Marine Information Agent
- Summary
*** This position is open to King County employees and the general public. ***
The Marine Division with King County Metro Transit is hiring for multiple Marine Information Agent positions for the Water Taxi team.
Marine Information Agents work shoreside at our Water Taxi terminal, which is located at Pier 50 on the Seattle waterfront. Marine Information Agents provide front-line communication with boarding passengers and the public regarding ferry services, sailing schedules, fares and fare media, terminal facilities, complaints, accessibility, and related topics. These positions directly support the County's interest in ensuring our commuters have a reliable way to access our downtown core through our Vashon Island and West Seattle service routes. Additionally, Information Agents have the opportunity to receive vessel-related training in order to also provide support aboard the Water Taxi vessels.This recruitment will immediately fill one (1) Career Service (CS) position and one (1) Short-Term Temporary (STT)/On-Call position. This recruitment may be used to create an eligibility pool to fill future Career Service (CS), Term-Limited Temporary (TLT), Special Duty Assignment (SDA), and/or Short-Term Temporary (STT) openings in this classification. Eligibility pools remain valid for six (6) months upon creation, or until the pool is exhausted, at the discretion of the hiring authority.
The Career Service Information Agent position is a regular position that would be a great opportunity for someone looking for a regular, ongoing position working in the maritime industry, and providing reliable service for the communities we serve. The Career Service position is benefits eligible, and schedule/work hours may vary and are subject to change.
The Short-Term Temporary/On-Call Information Agent position provides a great opportunity for those looking to earn supplemental income while having the flexibility to accept work when available. On-Call Information Agents fill a vital role with King County Water Taxi by supplementing the current workforce and helping to staff vacant shifts as needed. Short-Term Temporary/On-Call positions are not benefit-eligible, and available shifts and hours will vary.
Interviews are anticipated to occur between Monday, December 19, through Friday, December 23, 2022, though dates are subject to change.
King County Water Taxi System
King County has been operating Water Taxi services since October 2009. In 2019, the Marine Division joined King County Metro to help Metro meet its goals of incorporating multiple modes of transit that including: buses, boats, trains, shuttles, accessible services, and rideshare programs.
The Marine Division operates the Water Taxi ferry service on two routes in Puget Sound, both originating at Pier 50 in downtown Seattle: one route to West Seattle and the other to Vashon Island. Both routes provide year-round service during peak commute times Monday through Friday. From mid-April through mid-October, the West Seattle route adds service on weekends, late nights, and midday. This added service on the West Seattle route brings in beach goers, game attendees and residents heading to town for a late summer evening during our peak season, offering Water Taxi services 7 days a week, 11 to 16 hours daily. This winter, the division is piloting additional midday service 7 days a week year-round. Kitsap County currently provides passenger-only ferry service to Kingston and Southworth, and both routes use the King County passenger-only facility in Seattle.
To Apply:
Forms and Materials Required
- An online employment application with employment history going back at least ten years if you have ten years of employment (or more to include all relevant experience). Be sure to list all job duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving.
- Completed supplemental questions
- A cover letter/letter of interest detailing your most competitive skills and qualifications that make you the best candidate for the role.
Note: A resume is highly encouraged, but not required. Other uploaded documentation will not be reviewed.Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible?
We highly recommend visiting the Career Support Services website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials most effective: Career Support Services - King County.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:Erica Minshull, Talent Advisor for King County Metro Transit
Erica.Minshull@KingCounty.gov or 206-477-6059
- Job Duties
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. Job duties include but are not limited to:
- Advise customers regarding ferry policies and special services; provide information on the use and purchase of county and regional fare products; respond to public inquiries on wide-ranging topics related to ferry operations, transit connections, community information, and points of interest; suggest transit options and connections to reach desired destinations.
