Division:	Ferries
Recruitment Number:	WMS 08-044
Location:	Seattle (Belltown)
Salary:	$96,276 to $123,486 annually depending on qualifications
Posting Date:	Friday, June 13, 2008
Closing Date:	Friday, July 11, 2008

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Position Profile: This is not a job but rather a career opportunity in a one of a kind position. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Ferries System is an integral part of Washington’s transportation infrastructure. If it does not run efficiently 365 days a year, it is equivalent, if not worse to the collapse of any major highway system. The Deputy Chief for Construction and Operations is a key position in this infrastructure and is responsible for operations and construction management of the largest ferry system in the United States – 24 vessels and 20 terminals throughout Puget Sound.  

Reporting to the Ferries System Chief, this executive position serves five important roles. They are: (1) Managing the construction of new vessels; (2) Working with the United States Coast Guard to ensure the maintenance and safety requirements for existing fleet vessels are met; (3) Constructing, updating and preserving ferry terminals; and, (4) Overseeing the operations of ferry service on 10 routes; and, (5) Improving levels of customer service.

At this time, the position’s most critical aspect is the oversight responsibilities associated with the construction of five new vessels over the next four years. At an estimated cost in excess of $300 million, the new Deputy Chief will be under intense scrutiny to ensure this project is completed on time and within budget. In addition, the Deputy Chief will be working on a long-term preservation plan for vessels in the existing fleet in collaboration with the United States Coast Guard. Finally, the Deputy Chief will develop the capital plan for ferry terminal upgrades and new construction.

To accomplish these tasks, the Deputy Chief will need to be a maritime expert with significant fleet operations and construction experience. He or she will assist the Ferries System Chief in establishing relationships with shipyards, recommending operating efficiencies and improving customer service.

The successful candidate will:

 

• Manage available funds to successfully accomplish Ferries System biennial programs within legislatively authorized levels. 
• Assume key role in the negotiation of contractual agreements to construct new vessels for the fleet. 
• Maintain collaborative working relationships with federal, state and local governments and agencies with interests in Ferries System services. 
• Demonstrate sound decision-making and good judgment on a constant basis.

 

Desired qualifications include:

 

• Clear and effective communication skills both in the written and oral form.
• Hands-on knowledge of engineering (civil and marine) and operations (terminal and vessel).
• Senior-level operations experience preferably in a maritime setting.
• Demonstrated experience creating and maintaining beneficial and positive relations with labor unions.
• Experience and knowledge of Coast Guard policies and regulations as they pertain to passenger vessels.
• Experience managing and directing large capital and operating budgets.

 

Compensation:  $96,276 to $123,486 annually depending on qualifications.
Outstanding benefits including health, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; vacation, sick, military and civil leave; dependent care assistance program; employee assistance program; deferred compensation plans; educational benefits program; 11 paid holidays; and state retirement plans.

How To Apply: To be considered for this position, please email the following (combined into one document) to hqhr [at] wsdot [dot] wa [dot] gov (subject: WMS 08-044) by 5:00 p.m. on July 11, 2008 in this order:

Letter of Interest.
Chronological Resume.
Applicant Profile (optional).

Be prepared to provide references at the time of interview. Application assessment will be ongoing and the hiring authority reserves the right to interview and offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant’s advantage to apply as early as possible. Interested applicants are encouraged to personally contact the recruiter.

Electronic application materials in Word format are preferred; however, hard copies may be sent to:

hqhr [at] wsdot [dot] wa [dot] gov Subject: WMS 08-044	or	WSDOT – Headquarters Office of Human Resources Attn: Ted Koska, Recruitment Manager PO Box 47310 Olympia, WA 98504-7310 Phone: 360.705.7509 FAX: 360.705.6849