Health & Safety Program Manager - Washington State Ferries

Salary : $81,584.00 - $109,740.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 25DOT-WSF-9W143
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Washington State Ferries
Opening Date: 11/25/2025
Closing Date: 12/2/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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 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.
The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Health and Safety Program Manager to lead WSF's efforts to maintain a safe, healthy, and compliant work environment. This position develops and implements safety programs, conducts inspections, supports emergency response planning and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations. By promoting a strong safety culture and providing guidance across the organization this role helps protect employees and supports the safe, reliable operation of the WSF 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 Health and Safety Program Manager will:

• Develop and implement comprehensive health and safety programs for maritime operations, ensuring compliance with local, national, international regulations, and ISO 45001.
• Conduct regular inspections and evaluations to identify hazards, assess compliance, and recommend corrective and preventative actions.
• Supervise and support health and safety staff, fostering teamwork and professional growth.
• Manage the Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) Program, including MSDS access, chemical authorization, and introduction of safer products.
• Review and authorize hazardous materials transportation requests and ensure adherence to Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Special Permits.
• Provide ergonomic assessments for employees, worksites, and specific job functions upon request.
• Collect and analyze safety performance metrics, preparing reports and recommendations for senior management.
• Lead training and awareness programs and engage with regulatory bodies, industry groups, and internal partners to align safety practices.
• 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:

Health & Safety Program Development

• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and maintain occupational health and safety programs compliant with OSHA, USCG, L&I, PHMSA, and industry standards.
• Experience tailoring health and safety programs to complex operational environments (e.g., maritime, industrial, shipyard, transportation).

Safety Inspections & Compliance Monitoring

• Proven skill conducting safety inspections, hazard assessments, and compliance evaluations.
• Ability to recommend and implement corrective and preventive actions based on inspection findings.

Leadership & Team Management

• Experience supervising or leading health and safety staff, providing day-to-day guidance, coaching, performance management, and technical direction.
• Supports a collaborative, respectful, and equitable team environment.

Budgetary Management

• Experience in managing the budget for health and safety programs including funding decisions related to health and safety program improvements, technology investments, personal protective equipment (PPE) and maritime safety gear.
• Experience in managing resources or assets related to portable emergency response equipment, such as: fire extinguishers, first aid & trauma kits, automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), and respiratory protection equipment.

Hazard Communication & Chemical Safety

• Experience managing HAZCOM programs, including MSDS/SDS systems, chemical authorization, and assessing safer chemical alternatives.

Hazardous Materials Oversight

• Demonstrated ability to review, evaluate, and approve hazardous materials transportation requests.
• Working knowledge of PHMSA special permits and federal transportation requirements.

Ergonomic Assessment

• Experience conducting ergonomic assessments for employees, job tasks, and worksites.

Safety Data Analysis & Reporting

• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret safety performance data.
• Experience in preparing safety reports, dashboards, and recommendations or corrective actions for leadership.

Training & Safety Awareness

• Skill designing and delivering health and safety training, workshops, and briefings for diverse audiences.

Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement

• Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies, industry groups, and internal departments to support compliance and promote best practices.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Advanced Technical Knowledge & Certifications

• OSHA 30-Hour (Maritime/Construction/General Industry).
• HAZWOPER 40-hour.
• RCRA/Dangerous Waste certification.
• Fall Protection Competent Person.
• Shipyard Competent Person.
• ICS 100/200/300/700/800.
• First Aid/CPR/AED.
• Experience administering HAZCOM programs.
• Experience applying ISO 45001 safety management systems.

Industry-Specific Experience

• Experience in maritime, shipyard, industrial, and transportation safety environments with elevated risk profiles.

Program & Policy Development

• Track record developing comprehensive health and safety programs, risk assessments, emergency response procedures, and organization-wide safety initiatives.

Strategic Leadership & Influence

• Ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels and support safety culture improvements across an organization.

Advanced Communication & Representation

• Experience presenting health and safety information to leadership, workforce groups, external partners, or industry forums both virtually and in-person.

Change Management & Continuous Improvement

• Skill supporting organizational change related to new safety systems, standards, or cultural initiatives.
• Commitment to staying current on regulatory changes and emerging safety best practices.

