Purchasing agent - washington state ferries

The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries OPEIU members.

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 Purchasing Agent to lead purchasing services that support safe, reliable ferry operations. This position helps ensure vessels, terminals, and facilities have the goods and services needed to serve Washington’s ferry communities. By guiding purchasing staff and overseeing complex, specialized procurements, the Purchasing Agent supports vessel preservation and responsible stewardship of public resources. Join a team committed to meeting operational needs through efficient purchasing practices that comply with applicable laws and regulations.

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 Purchasing Agent will:

• Conduct complex WSF procurements, including federally and grant-funded purchases, in compliance with purchasing laws, regulations, and WSDOT requirements.
• Review EAM requisitions, select procurement methods, obtain budget approval, and issue purchase orders; approve purchases within $100,000 delegated authority and escalate higher amounts.
• Prepare solicitations and technical specifications, conduct public bids, evaluate and award bids, and negotiate agreements and contracts.
• Research vendors, evaluate supplier performance, plan long-lead purchases, coordinate inventory use, and conduct procurement site visits.
• Process emergency purchases, document competitive-process exceptions, and resolve issues with WSDOT PMMO and DES.
• Lead Buyer 2 and Buyer 3 staff by assigning and reviewing work, providing technical guidance, ensuring compliance, and overseeing complex procurements.
• Resolve overdue requisitions, asset tracking, shipping, invoice, and payment issues with vendors and agency staff.
• Assist the Purchasing & Facilities Manager in improving purchasing programs, policies, procedures, specifications, and practices.
• 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:

• Respect and Equal Opportunity: Experience contributing to a work environment that supports a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
• Service Orientation: Experience taking action to meet the needs of others.
• Learning and Growth: Demonstrated commitment to learning and growth through training, skill development, or application of new knowledge.
• Complex Procurement Planning and Completion: Ability to plan, prioritize, and complete complex procurements of goods and services in accordance with purchasing laws, regulations, and delegated authority, gained through work, personal, or lived experience.
• Procurement Principles and Ethics: Knowledge of procurement principles, methods, and ethical standards, such as those covered by professional purchasing certifications, including CPPB or CPPO.
• Microsoft Office Proficiency: Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Contract Interpretation: Experience working with contracts and contract language, including the ability to understand and interpret contract provisions.
• Procurement Procedures and Legal Requirements: Knowledge of procurement methods and procedures and purchasing laws and regulations.
• Verbal and Written Communication: Ability to communicate procurement information verbally and in writing with diverse employees and vendors.
• Automated Procurement Systems: Ability to use automated procurement management systems to perform purchasing activities.
• Bid Analysis and Award Determination: Ability to analyze bids and determine procurement awards.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Technical Specification Writing: Technical writing skills related to developing procurement specifications.
• Public Sector or Marine Procurement: Experience performing complex procurements in a public sector or marine environment.
• WSF Operations Knowledge: Knowledge of Washington State Ferries (WSF) operations.
• WSF EAM Purchasing System: Experience using the purchasing functions of the WSF Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) System.

Important Notes

The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries OPEIU members. 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.
• 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-A0349 in the subject line.