Deckhand OS/AB



Deckhand OS/AB

Salary

$23.76 Hourly

Location

Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA

Job Type

On-Call

Job Number

22DOT-WSF-Deckhand 22.1

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Washington State Ferries

Opening Date

07/20/2022

Closing Date

9/4/2022 12:00 AM Pacific

Description

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.
 
The Washington State Ferry system is an essential part of Washington's transportation network with more than 1,800 employees working together to safely and efficiently carry nearly 24 million passengers a year! There are over 400 sailings each day on 9 ferry routes across Puget Sound and through the San Juan Islands, including an international route to Sidney, British Columbia.
 
The Opportunity
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is excited to announce that we are currently seeking deckhands, both Ordinary Seamen (OS) and Able-Bodied Seamen (AB). This a grand opportunity to start and build a career in the largest ferry system in the United States and provide an extremely valuable service to the communities that we service.
 
 What to Expect
Deckhands must be available for all shifts including morning, mid-morning, evening, weekends, and holidays within a 35-mile radius of your assigned homeport (Homeport is designated as the port closes to your permanent residence). Deckhands are hired “on-call”, which means there is no set schedule or minimum guaranteed hours. However, there may be opportunities to work an average of 32-40 hours per week. Deckhands must be available for all shifts including morning, mid-morning, evening, weekends, and holidays within a 35-mile radius of your assigned homeport (Homeport is designated as the port closes to your permanent residence).
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Deckhand will:

  • Help foster a safe experience for the customers, crew, and vessel
  • Assist passengers as required, including response to inquiries, assistance with boarding, response to problems escalating to the Mate when necessary
  • Perform a full range of general maintenance duties: general cleaning, stripping, and waxing floors, restocking supplies, clearing litter, etc.
  • Operate lift to secure vehicle-loading bridge using an automated system
  • Provide back-up for scheduled absences and fill in as needed for last minute staff shortages 
  • Support directing traffic onto the car deck and securing the vehicles before departure and assist in removing inoperable vehicles from the deck
  • Participate with crew in fire, abandon ship, and rescue drills, performing aspects of the drill such as handling fire hose for testing and preparing rescue boat for launch and recovery
  • During emergencies, fulfill duties on the muster list, or duties as assigned, and assist in rescue procedures
  • Participate in training as directed
 
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
  • A valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • A valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), with a minimum of an OS or AB endorsement
  • A valid United States Coast Guard Medical Certificate using the CG-719K long form, a successful color vision exam must be achieved without restrictions. 
  • Valid unrestricted Driver’s License and ability to operate heavy equipment, such as a bullnose tractor and transfer spans
 
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have: 
  • Accept work on-call 24/7, including holidays, and be punctual and reliable at all times
  • Exceptional communication skills, other written and verbal 
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to respond to vessel emergencies
  • Knowledge of commonly used nautical terms
  • Experience from the maritime environment 
 
Important Notes 
  • By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
  • Application review will begin on April 1,2022. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible. 
  • Candidates holding an AB limited credential or higher will be given first consideration.
  • This recruitment will be used to fill multiple positions 
  • You will attend full-time paid training at WSF Headquarters in downtown Seattle
  • After receiving a conditional job offer, candidates will need to pass a physical agility test and drug screening. For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing
 
Why WSDOT 
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 11 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 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.
 
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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov 
 
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Renee Mason, at MasonR@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 22DOT-WSF- Deckhand 22.1 in the subject line.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all WSDOT employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position. Are you willing to accept and comply with this condition of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No
03
Do you have a valid Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Are you Currently, or have been previously employed with Washington State Ferries or Washington State Department of Transportation?
  • Yes
  • No
05
If you answered Yes to the above question, please provide the department and dates of employment. If you answered No, please enter N/A.
06
Do you currently have a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Please provide your TWIC serial number. If you currently do not have a valid TWIC, please enter 'N/A'.
08
Please enter your TWIC expiration date. If you do not currently have a TWIC, please enter 'N/A'.
09
To be considered for this position you must be in possession of a VALID Merchant Marine Credential (MMC). Please review the list below and CHEK ALL THAT APPLY:
  • OS
  • AB Special
  • AB Limited
  • AB Unlimited
  • Mate Limited Tonnage
  • Mate Unlimited Tonnage
  • Master Limited Tonnage
  • Master Unlimited Tonnage
  • I have applied but I have not yet received one
  • I do not have a valid MMC
10
If you selected 'Mate Limited Tonnage' or 'Master Limited Tonnage', please provide the additional information and/or explanation in the space below. If you did not select 'Mate Limited Tonnage' or 'Master Limited Tonnage' please enter N/A.
11
Please enter your MMC credential reference number (If you do not have a MMC please enter N/A).
12
Please enter your MMC credential expiration date below (If you do not have a MMC please enter N/A).
13
Do you have a current United States Coast Guard Medical Certificate with full clearance?
  • Yes
  • No
14
Does your United States Coast Guard Medical Certificate indicate, you are fit for look-out duties?
  • Yes
  • No
  • I do not have a US Coast Guard Medical Certificate
15
Does your United States Coast Guard Medical Certificate indicate you are in compliance for "Color Vision IAW STCW A-19"?
  • Yes
  • No
  • I do not have a US Coast Guard Medical Certificate
16
Please list any restrictions listed on your Medical Certificate (If you do not have a Medical Certificate enter N/A).
17
Please enter your United States Coast Guard Medical Certificate expiration date below (If you do not have a Medical Certificate enter N/A).
18
How many years of experience do you have working on a maritime vessel?
  • I have more than 10 years of this experience
  • I have than 7 – 10 years of this experience
  • I have 5 - 7 years of this experience
  • I have 2 - 5 years of this experience
  • I have 1 – 2 years of this experience
  • I have less than 1 year of this experience
  • I do not have this experience
19
Please describe where you gained experience working on a maritime vessel (If you do not have this experience, please enter 'N/A').
20
How many years of experience do you have working with the traveling public?
  • I have more than 10 years of this experience
  • I have than 7 – 10 years of this experience
  • I have 5 - 7 years of this experience
  • I have 2 - 5 years of this experience
  • I have 1 – 2 years of this experience
  • I have less than 1 year of this experience
  • I do not have this experience
21
Please describe where you gained experience working with the traveling public (If you do not have this experience, please enter 'N/A').
22
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Direct Email Notification
  • WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
  • Career Fair
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • Handshake
  • AASHTO
  • NACTO
  • COMTO
  • APWA
  • "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
  • Radio advertisement
  • WSDOT Employment Site
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Other (specify below)
23
If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact