Health & Safety Program Manager - Washington State Ferries
State of Washington, Seattle, 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 Health & Safety Program Manager to lead and strengthen occupational health and safety programs across vessel operations, terminals, maintenance facilities, and administrative functions. This is fundamentally a culture leadership role, one that calls for someone who can move an organization beyond compliance as the ceiling toward well‑being as the standard. The position is responsible for advancing risk reduction strategies, workforce well‑being initiatives, and consistent safety standards across the organization, with the expectation that this leader will shape how WSF's people think about and practice safety every day. The position partners with operational leaders, labor representatives, and executive stakeholders to address emerging risks, improve safety performance, and support informed decision‑making. Through strategic oversight and proactive program leadership, this role directly supports safe, reliable ferry service and WSF’s commitment to public service 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 [Working Title] will:
Establish and maintain WSF-wide health, safety, and workforce well‑being standards across vessel, terminal, EHMF, warehouse, and administrative operations.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and frameworks aligned with maritime, OSHA, WISHA, USCG, life safety, and ISO 45001 standards.
Oversee inspections, hazard analyses, industrial hygiene, and regulatory evaluations; exercise or delegate stop‑work authority when needed.
Provide leadership for a growing industrial hygiene program that has made significant progress in hearing conservation, exposure monitoring, and other disciplines that directly protect the health of crews and shore‑side employees.
Analyze findings and trends to ensure corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are implemented and effective.
Supervise Health & Safety staff, including performance management, workload prioritization, and professional development.
Provide strategic oversight of fleet safety equipment programs through direct coordination with the responsible program employee, ensuring alignment with WSF-wide safety standards and well‑being objectives.
Track program performance through KPIs and metrics; provide reports and recommendations to executive leadership.
Lead training, workforce engagement, committee governance, and external coordination with regulatory and industry partners.
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 :
Occupational Health, Safety & Workforce Well-Being Leadership
Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and continuously improve comprehensive occupational health, safety, and workforce well‑being programs in complex, high‑risk operational environments (e.g., maritime, shipyard, industrial, transportation, or similarly regulated settings).
Demonstrated ability to integrate a holistic well‑being framework encompassing physical safety, mental health, and social well‑being into organizational programs and daily operations.
Proven success advancing a complex organization's occupational health and safety program beyond compliance-based activity toward proactive, culture‑driven safety performance.
Regulatory & Professional Practice
Demonstrated ability to interpret, apply, and operationalize occupational health and safety regulations, standards, and industry best practices (e.g., OSHA/WISHA, maritime safety regulations, labor and industry requirements).
Experience preparing for, supporting, and responding to regulatory inspections, audits, and compliance evaluations.
Demonstrated ability to translate regulatory requirements into operational standards, procedures, and workforce expectations.
Occupational Safety Risk Assessment & Hazard Control
Demonstrated ability to apply safety risk assessment methodologies, hazard analysis, and industrial hygiene principles to identify workplace hazards, determine root causes, and implement sustainable controls within occupational health and safety programs.
Experience leveraging incident investigations, near‑miss reporting, and safety assurance findings to drive systemic risk reduction and organizational learning within a health and safety program context.
People Leadership & Program Management
Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and develop supervisors and professional staff responsible for occupational health, safety, and industrial hygiene functions.
Experience establishing performance expectations, aligning staff work with program priorities, and ensuring consistent program execution across geographically dispersed operations.
Leadership, Accountability & Organizational Alignment
Demonstrated ability to lead programs and teams in alignment with organizational mission, values, and strategic priorities.
Experience exercising independent judgment, managing competing priorities, and making decisions with WSF-wide impact.
Demonstrated accountability for program outcomes, staff performance, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Data‑Informed Analysis & Decision‑Making
Demonstrated ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative safety data, identify trends, and develop evidence‑based recommendations.
Experience using performance metrics and leading indicators to inform leadership decisions, resource prioritization, and continuous improvement strategies.
