Wireless Communications Systems Tech 2 - Washington State Ferries
State of Washington, Olympia, WA, United States
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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, 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
WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a skilled communications professional to help maintain the critical systems that keep Washington State Ferries connected, responsive, and operating safely each day. This role supports reliable communication across vessels, terminals, and partner agencies by ensuring essential radio, network, dispatch, and public address systems remain operational and resilient. Through technical expertise and regulatory compliance, the position plays a key part in protecting public safety, supporting emergency response readiness, and enabling efficient ferry operations. The work directly contributes to dependable service for the traveling public while advancing WSF’s commitment to service, trust, and operational excellence.
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 Wireless Communications Systems Tech 2 will:
Troubleshoot, repair, install, and maintain shipboard and shore-based communications systems, including radio, intercom, cellular, PBX, repeater, and PA systems.
Provide 24/7 emergency response to restore communication system failures across the WSF system.
Inspect, test, align, and repair systems using approved procedures, tools, and technical documentation.
Perform preventative maintenance to ensure reliable fleet and terminal operations.
Complete work in compliance with FCC, NEMA, ABS, Title 46 CFR, UL, OSHA, and applicable standards.
Maintain accurate records, CMMS entries, reports, and work status updates.
Keep supervisors informed of project status, backlog, recurring issues, and safety concerns; coordinate routine and emergency work.
Provide technical support and collaborate with engineers, vendors, and agency partners on repairs, documentation, and system improvements.
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:
Customer Service / Service Orientation
– Demonstrated ability to respond effectively to the needs of internal and external customers and provide timely, professional support.
Continuous Learning / Growth Mindset
– Demonstrated willingness to learn new systems, accept feedback, adapt to change, and develop technical knowledge and skills.
Respectful & Inclusive Workplace Practices
– Experience contributing to a professional work environment that values respect, teamwork, equal opportunity, and collaboration.
Marine Electrical / Communications Systems Maintenance
– Experience maintaining, repairing, installing, or troubleshooting marine electrical and/or communications systems.
Technical Knowledge & Electrical Safety
– Working knowledge of electrical safe work practices, electrical theory, and the ability to read prints, schematics, and technical diagrams.
Diagnostic Testing & Troubleshooting
– Experience using test equipment such as power meters, spectrum analyzers, communications test sets, digital volt meters (DVM), or similar tools to diagnose and repair systems.
Computer & Software Proficiency
– Ability to use standard computer software, maintenance systems, and technical applications for diagnostics, reporting, and documentation.
Licensing & Certification Compliance
– Ability to obtain and maintain FCC licensing/certifications (Elements 1, 3, and 9) within 90 days of hire.
Security Credential Compliance
– Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within 90 days of hire.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
– Ability to meet respiratory protection requirements, pre-employment drug testing, and continued participation in random drug/alcohol testing programs.
Valid Driver’s License
– Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to travel between work locations.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
Marine Radio Systems Experience
– Experience maintaining, installing, or troubleshooting marine-based radio systems and related software using industry-standard tools.
Public Address Systems Experience
– Experience maintaining, repairing, or installing public address (PA) systems.
Cellular Booster / Distribution Systems Experience
– Experience installing, maintaining, or troubleshooting cellular booster and signal distribution systems.
PBX Telephony Systems Experience
– Experience working with PBX analog and digital telephone systems.
Mission-Critical Operations Experience
– Experience working in marine, transportation, public safety, or other environments requiring reliable operational communications systems.
Important Notes
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.gov.
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.
PlanFor 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.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
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.
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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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, 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
WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a skilled communications professional to help maintain the critical systems that keep Washington State Ferries connected, responsive, and operating safely each day. This role supports reliable communication across vessels, terminals, and partner agencies by ensuring essential radio, network, dispatch, and public address systems remain operational and resilient. Through technical expertise and regulatory compliance, the position plays a key part in protecting public safety, supporting emergency response readiness, and enabling efficient ferry operations. The work directly contributes to dependable service for the traveling public while advancing WSF’s commitment to service, trust, and operational excellence.
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 Wireless Communications Systems Tech 2 will:
Troubleshoot, repair, install, and maintain shipboard and shore-based communications systems, including radio, intercom, cellular, PBX, repeater, and PA systems.
Provide 24/7 emergency response to restore communication system failures across the WSF system.
Inspect, test, align, and repair systems using approved procedures, tools, and technical documentation.
Perform preventative maintenance to ensure reliable fleet and terminal operations.
Complete work in compliance with FCC, NEMA, ABS, Title 46 CFR, UL, OSHA, and applicable standards.
Maintain accurate records, CMMS entries, reports, and work status updates.
Keep supervisors informed of project status, backlog, recurring issues, and safety concerns; coordinate routine and emergency work.
Provide technical support and collaborate with engineers, vendors, and agency partners on repairs, documentation, and system improvements.
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:
Customer Service / Service Orientation
– Demonstrated ability to respond effectively to the needs of internal and external customers and provide timely, professional support.
Continuous Learning / Growth Mindset
– Demonstrated willingness to learn new systems, accept feedback, adapt to change, and develop technical knowledge and skills.
Respectful & Inclusive Workplace Practices
– Experience contributing to a professional work environment that values respect, teamwork, equal opportunity, and collaboration.
Marine Electrical / Communications Systems Maintenance
– Experience maintaining, repairing, installing, or troubleshooting marine electrical and/or communications systems.
Technical Knowledge & Electrical Safety
– Working knowledge of electrical safe work practices, electrical theory, and the ability to read prints, schematics, and technical diagrams.
Diagnostic Testing & Troubleshooting
– Experience using test equipment such as power meters, spectrum analyzers, communications test sets, digital volt meters (DVM), or similar tools to diagnose and repair systems.
Computer & Software Proficiency
– Ability to use standard computer software, maintenance systems, and technical applications for diagnostics, reporting, and documentation.
Licensing & Certification Compliance
– Ability to obtain and maintain FCC licensing/certifications (Elements 1, 3, and 9) within 90 days of hire.
Security Credential Compliance
– Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within 90 days of hire.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
– Ability to meet respiratory protection requirements, pre-employment drug testing, and continued participation in random drug/alcohol testing programs.
Valid Driver’s License
– Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to travel between work locations.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
Marine Radio Systems Experience
– Experience maintaining, installing, or troubleshooting marine-based radio systems and related software using industry-standard tools.
Public Address Systems Experience
– Experience maintaining, repairing, or installing public address (PA) systems.
Cellular Booster / Distribution Systems Experience
– Experience installing, maintaining, or troubleshooting cellular booster and signal distribution systems.
PBX Telephony Systems Experience
– Experience working with PBX analog and digital telephone systems.
Mission-Critical Operations Experience
– Experience working in marine, transportation, public safety, or other environments requiring reliable operational communications systems.
Important Notes
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.gov.
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.
PlanFor 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.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr