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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, 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 skilled Marine Machinist and Diesel Mechanic to help maintain the safe and reliable operation of the Washington State Ferry system. This position plays a critical role in supporting vessel and terminal operations by performing essential maintenance and repair work on marine equipment and systems in accordance with Federal, State, and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Working both independently and collaboratively, this role helps ensure vessels remain operational and ready to serve the traveling public. Employees in this position respond to equipment issues around the clock and contribute directly to WSF’s mission of providing dependable transportation service to communities across Washington State. 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 Journey Machinist will:Perform planned and emergency troubleshooting, repair, and overhaul of marine propulsion, hydraulic, steering, pump, and auxiliary systems. Repair and overhaul sewage, potable water, raw water, fuel, oil transfer, and saltwater pumps. Diagnose and repair hydraulic systems, including watertight doors, boat davits, steering systems, and terminal ramps. Perform preventative maintenance on assigned vessel and terminal equipment. Operate machine shop equipment, including lathes, milling machines, and drill presses. Remove, replace, and precision align pumps and motors using dial indicators and laser tooling. Utilize rigging equipment and cranes to support maintenance and repair work. Manage work assignments, adapt to changing priorities, and prepare related reports and documentation. 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 Machining Experience – Demonstrated experience as a journey-level machinist, completion of a recognized apprenticeship, or equivalent mechanical and machining experience in an industrial, marine, or related environment. Mechanical Troubleshooting and Diagnostics – Experience diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving mechanical, hydraulic, fluid power, or equipment system failures. Precision Machining and Fabrication – Experience performing precision machining, fabrication, equipment repair, or component overhaul while interpreting specifications, schematics, blueprints, or technical documentation. Preventative Maintenance and Repair – Experience performing preventative maintenance, inspections, repairs, and operational support on mechanical or fluid power systems and equipment. Work Planning and Prioritization – Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize, organize, and complete multiple maintenance or repair assignments within operational timelines. Teamwork and Collaboration – Experience working collaboratively with maintenance teams, operations staff, supervisors, contractors, or other stakeholders to support operational goals and resolve equipment issues. Safety Compliance and Hazard Awareness – Knowledge of workplace safety practices, hazard recognition, and compliance with applicable safety procedures, regulations, or industry standards. Written and Verbal Communication – Ability to communicate maintenance activities, operational needs, repair status, and technical information clearly through verbal communication and written documentation. Adaptability and Continuous Learning – Demonstrated willingness to learn new systems, processes, equipment, or technologies and adapt to changing operational priorities. Customer Service and Public Service Support – Demonstrated commitment to supporting team operations, responding to operational needs, and contributing to reliable public service. Respiratory Protection Compliance – Ability to complete annual respiratory questionnaire and fit testing requirements, including obtaining a skin-to-rubber seal. Drug and Alcohol Screening Compliance – Ability to meet pre-employment drug screening requirements and participate in random drug and alcohol testing programs. Credential and License Maintenance – Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within 90 days of hire and maintain a valid driver’s license. Physical Work Capacity – Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, or move tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 50 lbs., work extended hours, and sit or stand for prolonged periods. Attendance and Worksite Reliability – Demonstrated ability to report regularly to assigned workplaces and worksites and support operational response needs. It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:Rigging and Heavy Equipment Support – Experience supporting or performing rigging, lifting, or movement of heavy equipment in industrial, shipyard, or marine environments. Emergency and Unplanned Maintenance Response – Experience responding to equipment failures, operational disruptions, or urgent maintenance needs in a fast-paced operational environment. Heavy Equipment Coordination – Experience safely coordinating, supporting, or assisting with heavy equipment movement and rigging operations using established safety procedures and equipment. Important Notes 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 357-28 of 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 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 Contact Us. For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25 DOT-WSF-C 0226 in the subject line.