Communication, Influence & Collaboration
Demonstrated ability to communicate health, safety, and well‑being expectations clearly to diverse audiences, including frontline employees, supervisors, labor representatives, and executive leadership.
Skilled in influencing decision‑making, facilitating dialogue, and building alignment across operational and administrative functions.
Experience collaborating with internal partners, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders to advance safety and well‑being initiatives.
Workplace Culture, Equity & Psychological Safety
Demonstrated ability to foster work environments that promote respect, inclusion, psychological safety, and workforce well‑being.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace practices.
Skilled in navigating sensitive issues, conflict resolution, and organizational change using sound professional judgment.
Program & Initiative Management
Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple concurrent initiatives while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational alignment.
Experience balancing immediate operational demands with long‑term program strategy and risk reduction objectives.
Equity‑Minded Leadership
Service‑Oriented – Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
Growth Mindset – Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
Advanced Health, Safety & Emergency Response Expertise
Knowledge of specialized safety domains such as industrial hygiene, respiratory protection, hazardous materials response, fall protection, shipyard safety, ergonomics, and emergency management systems.
Familiarity with emergency response frameworks (e.g., Incident Command System) and post‑incident recovery coordination.
Safety Management Systems & Standards
Experience implementing or managing formal occupational health and safety management systems (e.g., ISO 45001 or equivalent).
Ability to integrate safety and well‑being systems into broader organizational management frameworks and continuous improvement processes.
Strategic & Systems Thinking
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long‑term occupational health, safety, and workforce well‑being strategies aligned with organizational priorities and evolving risk landscapes.
Experience anticipating emerging risks, including psychosocial and organizational stressors, and adapting programs proactively.
Change Leadership & Organizational Influence
Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change initiatives related to safety culture, workforce well‑being, and risk management.
Experience navigating organizational resistance, building stakeholder buy‑in, and sustaining long‑term behavioral and cultural improvements.
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 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.
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 State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
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 renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference
26DOT-WSF-9W143
in the subject line.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 Health & Safety Program Manager to lead and strengthen occupational health and safety programs across vessel operations, terminals, maintenance facilities, and administrative functions. This is fundamentally a culture leadership role, one that calls for someone who can move an organization beyond compliance as the ceiling toward well‑being as the standard. The position is responsible for advancing risk reduction strategies, workforce well‑being initiatives, and consistent safety standards across the organization, with the expectation that this leader will shape how WSF's people think about and practice safety every day. The position partners with operational leaders, labor representatives, and executive stakeholders to address emerging risks, improve safety performance, and support informed decision‑making. Through strategic oversight and proactive program leadership, this role directly supports safe, reliable ferry service and WSF’s commitment to public service 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 [Working Title] will:
Establish and maintain WSF-wide health, safety, and workforce well‑being standards across vessel, terminal, EHMF, warehouse, and administrative operations.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and frameworks aligned with maritime, OSHA, WISHA, USCG, life safety, and ISO 45001 standards.
Oversee inspections, hazard analyses, industrial hygiene, and regulatory evaluations; exercise or delegate stop‑work authority when needed.
Provide leadership for a growing industrial hygiene program that has made significant progress in hearing conservation, exposure monitoring, and other disciplines that directly protect the health of crews and shore‑side employees.
Analyze findings and trends to ensure corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are implemented and effective.
Supervise Health & Safety staff, including performance management, workload prioritization, and professional development.
Provide strategic oversight of fleet safety equipment programs through direct coordination with the responsible program employee, ensuring alignment with WSF-wide safety standards and well‑being objectives.
Track program performance through KPIs and metrics; provide reports and recommendations to executive leadership.
Lead training, workforce engagement, committee governance, and external coordination with regulatory and industry partners.
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 :
Occupational Health, Safety & Workforce Well-Being Leadership
Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and continuously improve comprehensive occupational health, safety, and workforce well‑being programs in complex, high‑risk operational environments (e.g., maritime, shipyard, industrial, transportation, or similarly regulated settings).