- Replenish fare media stock in ticket vending machines at various terminal locations and perform routine hardware and software maintenance including battery and computer board change-outs
- Prepare, maintain, and replenish information and brochure displays; assist with routine and special event public outreach activities; assist with onsite coordination of passenger controls and information sharing with other co-located ferry operators (Kitsap Fast Ferries and Washington State Ferries); provide administrative support associated with ferry information function including responding to requests for brochures and schedules.
- Conduct initial intake of customer complaints or commendations, convey to customers the complaint resolution process; provide customer feedback to management on ferry services.
- Respond to lost article notifications and inquiries; attempt to locate lost articles through appropriate staff; warehouse, classify, and record found articles; notify and instruct owners on procedures to claim recovered items.
- Follow safety and security procedures in accordance with the Marine Divisions Safety Management System and King County policies; contact law enforcement or other appropriate first responders when directed or circumstances dictate; convey incident information and facilitate response efforts. Work with security personnel to ensure good facility security. ?Follow protocols in the event of a heightened level of maritime security.
- Assist during emergencies that may include evacuations, emergency closures, and accident/incident responses and investigations.
- Maintain electronic and physical signage at ferry terminals.
- Serve as point of contact for armored car service vendor collecting fare revenues; comply with and facilitate adherence to appropriate revenue control protocols; report revenue in accordance with rate schedules, revenue control procedures, and County financial management guidelines.
- Perform housekeeping duties at the Pier 50 facility, float, and public walkway that include but are not be limited to; cleaning employee restrooms, mopping floors, washing windows, picking up trash, emptying garbage bins, power washing, removing stains, graffiti, chewing gum, and excrement.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
To be eligible for this position, you must:- Possess the following credentials:
- A valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or the ability to obtain one by the start date of the position.
- A valid United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD) or Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC) with minimum endorsement of Ordinary Seaman (OS), or the ability to apply for one if offered a position and receive it within six (6) months of hire (not required to submit an application).
- Have the ability to provide accurate, timely, and polite service to the traveling public, including providing appropriate guidance to customers in the event of an emergency situation.
The most competitive applicants will also possess these desirable qualifications:- Experience providing high-volume customer service to the traveling public or at large events.
- Knowledge of customer relations techniques and customer service etiquette.
- Experience with crowd control techniques and/or coordinating the activities of large groups of people.
- Ability to address customer concerns, de-escalate situations involving heightened emotions, apply problem-solving techniques, and identify circumstances that require assistance.
- Willingness to provide additional support to vessel operations by acting as a Deckhand when needed.
- Experience, education, and/or training related to the maritime industry.
- Knowledge of ferry operations and services, as well as other transit services available throughout King County.
- Experience with, or the ability to learn how to properly operate, various electronic equipment, such as security cameras, fare collection kiosks, and communication equipment.
- Ability to use a personal computer, Microsoft Office 365 applications (such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams), and agency-specific software and/or databases.
- Ability to work effectively with others in a work environment that embraces and encourages diversity in its workforce and where differences are valued.
- Ability to demonstrate behaviors that include fairness, respect, and inclusiveness.
- Ability to respond safely, effectively, and expeditiously during an emergency.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work split shifts is preferred.
- Ability to be punctual in order to provide reliable sailings as scheduled for the traveling public.
- Possess the following credentials:
- Supplemental Information
Union Membership This position is represented by Inlandboatmen’s Union of Pacific (IBU)
Class Code 4330100 Marine Information Agent (AB1: Maritime Coalition-Deck & Agents)
Work Environment and LocationThis position will have you standing or walking most of the day. You will be working primarily outdoors at a ferry terminal, but will have access to crew office, break room, and restroom. The Pier 50 facility is located in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square district, within easy walking distance to popular urban residential neighborhoods like Queen Anne, South Lake Union, Capitol Hill, and near bus lines, Link Light Rail and the Sounder (commuter train) Station.
