Washington Maritime Jobs
Looking for a high-tech, cutting edge career in a thriving and growing industry? How about a great-paying job? You’ll find all that
and more in the Washington maritime industry.
Although some jobs in maritime, such as in naval architecture and engineering require four-year college degrees or above, the
industry offers a wide variety of jobs that require much shorter term training or education.
“The diversity of jobs in the maritime industry is incredible,” says Ann Avery, director of Washington Center of Excellence for Marine
Manufacturing and Technology. “From entry level jobs to careers that require advanced degrees and from work that takes you to sea
or to professions in shore-side support services, this industry is helping to drive the state’s economy and supporting Washington families.”
Just getting started? The Center for Wooden Boats has published a career guide that shows clear pathways into maritime jobs.
There are opportunities both on land and at sea, training programs that will pay their students to learn, and maritime academies
that offer free tuition and guaranteed first jobs.
Today, there are more than 25 training programs in Washington that can help you jump start your maritime career or help you
transition to a new job.
Bottom line? Here’s just a sample of maritime careers and average annual wages:
• $83,000 – Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
• $79,000 – Ship Building and Repair
• $72,000 – Crane and Tower Operators
• $72,300 – Fishing and Seafood Processing
• $71,000 – Captains, Mates and Pilots
For more info on the Pathways Study and a list of Washington State training programs, visit
To learn more about the Marine Center for Excellence, visit
MARITIME 101:
WASHINGTON MARITIME MATTERS
Glosten, a Seattle-based engineering
consultancy founded in 1958, is recognized
throughout the marine industry for innovative
solutions, integrating advanced analysis with
practical, experience-based design. Glosten
expertise includes Naval Architecture, Ocean
Engineering and Analysis, Marine Engineering,
Electrical Engineering and Detail/Production
Design.
What work do you do for your organization and what is your favorite part
of your job?
As Vice President, I wear many hats. I manage contract negotiations; recruiting and
hiring; leadership development; and HR, accounting, and office management staff.
My favorite part is working with a team of smart, capable, and interesting people.
How did you get into this role?
I started as an engineer and then began managing projects. I always enjoyed the
behind-the-scenes organization, planning, communication, and collaboration necessary
to get projects done. I was fortunate to have a mentor in senior management who
taught me the business side of running an engineering firm before her retirement.
What school subjects and extracurricular activities might help someone who
is interested in a career in the marine industry?
The most important thing—and we look for this when we are hiring—is a love for
being around the water. This may be tinkering with an outboard on a Whaler, racing
sailboats, or surfing. To become a naval architect or marine engineer, you need a
foundation of math and science courses, plus a degree in engineering. Other staff
members have training in industrial design, 3D modeling or at-sea experience with
vessel operations.
What products and services does your organization provide? How do these
contribute to the economy?
We design structures that touch the water—ships, tugs, bridges, wind and wave
energy devices, etc. With our work, we help people and products travel to their
destinations safely and efficiently. Our designs and analyses benefit the passengers
on a Washington State Ferry, the cars crossing the new 520 replacement bridge,
and the cargo on a containership traveling from the Port of Seattle to Guangzhou,
China. By doing what we are good at—design and engineering—we’re helping to
keep the economy moving.
An Interview with Lisa Renehan, PE
(Vice President, Glosten)
Photo courtesy of Glosten.
Photo courtesy of Glosten.
Photo courtesy of Glosten.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 |
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