Inspector Specialist, Marine Location Alert: This opportunity is based in Panama City, FL! 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 three Inspector Specialist, Marine positions to serve as senior marine inspectors supporting new vessel construction and modification activities in Panama City, Florida. These roles provide critical oversight of shipyard work to help ensure vessels are built and modified in alignment with contract expectations, approved plans, and applicable standards. Serving as owner representatives, these positions help identify and resolve issues early, supporting quality, safety, and accountability throughout the construction process. Through this work, the Inspector Specialists contribute directly to WSF's mission of providing safe, reliable ferry service for the communities and travelers who depend on
Washington's marine highway system. 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 Inspector Specialist will: Inspect surface preparation, coatings, structural fabrication, and piping installation to ensure compliance with WSF specifications, contract requirements, industry standards, and regulatory requirements. Witness testing, coating evolutions, factory acceptance trials, commissioning, and startup activities to support vessel acceptance and operational readiness. Identify deficiencies and nonconformances, reject unacceptable work, and verify corrective actions to ensure quality and contract compliance. Coordinate with contractors, regulatory agencies, manufacturers, Project Engineers, and WSF engineering staff to interpret specifications, drawings, and technical requirements. Provide technical oversight to ensure proper installation of coatings, mechanical equipment, and approved materials. Prepare inspection reports, daily reports, deficiency reports, correspondence, and other project documentation; communicate project status, delays, and compliance issues. Review contractor documentation, including as-built drawings, specifications, submittals, and time-and-material reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance. Assist with testing procedures, progress validation, technical recommendations, and lessons learned to support successful project delivery and continuous improvement. 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 : Valid Driver's License Possession of a valid state-issued driver's license, as demonstrated through application materials and eligibility to operate a motor vehicle for business purposes. On-Site Availability Ability to work on-site in Panama City, Florida, up to 100% of the time, as demonstrated through work history, availability, or applicant responses. Marine Construction Inspection Experience conducting inspections, surveillance, testing observations, acceptance reviews, or quality assurance activities related to vessel construction, fabrication, repair, or marine industrial projects. Contract and Regulatory Compliance Experience evaluating work for compliance with contract requirements, specifications, industry standards, regulatory requirements, or quality control criteria. Engineering Drawing and Technical Document Interpretation Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, plans, specifications, construction documents, and technical requirements to verify installation, material usage, and workmanship. Marine Systems and Vessel Construction Knowledge Demonstrated knowledge of vessel layout, ship construction processes, fabrication methods, welding, piping systems, electrical systems, marine equipment, materials, and safety practices. Technical Problem Solving and Issue Resolution Experience identifying technical, production, design, quality, or compliance issues; analyzing impacts; communicating findings; and supporting resolution efforts. Stakeholder Communication and Coordination Experience communicating technical information and coordinating with contractors, engineers, project teams, regulatory agencies, or other stakeholders to support project objectives and compliance. Technical Documentation and Reporting Experience preparing, reviewing, or maintaining inspection reports, daily activity reports, deficiency reports, project correspondence, technical documentation, or contract records. Regulatory and Standards Knowledge Experience applying or interpreting contract documents, industry standards, codes, regulations, or U.S. Coast Guard requirements in a marine, construction, engineering, or industrial environment. Project Organization and Accountability Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, maintain accurate records, provide timely information, and produce quality work with attention to detail. Independent Judgment and Initiative Experience working independently, exercising professional judgment, prioritizing competing demands, and implementing solutions within established policies, procedures, and project requirements. Continuous Learning and Adaptability Demonstrated commitment to learning, adapting to changing priorities, acquiring new technical knowledge, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. Customer and Service Orientation Experience supporting internal or external customers through responsive communication, collaboration, and a commitment to meeting stakeholder needs. Marine Construction and Industry Practices Knowledge Working knowledge of marine construction methods, equipment, materials, estimating practices, project costs, and vessel construction processes, as demonstrated through relevant experience, training, or education. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Eligibility Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within six months of hire and maintain credential eligibility throughout employment, as demonstrated through applicant attestation and compliance with federal credentialing requirements. It is preferred that qualified candidates also have: Shipyard Construction or Owner's Representative Experience Experience serving as a shipyard employee, owner's representative, military equivalent, or project-level lead responsible for vessel construction, overhaul, renovation, repair, or modernization projects. Marine Inspection or Survey Experience Experience performing vessel inspections, surveys, audits, certifications, or compliance reviews for a regulatory agency, classification society, shipyard, vessel owner, or similar organization. Professional Engineering Application Experience applying engineering principles in ship design, marine engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical disciplines. Regulatory Agency or Classification Society Interface Experience coordinating with organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), or similar regulatory or classification authorities. Complex Marine Project Experience Experience supporting large-scale marine construction, vessel modernization, shipyard production, or capital improvement projects involving multiple stakeholders and technical disciplines. Important Notes This position is based in Panama City, Florida The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026. 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 357-28 of 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 Relocation allowance available for out-of-state hires Supplemental training for position in inspection roles is available 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
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