Work Schedule
These positions are non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and are eligible for overtime pay with supervisor approval. In most cases, shifts can last anywhere from 4 to 10 hours daily. These positions are not eligible for telework/remote work.The Career Service position is typically assigned a consistent schedule of 25 to 40 hours per week, and has the opportunity to pick up additional hours as they become available. Assigned shifts are subject to change twice a year based on seniority and sailing season. Available shifts may include early morning start times or late end times.
The Short-Term Temporary/On-Call positions do not have guaranteed hours. Shifts offered may be offered in advance to cover for known, planned absences (such as vacation coverage), and may also include shifts to cover unplanned staffing shortages with little advance notice.
Safety Sensitive
These positions are considered safety-sensitive. Applicants for positions defined as safety-sensitive are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and, subsequent to the commencement of employment, will be subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal DOT alcohol and controlled substances testing program protocols.
Selection Process
Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. Highly competitive applicants may be asked to interview. Formal offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre-employment processes, such as drug and alcohol testing, background checks, DOT physicals, and internal record reviews or reference checks.
COVID-19 Vaccination RequirementKing County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:
- submit proof of vaccination, or
- have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) EmployerNo person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
Need assistance?Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions in the Application FAQs at www.KingCounty.gov. If you have any questions related to this job posting, including needing the announcement in an alternative language format, or regarding accommodation requests for the application or assessment process, please contact the recruiter listed in this announcement.
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King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01Do you currently have a valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)?
- Yes, I have a valid TWIC
- No, but I have applied for a TWIC or I am willing to obtain one by the start date of this position
- No, I do not have a valid TWIC and am *not* willing to obtain one by the start date of this position
02To be considered for this position you must be in possession of a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD)/Merchant Marine Credential (MMC), or be able to apply for one upon hire and receive it within six (6) months of hire. Please review the list below and check all endorsements that you currently maintain:- Ordinary Seaman (OS)
- Able-Bodied (AB) Seaman
- Mate
- Master/Captain's License
- Other
- I have applied for but have not yet received my MMC
- I do not have a valid MMC, but am willing to apply for one if offered a position and receive it within six (6) months of hire
- I do not have a valid MMC, and am *not* willing to obtain one if offered the position
03How many years of experience do you have providing customer service to the traveling public or at large events?- I have 2 or more years of this experience
- I have less than 2 years of this experience
- I do not have this experience but am willing to learn
- I do not have this experience and am *not* willing to learn
04Which of the following preferred experience, education, training, knowledge, and/or abilities do you possess? Select all that apply.- Experience providing high-volume customer service for the traveling public and/or at large events.
- Experience with crowd control techniques and/or coordinating activities for large groups of people.
- Experience providing customer service to the traveling public.
- Experience, education, and/or training related to the maritime industry.
- Willingness to provide additional support to vessel operations by acting as a Deckhand when needed.
- Knowledge of ferry operations and services, as well as other transit services available throughout King County.
- Experience with, or the ability to learn how to properly operate, various electronic equipment, such as security cameras, fare collection kiosks, and communication equipment.
- Ability to use a personal computer, Microsoft Office 365 applications (such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams), and agency-specific software and/or databases.
- Ability to be punctual in order to provide reliable sailings as scheduled for the traveling public.
- I do not have any of the experience, education, training, knowledge, or abilities listed.
05Are you willing to work on-call, and be available to respond to short-notice requests to fill open/available shifts?- Yes
- No
06In addition to being considered for the regular career service position, are you interested in being considered for the short-term temporary/on-call positions?- Yes
- No
07Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No.
08If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff09If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the testing process? If you check the "YES" box, the human resources staff person coordinating this recruitment will send you a request asking for additional information. (This confidential information is solicited for the purposes of providing reasonable accommodation only).- Yes
- No
10I certify that the statements made by me on the application and supplemental questions are, to the best of my knowledge, true, complete and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation or material omission of fact on this or any other document required by King County may constitute grounds for rejection, or if employed by King County, for disciplinary measures, including dismissal.- Yes
- No
Required Question