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 to fill multiple USCG Documented Marine Oiler and Wiper positions to join licensed and unlicensed employees operating WSF's 21-vessel fleet. Promotions to permanent assignments and licensed positions (such as an assistant engineer or chief engineer) are based on the mariner's seniority, appropriate credentials, and position openings.
Unlicensed Engine-Room Employees ensure vessels operate efficiently and perform maintenance on all engine-room machinery. These positions will be responsible for the monitoring, inspecting, maintenance, and repair duties on a routine basis. Unlicensed engine-room employees must have knowledge of various power/hand tools and equipment as well as standard engine-room equipment such as motors, pumps, gauges, indicators, compressors, main power plants, steering mechanisms, electrical systems, battery storage systems, fuel systems, sewage systems, and emergency equipment operations.
As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system - guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow, and Navigate- and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People - there's never been a more meaningful time to join us.
What to Expect
On-call employees are expected to be available and able to accept work, including short-notice assignments. Responsiveness and reliable transportation are essential for this position. After New Employee Orientation is complete, employees will be placed on an alternating Wednesday - Tuesday schedule (seven days on / seven days off). Watches are typically twelve (12) hours long. While these positions are on-call, a minimum of 80 hours per two-week work period (full-time employment) is guaranteed.
On-call engine-room employees are issued permanent work assignments in order of seniority. Once a permanent assignment has been issued, employees may bid on other job assignments in order of seniority.
Candidates holding a QMED - Junior Engineer endorsement are eligible to apply for Oiler positions.
Selected candidates with an applicable U.S. Merchant Mariner Engineer's License are placed on a promotion list upon employment.
Compensation
The base of compensation for Oilers is $36.18/hour. An additional 10% above the base wage ($39.79/hour) is paid to oilers who hold an applicable engineering license.
The initial base compensation for Wipers is $30.36/hour for the first 1,044 hours of straight time worked, then is increased to $31.87/hour thereafter.
On-call engine-room employees are eligible for overtime after 12 hours per assignment, or over 80 hours per work period (14 days). Unlicensed engine-room employees receive additional compensation for certain assignments/tasks in accordance with the .
Responsibilities
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, unlicensed engine-room employees will:

• Check all fuel, lubrication points, and water levels, inspect the water pressure and flow to all systems, and determine whether the bilge needs attention.
• Monitor temperature and pressure readings; and inspect all operating equipment on a regular basis.
• Repair fixtures and inventory consumables.
• Maintain proper lighting in all the engineering spaces, shaft alleys, control, and steering compartments.
• Clean and paint machinery spaces as designated.
• Serve as a mechanical and electrical aide for other repairs and maintenance as requested.
• Assist licensed engineering officer(s) in emergencies, such as fire or abandoned ship.
• Remain cognizant of security risks and/or mitigating measures identified in Fleet Advisories and Quick Notices; critically observe workplace surroundings; and report anything out-of-the-ordinary, suspicious, or that is an obvious breach of security.
• Demonstrate effective communication regarding plant status and any discrepancies with licensed engineer officers

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Speak, read, and write English
• Knowledge of engines, pumps, compressors, hydraulics, and other mechanical and electrical systems commonly found on marine vessels.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and mechanical aptitude
• Ability to work independently and as a team to prioritize projects and daily maintenance
• Fully participate in the firefighting and lifesaving of passengers and crewmembers.
• You must be physically able to climb steep stairs or vertical ladders; move 60 pounds and crouch or kneel in small spaces.
• Email a copy of your MMC (all pages with writing) and a copy of your Medical Certificate to

.
LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS:
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, tentatively set for February 9, 2026.

OR

• 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).

Candidates who have applied and are waiting for the QMED - Oiler endorsement from the U.S. Coast Guard should provide their application status ID number and attach any relevant documentation either submitted or received from the USCG.
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).

Wiper Preferred Qualifications:
At least 90 days of creditable sea time as a wiper for those applying after completing a QMED - Oiler course (including any waived sea time from a completed QMED - Oiler course)

• Applicable work experience related to vessel operation and maintenance

Please note that qualified Oilers will be given hiring preference.
Candidates possessing the following qualifications will be given preference in the screening process for both job classifications.

• One year of experience performing routine maintenance of the propulsion, auxiliary, and mechanical systems on a vessel, and watch standing
• One year of professional sea going experience, either commercial or military
• STCW Endorsements

Once on board, the following requirements need to be fulfilled:
Respirator fit testing

• SCBA medical clearance
• Firefighting school
• First aid and CPR
• In-water rescue and survival training
• Baseline hearing test
• Acquire knowledge of Safety Management System procedures
• Be available to work when called by dispatch and accept assignments

Important Notes
Wiper candidates that cannot meet the minimum sea time requirements by February may be considered for a later hiring.

• A tentative start day for these positions is set for February 9, 2026.
• The pay range on this job posting reflects the proposed salary increases effective July 1, 2025.
• This recruitment may be used to fill multiple on-call positions.
• Every effort is made to give notice for assigned shifts; however, on-calls employees are expected to respond to emergency call outs.
• The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established.
• Prior to a new hire, all applicants will need to pass a drug test

Why WSDOT

• Paid Leave - In addition to 13 paid holidays, full-time employees earn 96 vacation hours per year, with an annual increase of 16 vacation hours (average) at the completion of each year for four years, then 8 (or more) additional vacation hours per two years completed thereafter.
• 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 your 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.
• Contact details for a minimum of 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. 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
Contact us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-Oiler/Wiper 26.1 in the subject line.

Skills Required