Dispatch Coordinator - Washington State Ferries

The Dispatch Coordinator will serve as the lead dispatcher responsible for long-term scheduling and assignment of relief personnel to vessels, ensuring minimum crewing requirements are met and ferry service operates without interruption.

• Plan, schedule, and assign certified and qualified relief vessel personnel to ensure WSF vessels meet minimum crewing requirements in compliance with operational needs, labor agreements, and USCG regulations.
• Develop, distribute, and adjust long-term and relief schedules; forecast staffing needs and create schedules based on projected demand and personnel availability.
• Maintain accurate employee records within the Crew Dispatch System, including schedules, attendance, leave, qualifications, promotions, and status changes to support compliance and operational readiness.
• Serve as dispatching lead by coordinating daily workloads, training and guiding Crew Dispatchers, and dispatching licensed and unlicensed deck and engine personnel as needed.
• Fill relief requests using applicable seniority, overtime, and collective bargaining rules; document communications and assign personnel for standard operations, vessel moves, inspections, sea trials, and emergencies.
• Communicate with personnel, operations, and management regarding work assignments, schedules, and unexpected circumstances; maintain operational and radio communications as required.
• Perform fleet support functions, including maintaining employee documentation, coordinating fuel, lube oil, bilge pump, and other vessel deliveries, creating on-call lists, and reviewing workplace violations.
• Assist the Bid Administrator with vacation, seasonal, and permanent bid processes; support reporting, audits, pay order reviews, and other related duties as assigned.

• Operational Expertise: Demonstrates a thorough understanding of vessel operations, crew scheduling, and dispatching principles to ensure staffing meets operational and regulatory requirements.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to assess staffing needs, anticipate challenges, and develop effective scheduling solutions within established guidelines and labor agreements.
• Communication and Collaboration: Communicates clearly and respectfully with vessel personnel, management, and labor representatives, both verbally and in writing, to coordinate relief assignments and resolve scheduling matters.
• Customer and Service Orientation: Provides responsive, professional, and courteous service to employees and partners, reflecting WSF’s values of Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate.
• Technical Proficiency: Uses computer systems and applications effectively, including the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and specialized dispatch or scheduling software.
• Time Management and Organization: Manages multiple priorities efficiently and meets deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Confidentiality and Professional Judgment: Maintains composure and discretion while managing sensitive personnel information and making time-critical decisions.

• Flexible/Hybrid work options
• Paid leave
• Tuition Assistance
• Comprehensive benefits package

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence.