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Skagit County, WA

Skagit County, WA is hiring: Ferry Engineer/Master in Mount Vernon

Skagit County, WA, Mount Vernon, WA, United States


Salary: See Position Description

Location : Anacortes, WA

Job Type: Regular Full-Time

Job Number: 2375-0824

Department: Public Works Department

Opening Date: 08/09/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Summary

Oversee and perform duties of marine engineer and facility general maintenance for Skagit County's ferry system, which includes the vehicle and passenger vessel, two ferry terminal structures at both Guemes Island & Anacortes, three parking lots, and a terminal building. If qualified, operate the ferry and supervise all vessel activity in accordance with the Certificate of Inspection, stability letter, and United States Coast Guard rules and regulations.

This full-time position requires 176-182 hours monthly. May be required to work weekends and holidays and/or be called in for emergency work after-hours.

- The Ferry Engineer/Master is Range 5 OR 7 of salary schedule Inlandboatmen's Union (IBU) dependent upon qualifications. Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 of Range 5 ($32.13 - $34.41 per hour) OR step 1 through 3 of Range 7 ($36.86 - $39.48).

- Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to step 8 total steps (top step $46.90 per hour).

Essential Functions

  • Safely oversee and perform maintenance of all vessel systems to specifications determined by manufacturers and United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations. Oversee and coordinate with Masters for the performance of all functions outlined in the corrective and preventative maintenance programs.
  • Ensure Masters and ferry personnel are proficient in proper inspection of engine room, required maintenance, and skilled initial diagnosis of mechanical issues. Coordinate with all Masters to properly document schedules, and roles and responsibilities, when establishing activities associated with the vessel maintenance programs.
  • Work closely with Ferry Division Manager and/or their designee to ensure timely and accurate reporting of any vessel, dock structure, and/or terminal building deficiencies. Prioritization of repairs, maintenance, and proactive maintenance with management to meet goal of zero operational downtime across the Ferry Division.
  • Assist the Ferry Assistant Manager and/or their designee in conducting regular safety meetings. Promptly report and inform Masters and other ferry personnel, regarding the management of hazardous conditions or other safety-related concerns. Ensure safe and clean engine rooms, shop, and work areas.
  • Troubleshoot and make mechanical repairs on marine diesel engines, transmissions, outdrives, auxiliary generator, hydraulic and electrical steering systems on the vessel, terminal facilities, ramps, bridges, and electrical controls. Serve as liaison with contractors when diagnosing and repairing deficiencies beyond scope of knowledge.
  • Provide general upkeep and routine maintenance of shop area, terminal facilities, parking lots, ramps, and bridges.
  • Required to perform maintenance and repair work at shipyard during annual haul-outs.
  • Coordinate with Masters to maintain vessel readiness per USCG regulations.
  • Track inventory, stock and order supplies and parts with budget approval from Ferry Operations Division Manager, and/or their designee.
  • Bunker fuel and water, connect and disconnect shore power.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Master):
  • In addition to perform duties as outline above, if qualified, perform duties of Master in charge of a watch including operating the ferry, supervising all operations during a watch such as loading and unloading vehicles and passengers, fare collections, and vessel maintenance.
  • Work directly with Ferry Operations Division Manager and/or their designee to ensure that each crew member knows station and duties in firefighting and lifesaving emergencies for fire man overboard and abandon ship. Ensure that drills are conducted at least once a month for each type of emergency drill. Create and maintain a safety training log for each crew member and ensures that all employees are rotating through the training sessions in accordance with Ferry Policies and Procedures and Coast Guard regulations.
  • Represent the County's best interest and courteously respond to public inquiries and provide information within the scope of knowledge and authority or refer to appropriate individual.

Supervisory:
This position has direct supervising responsibilities when functions as a Master Operator.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.
  • Answer phones, general cleaning of restrooms, including emptying trash receptacles.
  • Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Handle and dispose of chemicals or other types of hazardous materials in compliance with the Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) as required.
  • Prioritize safety, reliability, and efficiency always with regard to vessel operations.
  • Present professional level of customer service and appearance to all customers, internal and external.

Minimum Qualifications

Engineer (Range 5)
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

  • Training in maintenance of marine engines, and electrical and mechanical systems, from a recognized training institute, and two (2) years' experience in vessel operations or maintenance and repair of vessels, OR
  • Six (6) years' experience in vessel operations or maintenance and repair of vessels.

Engineer/Master (Range 7)
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:
  • Possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard 100-Ton Master's License and maintain at all times throughout employment (preferred) OR within 18 months of hire, obtain a U.S. Coast Guard 100-Ton Master's License, and maintain throughout employment.
Job offer will be contingent upon satisfactory results of pre-employment drug and alcohol testing as allowed or required by law. Applicants are subject to background check per USCG and Governmental requirements.

Licenses and/or Certifications:
  • Washington State driver's license
  • Valid First Aid/CPR/Bloodborne Pathogens certification
  • 24-hour HAZWOPER Certification (within 6 months of hire)
  • HAZMAT Basic Awareness, Security, Vessel Function Specific Certification (within 6 months of hire)
  • Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) training (within 6 months of hire).
  • FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit (within two years of hire).

Requires the knowledge of:
  • Operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of marine mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
  • Situational awareness of job safety hazards.
  • Repairing and performing required periodic maintenance of the vessel's equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Use of hand and power tools.
  • Shipyard procedures and practices.
  • Safety hazard procedures and safety standards for passenger-carrying vessels and related facilities.

Requires the ability to:
  • Operate and perform maintenance and repairs on marine equipment.
  • Read and interpret marine blueprints.
  • Locate supply sources for parts and equipment and obtain price quotes for same.
  • Keep accurate records.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Communicate effectively and courteously, both written and verbally, with vessel management, crew, vendors, contractors, shipyard staff, and the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is performed in different environments including onboard vessel in all types of marine conditions, on shore, in small or confined spaces, or at heights of up to 45 feet. Ability to work outdoors in daytime and nighttime in any and all weather conditions typically found in the Pacific Northwest to include rain, sun, wind, snow, and icing conditions. Requires ability to stand and walk on shipboard in rough seas, occasional crawling or climbing. Physical effort may be required to lift equipment or supplies weighing up to fifty pounds. Good hand-eye coordination and ability to hear audible alarms required.

Hazards:
Work requires exposure to gas and diesel fumes, potentially hazardous materials, high noise levels, and mechanical equipment. Physical hazards on-site may include traffic and construction equipment.

Supplemental Information

SELECTION PROCESS:
Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 336-9433.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

For Part-Time employees, Skagit County offers a competitive benefits package, including:
  • Health Insurance: A variety of plans to choose from, with employee contributing a portion of premium.
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave pro-rated based on employee's percent of a full-time position (40 hours per week)
  • Retirement: All employees must participate in a Washington State Department of Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan if desired.
  • Group Life Insurance: Basic insurance and Long-Term Disability is provided to employee and dependents, with additional insurance available to purchase.
  • Employee Assistance Program for employees and family members for help with personal or family problems.