Demonstrated ability to integrate a holistic well‑being framework encompassing physical safety, mental health, and social well‑being into organizational programs and daily operations.
Proven success advancing a complex organization's occupational health and safety program beyond compliance-based activity toward proactive, culture‑driven safety performance.
Regulatory & Professional Practice
Demonstrated ability to interpret, apply, and operationalize occupational health and safety regulations, standards, and industry best practices (e.g., OSHA/WISHA, maritime safety regulations, labor and industry requirements).
Experience preparing for, supporting, and responding to regulatory inspections, audits, and compliance evaluations.
Demonstrated ability to translate regulatory requirements into operational standards, procedures, and workforce expectations.
Occupational Safety Risk Assessment & Hazard Control
Demonstrated ability to apply safety risk assessment methodologies, hazard analysis, and industrial hygiene principles to identify workplace hazards, determine root causes, and implement sustainable controls within occupational health and safety programs.
Experience leveraging incident investigations, near‑miss reporting, and safety assurance findings to drive systemic risk reduction and organizational learning within a health and safety program context.
People Leadership & Program Management
Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and develop supervisors and professional staff responsible for occupational health, safety, and industrial hygiene functions.
Experience establishing performance expectations, aligning staff work with program priorities, and ensuring consistent program execution across geographically dispersed operations.
Leadership, Accountability & Organizational Alignment
Demonstrated ability to lead programs and teams in alignment with organizational mission, values, and strategic priorities.
Experience exercising independent judgment, managing competing priorities, and making decisions with WSF-wide impact.
Demonstrated accountability for program outcomes, staff performance, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Data‑Informed Analysis & Decision‑Making
Demonstrated ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative safety data, identify trends, and develop evidence‑based recommendations.
Experience using performance metrics and leading indicators to inform leadership decisions, resource prioritization, and continuous improvement strategies.
Communication, Influence & Collaboration
Demonstrated ability to communicate health, safety, and well‑being expectations clearly to diverse audiences, including frontline employees, supervisors, labor representatives, and executive leadership.
Skilled in influencing decision‑making, facilitating dialogue, and building alignment across operational and administrative functions.
Experience collaborating with internal partners, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders to advance safety and well‑being initiatives.
Workplace Culture, Equity & Psychological Safety
Demonstrated ability to foster work environments that promote respect, inclusion, psychological safety, and workforce well‑being.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace practices.
Skilled in navigating sensitive issues, conflict resolution, and organizational change using sound professional judgment.
Program & Initiative Management
Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple concurrent initiatives while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational alignment.
Experience balancing immediate operational demands with long‑term program strategy and risk reduction objectives.
Equity‑Minded Leadership
Service‑Oriented – Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
Growth Mindset – Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
Advanced Health, Safety & Emergency Response Expertise
Knowledge of specialized safety domains such as industrial hygiene, respiratory protection, hazardous materials response, fall protection, shipyard safety, ergonomics, and emergency management systems.
Familiarity with emergency response frameworks (e.g., Incident Command System) and post‑incident recovery coordination.
Safety Management Systems & Standards
Experience implementing or managing formal occupational health and safety management systems (e.g., ISO 45001 or equivalent).
Ability to integrate safety and well‑being systems into broader organizational management frameworks and continuous improvement processes.
Strategic & Systems Thinking
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long‑term occupational health, safety, and workforce well‑being strategies aligned with organizational priorities and evolving risk landscapes.
Experience anticipating emerging risks, including psychosocial and organizational stressors, and adapting programs proactively.
Change Leadership & Organizational Influence
Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change initiatives related to safety culture, workforce well‑being, and risk management.
Experience navigating organizational resistance, building stakeholder buy‑in, and sustaining long‑term behavioral and cultural improvements.
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 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.
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 State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
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 renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference
26DOT-WSF-9W143
in the subject line.
#J-18808-Ljbffr