Job Description

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 a Health and Safety Program Manager to lead WSF's efforts to maintain a safe, healthy, and compliant work environment. This position develops and implements safety programs, conducts inspections, supports emergency response planning and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations. By promoting a strong safety culture and providing guidance across the organization this role helps protect employees and supports the safe, reliable operation of the WSF system.
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 Health and Safety Program Manager will:

• Develop and implement comprehensive health and safety programs for maritime operations, ensuring compliance with local, national, international regulations, and ISO 45001.
• Conduct regular inspections and evaluations to identify hazards, assess compliance, and recommend corrective and preventative actions.
• Supervise and support health and safety staff, fostering teamwork and professional growth.
• Manage the Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) Program, including MSDS access, chemical authorization, and introduction of safer products.
• Review and authorize hazardous materials transportation requests and ensure adherence to Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Special Permits.
• Provide ergonomic assessments for employees, worksites, and specific job functions upon request.
• Collect and analyze safety performance metrics, preparing reports and recommendations for senior management.
• Lead training and awareness programs and engage with regulatory bodies, industry groups, and internal partners to align safety practices.
• 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:
Health & Safety Program Development

• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and maintain occupational health and safety programs compliant with OSHA, USCG, L&I, PHMSA, and industry standards.
• Experience tailoring health and safety programs to complex operational environments (e.g., maritime, industrial, shipyard, transportation).

Safety Inspections & Compliance Monitoring

• Proven skill conducting safety inspections, hazard assessments, and compliance evaluations.
• Ability to recommend and implement corrective and preventive actions based on inspection findings.

Leadership & Team Management

• Experience supervising or leading health and safety staff, providing day-to-day guidance, coaching, performance management, and technical direction.
• Supports a collaborative, respectful, and equitable team environment.

Budgetary Management

• Experience in managing the budget for health and safety programs including funding decisions related to health and safety program improvements, technology investments, personal protective equipment (PPE) and maritime safety gear.
• Experience in managing resources or assets related to portable emergency response equipment, such as: fire extinguishers, first aid & trauma kits, automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), and respiratory protection equipment.

Hazard Communication & Chemical Safety

• Experience managing HAZCOM programs, including MSDS/SDS systems, chemical authorization, and assessing safer chemical alternatives.

Hazardous Materials Oversight

• Demonstrated ability to review, evaluate, and approve hazardous materials transportation requests.
• Working knowledge of PHMSA special permits and federal transportation requirements.

Ergonomic Assessment

• Experience conducting ergonomic assessments for employees, job tasks, and worksites.

Safety Data Analysis & Reporting

• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret safety performance data.
• Experience in preparing safety reports, dashboards, and recommendations or corrective actions for leadership.

Training & Safety Awareness

• Skill designing and delivering health and safety training, workshops, and briefings for diverse audiences.

Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement

• Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies, industry groups, and internal departments to support compliance and promote best practices.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
Advanced Technical Knowledge & Certifications

• OSHA 30-Hour (Maritime/Construction/General Industry).
• HAZWOPER 40-hour.
• RCRA/Dangerous Waste certification.
• Fall Protection Competent Person.
• Shipyard Competent Person.
• ICS 100/200/300/700/800.
• First Aid/CPR/AED.
• Experience administering HAZCOM programs.
• Experience applying ISO 45001 safety management systems.

Industry-Specific Experience

• Experience in maritime, shipyard, industrial, and transportation safety environments with elevated risk profiles.

Program & Policy Development

• Track record developing comprehensive health and safety programs, risk assessments, emergency response procedures, and organization-wide safety initiatives.

Strategic Leadership & Influence

• Ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels and support safety culture improvements across an organization.

Advanced Communication & Representation

• Experience presenting health and safety information to leadership, workforce groups, external partners, or industry forums both virtually and in-person.

Change Management & Continuous Improvement

• Skill supporting organizational change related to new safety systems, standards, or cultural initiatives.
• Commitment to staying current on regulatory changes and emerging safety best practices.

Innovative Problem Solving

• Ability to anticipate evolving risks and develop proactive, practical, and innovative safety solutions.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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

. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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

for more information.
Check out this video to learn more:
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 . Please be sure to reference 25DOT-WSF-9W143 in the subject line.

Skills Required