineer endorsement, or proof of issuance within 5 business days of official hiring.
• Provide evidence of appropriate sea time, education, and NMC application status ID within 30 days of official hiring.
• Meet Coast Guard drug testing requirements.
• Coast Guard Medical Certificate without limitations that would prohibit working a qualified engine rating.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

Wiper Candidates

• Proof of completion of a USCG-approved QMED – Oiler course within the past twelve months from the hiring date.
• OR
• Proof of approval to test for QMED – Oiler and/or Junior Engineer.
• Meet Coast Guard drug testing requirements.
• Merchant Mariner Credential.
• Coast Guard Medical Certificate without limitations that would prohibit working a qualified engine rating.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

Assistant Engineers and Chief Engineers are licensed engine room positions. We promote internally and also fill these positions through the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA). Contact the MEBA union hall for current engineer employment opportunities.

When you apply you must have:

• A current Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)
• A current Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC)
• A current U.S. Coast Guard Medical Certificate.
• The National Maritime Center (NMC) is a good "one-stop" for navigating these processes.

Skilled trade positions (electricians, welders, carpenters, etc.)

We operate 11 skilled trade shops at our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility in Bainbridge Island. These positions support critical vessel and terminal maintenance.

When you apply, most of the positions require a current Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).

Terminal positions

Terminal positions include Traffic Attendant, Ticket Seller, Terminal Supervisor and Regional Manager. There are also opportunities to transfer to a deck position. Check out this pre-employment resource which walks through the duties associated with these positions and shows a full WSF Terminal Career Pathway diagram. 

We are hiring for On-Call Terminal positions on a quarterly basis.

• As an “on-call” employee, you are entitled to two free days (either Tues, Wed or Thurs, Fri); you will not be scheduled on free days unless you request the additional work.
• There is no guarantee that you will achieve a specific number of hours as an on-call employee; your goal is to work as much as possible.

When you apply you must have a current Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).

What we can offer you

State of Washington government employment offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. In addition to the potential for a flexible work schedule, state employees are eligible for a benefits package that includes health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits to meet your current and future needs.