Employment with Washington State Ferries

We employ about 1,800 people throughout the Puget Sound region, on vessels, in terminals and at our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility. We also have staff at our headquarters and warehouse buildings in Seattle. 

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Before you apply

Some of our positions have specific requirements. It can be confusing for folks outside of the maritime industry to understand what is required to apply for various positions at WSF. This page is intended to serve as a guide to help you assess which job could be right for you. 

Deck positions

We’re hiring for:

• OS (Ordinary Seaman): Entry-level position. Maintains the cleanliness of the vessel. Includes cleaning bathrooms.
• AB (Able Seaman): Assists in loading/unloading passengers and vehicles. Stands watch on deck and in the wheelhouse.
• Check out this pre-employment resource to learn more about these positions and a full WSF Deck career pathway diagram.

When you apply you must have:

• A current Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)
• A current Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC)
• Ability to pass our 2-day USCG Basic Fire Fighting trainings and our USCG Personal Survival training.

Mate and Captain positions are licensed deck officers (LDOs). LDOs have additional training and licensing requirements. We have internal programs for those who want to advance to LDO positions. 

Engine room positions

We are hiring for Oiler and Wiper positions.

• Wipers must hold a Merchant Maritime Credential with the Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) endorsement.
• Oilers must hold a MMC and have 180 days of sea time.

Assistant Engineers and Chief Engineers are licensed engine room positions. We promote internally and also fill these positions through the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA). Contact the MEBA union hall for current engineer employment opportunities.

When you apply you must have:

• a current Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)
• a current Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC)
• a current U.S. Coast Guard Medical Certificate.
• The National Maritime Center (NMC) is a good "one-stop" for navigating these processes.

Skilled trade positions (electricians, welders, carpenters, etc.)

We operate 11 skilled trade shops at our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility in Bainbridge Island. These positions support critical vessel and terminal maintenance.

When you apply, most of the positions require a current Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).

Terminal positions

Terminal positions include Traffic Attendant, Ticket Seller, Terminal Supervisor and Regional Manager. There are also opportunities to transfer to a deck position. Check out this pre-employment resource which walks through the duties associated with these positions and shows a full WSF Terminal Career Pathway diagram. 

We are hiring for On-Call Terminal positions.

• As an “on-call” employee, you are entitled to two free days (either Tues, Wed or Thurs, Fri); you will not be scheduled on free days unless you request the additional work.
• There is no guarantee that you will achieve a specific number of hours as an on-call employee; your goal is to work as much as possible.

When you apply you must have a current Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).

What we can offer you

State of Washington government employment offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. In addition to the potential for a flexible work schedule, state employees are eligible for a benefits package that includes health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits to meet your current and future needs.