Fleet Manager Remote Jobs in Rochester, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $108,813.00 - $139,582.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-WSF-9W158
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Washington State Ferries
Opening Date: 05/20/2026
Closing Date: 6/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
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 Preservation Production Control & Inspections Manager to provide strategic leadership over fleet-wide preservation, production control, and inspection operations that support the long-term reliability and readiness of Washington State Ferries' vessels. This critical leadership role helps ensure preservation, drydock, layup, and recapitalization activities are completed in alignment with engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and lifecycle asset management goals. The position plays a key role in safeguarding fleet material condition, supporting passenger service continuity, and protecting the agency's long-term capital investments through quality assurance, resource coordination, and operational oversight. By leading inspection resources and supporting consistent maintenance standards across the fleet, this role directly contributes to safe, reliable ferry operations and the continued delivery of essential public transportation services throughout Washington State.
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 Preservation Production Control & Inspections Manager will:

• Track preservation project progress, milestones, testing, trials, acceptance criteria, and compliance with safety, environmental, material, and procedural standards across the WSF fleet.
• Assign and coordinate inspectors for preservation, retrofit, and recapitalization projects based on technical expertise while balancing workloads across facilities and project types.
• Supervise Construction Project Coordinators, Inspector Specialists, and Eagle Harbor quality and scheduling staff supporting fleet maintenance and preservation production activities.
• Manage investigations, root cause analyses, quality assurance, corrective actions, and resolution of contract nonconformance and systemic production deficiencies.
• Recruit, train, mentor, evaluate, and develop inspection staff, including succession planning and advancement of Inspector Specialists into leadership and engineering support roles.
• Establish and maintain fleet-wide preservation inspection standards and ensure consistent inspection quality, documentation, and technical compliance across shipyards and facilities.
• Monitor workforce capacity, resource sufficiency, and fleet material condition trends, and provide technical reporting and staffing recommendations to leadership as fleet demands expand.
• Serve as the subject matter authority on preservation inspection practices, lifecycle cost impacts, and emerging maritime maintenance and preservation trends.

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Core Leadership & Behavioral Competence
  • Service-Oriented - Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
  • Growth Mindset -Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Technical & Maritime Engineering Competence
  • Demonstrated expertise in vessel systems including structural, coatings/preservation, electrical, propulsion, and mechanical disciplines. Ability to evaluate material compliance, corrosion control systems, coatings, and preservation methodologies.
  • In-depth knowledge of maritime maintenance standards, inspection protocols, and lifecycle asset management practices.
  • Experience interpreting and validating contract specifications, test procedures, trial standards, and acceptance criteria.
  • In-depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks (e.g., USCG, ABS, OSHA, environmental compliance standards) related to vessel operations and preservation.
• Project & Portfolio Management
  • Experience managing multiple concurrent projects across geographically distributed facilities.
  • Proficiency in tracking project milestones, budgets, schedules, and contractor performance.
  • Ability to balance short-term operational demands with long-term fleet recapitalization efforts.
• Leadership, Workforce Planning, & Resource Management
  • Substantial experience supervising technical staff and/or subordinate supervisors in a complex operational environment.
  • Experience recruiting, training, and developing technical staff. Skill in performance management, including coaching, mentoring, and progressive discipline.
  • Ability to forecast workforce needs in a growing operational environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences. Ability to translate complex technical issues into clear business impacts.
• Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement, Safety & Regulatory Compliance
  • In-depth knowledge of inspection systems, nonconformance tracking, and corrective action processes.
  • Experience standardizing procedures across multiple sites or projects.
  • Strong understanding of workplace safety standards and risk mitigation in industrial/maritime environments.
  • In-depth experience ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
  • Substantial experience conducting root cause analyses for equipment, system, or operational failures.
  • Ability to synthesize technical data into actionable insights and recommendations.
  • Understanding of fleet lifecycle cost modeling and long-term asset strategy. Strong analytical skills related to asset condition, reliability, and lifecycle cost modeling.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Experience with maritime preservation programs, shipyard operations, or vessel maintenance oversight.
• Experience working within a public sector or highly regulated environment.
• Experience with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems or similar quality frameworks.
• Experience supporting large-scale capital programs or fleet lifecycle planning initiatives.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible hybrid/remote work options and is eligible for telework up to 1-2 days per week. In-person work is required at local commercial shipyards, Eagle Harbor, Building 2901, and occasionally aboard vessels, based on operational needs.
• 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 applicable Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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

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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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 Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-9W158 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferre...