On Call Terminal Attendant Washington State Ferries

Tacoma, WA San Juan Islands, WA, United States

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
WSF is seeking dedicated, career-minded individuals to join our team as On-Call Terminal Attendants. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of the largest maritime highway system in the United States while providing essential support to ferry operations and creating a welcoming environment for the millions of passengers we serve each year.
Terminal Attendants are stationed at ferry terminals located throughout Puget Sound, from Anacortes in the north to Point Defiance in Tacoma. In this vital role, you will support the daily operations of our terminals by performing janitorial and light maintenance tasks, assisting with traffic control, collecting boarding passes or proof of payment, and operating terminal equipment. In some cases, you may also serve as a watchman during vessel tie-up.
Our Terminal Attendants play a key role in delivering a safe, smooth, and positive experience for the traveling public and are essential to the continued success of WSF's mission to connect communities across the region.
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
As an on-call employee, you must be available to work all shifts, including mornings, mid-days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. These essential positions provide coverage for scheduled absences but are especially vital for responding to last-minute staffing needs, often requiring prompt availability and flexibility.
This recruitment is for our Winter hiring, as WSF will be hiring Terminal Attendants every quarter, Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Terminal Attendant will:

  • Safely and efficiently assist in the loading and unloading of vessels, working in coordination with deck officers and crew to ensure timely operations.
  • Utilize a two-way radio to maintain clear communication with the First Mate and ticketing personnel regarding loading status, delays, and priority vehicle needs.
  • Direct vehicle traffic using hand signals and verbal commands to ensure balanced loading and safe vessel operation.
  • Operate bullnose tractors to assist in vehicle movement and positioning as needed.
  • Collect fares and issue tickets to passengers in accordance with WSF procedures.
  • Maintain cleanliness and orderliness in passenger service areas and restrooms, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.
  • 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:
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Valid unrestricted Driver's License and ability to operate heavy equipment, such as a bullnose tractor and transfer spans.
  • Possess and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). (Must have TWIC at time of application.)
  • Attend one of our virtual Information Sessions.
  • Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:30 am
  • Monday, November 24, 2025, at 1:00 pm
  • Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 5:00 pm
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to learn the WSF point-of-sale system.
  • Ability to read and interpret tide table and Tariff rates sheet (fees schedule).
  • Ability to greet customers in a friendly, professional manner.
  • Ability to travel to various terminal facilities as needed.
  • Ability to learn and abide by all prescribed safety and security procedures and maintain compliance.
  • Ability to stand and walk for long periods at a time, use both arms and hands to provide hand signals and directions as needed.
  • Occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to work outside in various weather conditions.
Important Notes
  • This recruitment will be used to fill multiple on-call positions.
  • An anticipated start date for this position is January 12, 2026.
  • This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). For more information, please go to
  • 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. * The base salaries for each level are:
  • Terminal Attendant (during probation): $26.89
  • Ticket Taker (during probation): $28.03
  • Ticket Seller (during probation): $31.53
  • Terminal Attendant (probation completed): $33.28
  • Ticket Taker (probation completed): $32.97
  • Ticket Seller (probation completed): $36.75
Why WSDOT
  • Paid Leave - In addition to 13 paid holidays, full-time employees earn accrued vacation time per the collective bargaining agreement!
  • 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.
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 for 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. 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 25DOT-WSF-TERMINALS 25.3 in the subject line.

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Job Detail

  • Job Id
    JD5855577
  • Industry
    Not mentioned
  • Total Positions
    1
  • Job Type:
    Full Time
  • Salary:
    $26.89-36.75 per hour
  • Employment Status
    Permanent
  • Job Location
    Tacoma, WA San Juan Islands, WA, United States
  • Education
    Not mentioned