Marine Personnel Payroll Coordinator - Tacoma, WA

About Foss Maritime

Foss Maritime is one of the most recognized and respected maritime brands in the U.S., combining a rich legacy with a forward-thinking approach to industry innovation. While deeply rooted in tradition, Foss is evolving at a fast pace, continuously setting new standards for operational excellence and sustainability.

With operations spanning all U.S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and offshore wind projects. Our primary operations are on the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii.

As part of the Saltchuk family of companies, Foss is a values-driven organization that takes pride in its exceptional team, commitment to safety, and dedication to customer success. With a culture built on integrity, innovation, and collaboration, Foss Maritime remains a trusted leader in the maritime industry.

About the Role

The Marine Personnel Payroll Coordinator serves as the primary resource for payroll administration and compensation-related matters for mariners working throughout the Foss fleet. This position is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll administration while supporting compliance with multiple collective bargaining agreements, compensation programs, company policies, and applicable wage and hour regulations.

The successful candidate will partner closely with Marine Personnel, Payroll, Human Resources, Labor Relations, Operations, and vessel personnel to administer compensation programs, resolve payroll-related issues, and support a positive employee experience.

What You'll Do

Payroll Administration

• Review, validate, and administer payroll and compensation transactions for marine personnel.
• Audit vessel time records and payroll information for accuracy.
• Ensure proper application of wage rates, overtime, premiums, leave pay, travel pay, training pay, and other negotiated compensation.
• Process payroll adjustments, corrections, retroactive payments, and special payroll transactions.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee pay inquiries.
• Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation.

Collective Bargaining Agreement Administration

• Interpret and administer payroll provisions contained within multiple collective bargaining agreements.
• Apply contract language consistently across bargaining units and geographic regions.
• Partner with Labor Relations on payroll-related contract questions and grievances.
• Support implementation of negotiated wage and benefit changes.

Compensation & Reimbursement Programs

• Administer compensation programs, wage schedules, premiums, and incentive pay components.
• Coordinate implementation of approved compensation changes and pay rate updates.
• Manage employee reimbursement and stipend programs, including wellness incentives, technology allowances, gym reimbursements, and other company-sponsored programs.
• Review submissions for eligibility, accuracy, and policy compliance.

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare payroll and labor cost reports for management.
• Analyze payroll data and identify discrepancies, trends, or compliance concerns.
• Support payroll audits and compliance initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour requirements.

Employee Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for payroll and compensation questions.
• Communicate payroll processes, policies, and pay practices clearly and professionally.
• Build strong working relationships with vessel personnel, supervisors, and business partners across the organization.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Maritime Operations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three to five years of experience in payroll administration, labor contract administration, human resources, accounting, or a related field.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to interpret policies, contracts, and payroll rules accurately.
• Advanced attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, payroll systems, and HRIS platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Experience administering payroll governed by collective bargaining agreements.
• Maritime industry experience.
• Familiarity with vessel operations and marine workforce scheduling practices.

Compensation:

Pay for this position will be between $29.81 and $44.72 hourly with final compensation determined by the candidate's relevant experience, skills, and overall qualifications. This is a non-exempt position that is eligible for overtime.

Benefits:

• The benefit program includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Life insurance equal to two times annual base salary.
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Long term disability insurance.
• 401k program with a 4% match, vested immediately.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Business travel assistance program.
• Other voluntary benefits are available for purchase via payroll deduction at group rates.
• Vacation - Foss appreciates how hard employees work and recognizes the importance of providing time for rest and relaxation. In this position you will accrue 10 days of vacation a year with a maximum accrual of 160 hours. Accrued vacation will be vested and available for use after successfully completing six (6) months of service.
• Nine (9) paid holidays with two (2) additional floating holidays available after six (6) months of service.
• Full time employees will accrue ninety-six (96) hours of sick leave per year, up to a maximum of 1,040 hours.
• Bereavement Leave - three (3) paid days off for a death in the immediate family, or five (5) days off if travel greater than 500 miles is required.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• All other benefits as required by state law.

How to Apply

Ready to set sail with Foss? Submit your application via our careers page. If you need any assistance please reach out to fossjobs@foss.com. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Drug Free Workplace
Foss Maritime Company LLC is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Foss Maritime Company LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.