Marine Pipefitter Journeyperson – Washington State Ferries

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, 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, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a skilled professional to support the maintenance and reliability of critical piping systems across ferry vessels and terminals. This role plays a vital part in ensuring safe, dependable service by maintaining systems essential to daily operations, including fuel, hydraulic, water, and fire suppression. Through careful attention to safety standards and regulatory requirements, this position helps keep facilities and vessels service-ready for the traveling public. Working as part of a collaborative team, the incumbent contributes to a culture grounded in respect, clear communication, and continuous improvement. This work directly supports Washington State Ferries’ mission to deliver safe, reliable transportation and exceptional public service.

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 Marine Pipefitter Journeyperson will:

• Install, maintain, and repair vessel plumbing and piping systems, including pipes, valves, fixtures, and drain lines. 
• Cut, thread, braze, solder, and bend pipe and tubing; perform silver brazing and welding as needed. 
• Maintain and repair mechanical and piping systems, including steering, steam/condensate, boilers, compressed air, CO2, hydraulics, hoses, valves, pumps, and pressure vessels. 
• Perform boiler maintenance and repair, including disassembly, cleaning, component replacement, reassembly, and pressure testing to SCE and USCG standards. 
• Assist with USCG inspections; test and certify backflow devices, fire extinguishers, and CO2 systems, including required documentation and bottle replacement. 
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot terminal plumbing and piping systems, including drains, sewage, air, water, oil, and hydraulic systems. 
• Perform preventative maintenance and QA/QC documentation to ensure equipment is service-ready. 
• Use tools, equipment, and PPE safely; support other crafts, complete administrative tasks, and prioritize work to meet operational needs.
• 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:

• Service Orientation – Demonstrates experience providing responsive service and taking action to meet the needs of internal or external customers in a work setting. 
• Continuous Learning (Growth Mindset) – Demonstrates ongoing skill development through training, certifications, or progressively responsible work experience in a related trade or technical field. 
• Piping Systems Knowledge – Demonstrates knowledge of vessel or industrial piping systems (e.g., fuel, hydraulic, lube oil, fire suppression, potable water, sewage, seawater), including materials, components, installation methods, and applicable codes/standards, as evidenced by work history or training. 
• Blueprint and Technical Interpretation – Demonstrates ability to read, interpret, and apply blueprints, schematics, and technical specifications to complete installation, maintenance, or repair work. 
• Pipe Fabrication and Installation – Demonstrates hands-on experience performing pipe fabrication, installation, and repair, including measuring, cutting, threading, bending, fitting, brazing/soldering, and system assembly using standard tools and equipment. 
• Troubleshooting and System Repair – Demonstrates ability to diagnose piping system issues, perform repairs, and complete testing, flushing, and commissioning activities. 
• Safety Compliance in Industrial Environments – Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to safety practices, including use of PPE and safe work procedures in shipyard, vessel, or comparable hazardous environments. 
• Work Execution and Reliability – Demonstrates ability to follow instructions, maintain quality standards, manage time effectively, and complete work assignments independently or collaboratively in fast-paced or emergent situations. 
• Physical Work Capability – Demonstrates ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds, working in confined spaces, at heights, and in varying or awkward positions, as required by the role.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Trade Certifications (Backflow/Related) – Possession of backflow testing certification and/or other relevant trade certifications applicable to piping, mechanical, or maritime systems. 
• Attention to Detail and Task Coordination – Demonstrates experience maintaining accuracy in work and coordinating tasks across trades or contributing to complex or multi-step projects. 
• Flexible Scheduling and Workforce Support – Demonstrates willingness and availability to work varied shifts or respond to callouts, and experience supporting or mentoring apprentices or less experienced staff.

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28of 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 www.uscis.gov

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 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. 

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 www.uscis.gov

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-C0509 in the subject line.