Innovative Problem Solving

• Ability to anticipate evolving risks and develop proactive, practical, and innovative safety solutions.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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

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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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 Please be sure to reference 25DOT-WSF-9W143 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025
01

Briefly describe your experience with regulated occupational health and safety programs (e.g., OSHA, USCG, L&I, PHMSA) and your role in supporting or leading them.
02

In a short paragraph, describe your experience writing policies and procedures for health and safety programs in complex environments (maritime/industrial/shipyard/transportation).
03

Please select the option that best describes your experience developing, implementing, or maintaining occupational health and safety programs in regulated environments (OSHA, USCG, L&I, PHMSA, etc.).

• Led full development and implementation of health and safety programs in complex environments (maritime/industrial/shipyard/transportation).
• Independently implemented or managed health and safety programs and ensured regulatory compliance.
• Assisted in developing or updating health and safety programs under guidance.
• Limited exposure to health and safety program development.
• No experience.

04

Please select the option that best reflects your experience conducting safety inspections, hazard assessments, and recommending corrective actions.

• Independently conducted inspections/assessments and led corrective/preventive action plans.
• Conducted inspections and recommended corrective actions.
• Assisted with inspections and documentation.
• Limited exposure.
• No experience.

05

Please select the option that best describes your experience supervising, directing, or mentoring health and safety professionals or technical staff.

• Supervised health and safety teams, provided coaching, performance management, and supported a collaborative, respectful work environment.
• Led staff or acted as a lead worker providing direction to others.
• Provided informal guidance or mentoring.
• Limited team support experience.
• No experience.

06

Which best reflects your communication skills in cross-functional settings?

• I routinely collaborate with diverse stakeholders and deliver clear messaging that supports decision-making.
• I communicate effectively with internal partners and contribute to collaboration.
• I have some experience communicating with stakeholders but still developing clarity and effectiveness.
• I have limited professional communication experience but am building skills.
• I have minimal experience with collaboration or stakeholder communication.

07

Provide a short description of your experience managing HAZCOM programs, SDS systems, and chemical approvals.
08

Please select the option that best describes your experience with HAZCOM programs, SDS systems, and chemical authorization

• Managed full HAZCOM programs, SDS systems, and chemical approval processes.
• Maintained SDS systems or supported chemical approvals.
• Assisted with HAZCOM tasks.
• Limited exposure.
• No experience.

09

Please select the option that best describes your experience with hazardous materials transportation requirements.

• Reviewed and approved hazardous materials transportation requests and applied PHMSA special permits
• Evaluated hazardous materials documentation but did not approve requests.
• Assisted with hazmat oversight.
• Limited exposure.
• No experience.

10

In a few sentences, describe your experience assessing workplace ergonomics.
11

Please select the option that best reflects your experience conducting ergonomic assessments.

• Independently conducted ergonomic assessments and provided recommendations for employees and worksites.
• Conducted assessments with some oversight.
• Assisted with assessments.
• Limited exposure.
• No experience.

12

Please select the option that best describes your experience analyzing safety data and preparing reports for leadership.

• Analyzed data, identified trends, and prepared dashboards/reports with recommendations.
• Analyzed data and prepared reports with review from others.
• Collected data but limited experience analyzing or reporting.
• Limited exposure.
• No experience.

13

Provide a short summary of your experience preparing or delivering health and safety training.
14

Please select the option that best describes your experience designing or delivering health and safety training.

• Designed and delivered health and safety training, workshops, or briefings for diverse audiences.
• Delivered health and safety training developed by others
• Assisted with training logistics or materials.
• Limited exposure.
• No experience.

15

Please select the option that best reflects your experience collaborating with regulatory agencies, industry groups, or internal departments.

• Regularly coordinated with regulatory agencies, industry partners, and internal groups to support compliance and safety initiatives.
• Partnered with internal stakeholders and occasionally interacted with regulators.
• Supported engagement activities under supervision.
• Limited exposure.
• No experience.

16

Please select the option that best describes your level of advanced technical training or industry-specific experience (OSHA 30, HAZWOPER, RCRA, ISO 45001, ICS, maritime/shipyard safety, etc.).

• Multiple advanced safety certifications AND extensive industry-specific experience (maritime, shipyard, industrial, or transportation).
• At least one advanced certification OR moderate industry-specific experience.
• Some related coursework OR limited experience in high-risk environments.
• Minimal exposure to advanced training or industry-specific settings.
• No related certifications or experience.

17

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

18

If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question

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