For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Eight (8) years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience in vessel design, commercial vessel operations, vessel inspection/auditing, shipyard project inspection or closely related experience.
• Education in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or closely related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 8 years of experience.
• 7 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 6 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 5 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 4 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Ability to conduct vessel and oil-transfer inspections
Including boarding vessels (at berth and at anchor), reviewing documents, interviewing crew, and determining compliance with regulations and industry standards.

Knowledge of or ability to learn maritime operations, vessel safety, and oil transfer regulations
Ability to interpret state regulations, industry standards, and technical procedures related to spill prevention.

Ability to safely access vessels in a marine environment
Must be able to climb gangways, pilot ladders, accommodation ladders, inclined ramps, and navigate multiple deck levels in various weather conditions while wearing required PPE.

Strong technical writing and communication skills
Ability to write clear inspection reports, spill investigation summaries, correspondence, and present information to internal and external audiences.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• This position is part of the Spills Program Incident Management Team (IMT) and Crisis Management Team and is required to complete Incident Command System (ICS) training at the level of 100, 300, 700 and 800.

           ICS 100: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
           ICS 200: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
           ICS 700: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-700.b
           ICS 800: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-800.c

• You must maintain HAZWOPER certification annually and continual training as required by the Program as they come available.
• Obtain the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC card) which entails a detailed background check.
• Hold and maintain eligibility and certification to permit travel to and from Canada, including passport or Enhanced Driver’s License.
• Hold and maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Position requires a willingness and ability to occasionally work in excess of 40 hours per week and travel statewide or out-of-state including after-hours inspections seven days a week.

Desired Qualifications:

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

Ecology 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.

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Vessel and Oil Transfer Inspector & Fishing Vessel Inspection Coordinator (Marine Transportation Safety Specialist 3) within the Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response program.

Location:

• Northwest Region Office in Shoreline, WA.
• The salary listed includes 5% premium pay due to the position location in King County.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• This position requires field work and emergency response, while there is some office work and you may telework most of your office work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by December 7, 2025
• This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.

This position has the unique opportunity to work directly with the local and international maritime community to protect Washington waters from the threat of oil spills. In this position, you will work to prevent oil spills to Washington waters by conducting inspections on fishing vessels and other large commercial vessels to determine their oil spill risk. You will also inspect over-water oil transfers and investigate spills and marine casualties. You will have the opportunity to spend time each week out on the waterfront working with operators of fishing vessels, fuel barges, commercial marinas, and facilities delivering oil. You will be part of a skilled and dedicated inspection team and will develop in-depth knowledge of local maritime operations and oil spill prevention best practices.

What you will do:

• Schedule and conduct inspections of fishing vessels and other large commercial vessels, to determine their risk of oil spills.
• Provide fishing vessel subject matter expertise to the inspection team.
• Schedule and conduct oil transfer inspections.  
• Inspect regulated fuel terminals (Class 3) and regulated marinas (Class 4) to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Support spill investigation by providing technical assistance and performing spill incident and marine accident causal analysis investigations. 
• Serve as Prevention Duty Officer on a regular rotation during normal working hours.