Deputy Director of Marine Operations

Description

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Washington State Ferry (WSF) system is essential to Washington's transportation network, linking communities on both sides of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. There are over 400 sailings each day on 10 ferry routes. WSF transports nearly 17 million passengers a year and has more than 1,800 employees. Employees perform a variety of duties on vessels, in terminals, at the maintenance facility, and at the Seattle headquarters.

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Deputy Director of Marine Operations to support strategic initiatives and leadership across operational sectors, focusing on workforce development and operational readiness. This position assists in formulating and applying policies, procedures, and standards to ensure a safe, reliable, and efficient marine transportation service. The position participates in driving the team towards achieving exceptional operational service and efficiency levels and supports the assurance of well-qualified and trained fleet and terminal staff.

What to Expect
The Deputy Director is a senior management position supporting the oversight of Washington State Ferries operations, encompassing fleet operations (deck and engine), terminal operations, program management, operations center, bid administration, and dispatch. The Deputy Director collaborates closely and reports to the Director of Marine Operations. This role contributes to the planning and coordination of all operations activities within the division.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Deputy Director of Marine Operations will:

• Support the definition, implementation, and performance monitoring of daily operations across Washington State Ferries.
• Assist in ensuring the agency’s adherence to all regulatory mandates.
• Assist in identifying quarterly, annual, and biennial staffing needs across the fleet.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and Training departments to co-develop a holistic workforce development.
• Support the personnel management process as authorized by the director of Marine Operations.
• Support long-term strategic planning, budget development, and capital planning initiatives.
• Assist in identifying and championing strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing terminal and vessel operations, performance, and service delivery, ensuring continuous improvement in all aspects of marine operations.
• Set clear priorities for the negotiation of eight critical labor contracts, ensuring that each negotiation aligns with the strategic goals and operational needs.
• Actively participates in contract negotiations as a key management representative.
• Develop, refine, and enforce key business processes.
• Develop the department’s budget for operating programs.
• Serves as the principal departmental liaison to the Safety Department and the United States Coast Guard.

• Eight (8) years of experience in maritime or transportation sectors, with a focus on managing vessel operations, port management, or service delivery.
• Experience in developing policies and strategic direction for complex organizations.
• Proven track record in implementing performance improvement measures and operational strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with various functional areas impacting operations, such as planning, finance, personnel, and engineering.
• Experience in maintaining accountability and public trust, setting overall direction and policy for financial transactions and internal controls.

• Proficiency in resolving complex issues among entities with differing objectives, including contractors, vendors, consultants, public agencies, and local communities and union partners.
• Experience representing an agency or business in public forums, including community, legislative, and executive meetings.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively engage with legislators, executives, union partners, media, and the public.
• Skilled in high-level negotiations and partnering with local jurisdictions, agencies, and union partners.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop teams of direct reporting staff, fostering overall engagement and productivity.
• Proven success in coaching, motivating and empowering employees, as well as resolving technical and interpersonal conflicts.
• Proven success in coaching, motivating and empowering employees, as well as resolving technical and interpersonal conflicts.
• Ability to establish a workplace culture committed to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.

• Understanding of management, leadership, and strategic planning principles.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining processes and labor/union engagement principles.
• Knowledge of finance, budgeting, policy, and project management.
• Working knowledge of state personnel laws, regulations, and policies.

• Ability to build strong, collaborative networks and communicate effectively at all levels, across different cultures, and diverse populations.
• Capability to establish strategic direction and ensure consistent execution of plans, projects, and tactical initiatives.
• Sill in implementing and encouraging continuous improvement and change.
• Ability to establish effective, and open communication with business partners and labor unions on human resource and operational issues.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information to diverse technical and non-technical groups.

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Business Administration or Management.
• Bachelor’s degree from a maritime, or military academy, college, or university.
• Familiarity with the USCG regulations pertaining to required credentials, certifications, operations, and maintenance of sea-going vessel and crew.
• Experience in Change Management, LEAN, or Six Sigma Process improvements.

• The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions with an assigned duty station in King County.
• 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.wa.gov

• 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 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.

• 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 of 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.