Marine Vessel Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $5,611.00 - $6,836.00 Monthly
Location : Pierce County - Steilacoom, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-0444
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: Correctional Industries
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: 6/17/2026 10:00 AM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Marine Vessel Operator Assistant
Full Time | Permanent
Location: McNeil Island | Steilacoom, WA
Salary Range: $5,611 - $6,836 Monthly
This on-call position is represented by the Teamsters 117 Bargaining Unit.
The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) Correctional Industries (CI) is committed to maintain and expand incarcerated worker training programs which develop marketable skills, instill and promote positive work ethics, and reduce the tax burden of Corrections. Within this commitment are various critical, yet unique opportunities for our team members, including the opportunity to assume the role of Marine Vessel Operator Assistant (MVOA)! The goal of the Marine Vessel Operator is to assist the Captain in safely operating the vessel, engine room checks, passenger safety and tying up the boat when landed at one of our docks.
As an MVOA, you will perform various tasks related to the vessel operation including making minor repairs to the vessel main and auxiliary systems such as changing belts, replacing alternators, impellers and other maintenance that is necessary, as well as conducting safety and security checks. You will take part in drills, training and inspections at the direction of the Captain, and also assume lead responsibilities during emergencies.
The ideal candidate will assist in providing safe, secure and dependable transportation between McNeil Island and Steilacoom, Washington and performs minor repairs to equipment within the marine program. This position is also "Shore Crew" (3) days a week and will be asked to complete dock projects and other marine element projects and preventive maintenance. As the Marine Vessel Operator Assistant, you will ensure and enforce USCG regulations, Homeland Security regulations, RCW, WAC rules, and Department of Correction Policies. If you have read this far and are interested in a career ensuring public safety by positively changing lives, we encourage you to apply!
A completed application packet will include:

• A cover letter regarding your interest for this position with our agency
• A detailed resume
• Three professional references

Duties
We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.
As a Marine Vessel Operator Assistant, some of your duties will include:

• Vessel Operation to include:
  • Serving as a Deckhand on inspected passenger vessels up to 100 tons and certified for up to 149-passengers.
  • Assisting the Marine Vessel Operator (Captain) in the operation of the vessel
  • Operating the vessel in the event of an emergency or should the Captain become incapacitated
  • Loading ramps and assisting with vessel maintenance, cleanliness, mooring and unmooring of lines
  • Operating the vessel and navigational and communication equipment such as radar, automatic identification systems, and radios
  • Conducting safety briefings to passengers
  • Assisting in the startup and shut down of engines, generators and conducting check of engines, reduction gears, auxiliary equipment and emergency equipment
• Security Checks/Inventories/Maintenance which could look like:
  • Conducting security checks of vessel at each docking prior to allowing passengers to board
• Drills, Training, and Inspections
• Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications
What we need (required qualifications):

• High School Graduate or GED certificate
• One-year verifiable experience in the maritime industry as deckhand or engine crew member
• Possess a current Transportation Workers Identification Credentials (TWIC) or ability obtain a TWIC within 30-days of employment
• Required to maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state or privately owned vehicle on state business

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• Knowledge of main and auxiliary machinery, steering systems, refueling techniques.
• Valid First Aid/CPR Certification
• One year experience operating single and twin-screw vessels
• One year experience working on vessels of at least 50 tons in either the engine department or deck department
• One year experience in vessel deck maintenance on steel and/or fiberglass vessels
• One year experience in operation, maintenance and/or repair of marine diesel engines, vessel mechanical and/or electrical systems

Supplemental Information
Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
  **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from and Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form.
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit

Telework Details
This position may be allocated for telework. Work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a "drop in" area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.
What We Offer:
As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

PERS: 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 ' web site.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email mackenzie.conley@doc1.wa.gov or call us at 509-630-9160. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
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 Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
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