Crew Dispatcher - Washington State Ferries

The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries OPEIU members
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.

WSDOT is currently seeking a service-driven non-permanent Crew Dispatcher to support WSF’s commitment to Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate by ensuring the continuous, safe, and efficient delivery of ferry service through accurate personnel dispatch and operational coordination. Working under general direction, this role processes employee relief requests, assigns qualified personnel to vessels, and manages daily and long-term staffing coverage to meet minimum crewing and regulatory requirements while maintaining accurate employee records.

The Dispatcher also coordinates essential vessel logistics (including fuel, lube oil, bilge pump, and other critical deliveries), helping prevent service disruptions or delays through timely, accurate decisions, effective problem-solving, and professional communication that builds trust and supports a respectful, responsive workplace.

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.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Crew Dispatcher will:

• Dispatch deck and engine room personnel in compliance with ISM, WSF policy, USCG requirements, and labor agreements.
• Receive relief requests; apply rules/seniority/overtime lists; contact personnel; document and enter assignments in the WSF Dispatching System.
• Assign qualified relief personnel and coordinate coverage for sea trials, vessel moves, inspections, training, and other operational needs.
• Maintain communication with operations, management, and vessel crews; support response to unexpected events/emergencies and elevate as needed.
• Maintain, enter, audit employee documentation/credentials; coordinate removal from vessels when documentation is not current; update dispatch team.
• Forecast and coordinate fuel, lube oil, bilge pump, and other operational deliveries; communicate timelines; maintain related records.
• Create on-call lists and long-term relief schedules; forecast labor needs; track daily schedules and paid/unpaid leave.
• Support labor agreement processes/projects (seniority lists, vacation schedules, bids/bumping) and assist Dispatch Coordinators as needed.
• 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.

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

• Operational and Dispatch Experience
  • Experience applying knowledge and skills gained through experience in an office, maritime, or operational environment to accurately receive, prioritize, and process dispatch requests; assign qualified personnel to vessels in compliance with applicable rules, regulations, and crewing requirements.
• Communication
  • Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication…