Meet Jennie Buswell, the Washington State Ferries terminal supervisor in Port Townsend — a role she considers to be the highlight of her career thus far. From her office window, Jennie has a million-dollar view of ferries gliding past a stunning shoreline. But her journey to this role was paved with years of hard work, a passion for the maritime industry, and a commitment to her team and customers. For Jennie, her terminal isn’t just a place of work. It’s a place where she’s built a thriving team, earned the respect of colleagues, and created a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who steps aboard a Washington State Ferry.
Finding Her Place
Jennie’s journey with Washington State Ferries began in 1996 as a traffic attendant, where she helped ferry riders navigate boarding lanes. She quickly advanced through the ranks, taking on roles like a ticket seller, where she gained a deep understanding of customer service. Within five years, she had earned her position as terminal supervisor.
Before joining Ferries, however, Jennie had already earned her sea legs. She first worked aboard a fishing vessel in Alaska, catching and packing frozen fish. From there, she moved on to the Victoria Clipper. “It was a hard job because it was four hours in the morning and four hours at night, so there was this big gap in between,” said Jennie. “It was definitely a young person’s job, and I wanted some more security. I wanted a state job.”
For Jennie, the Washington State Ferries system is a place where hard work is rewarded, and career growth is within reach for anyone willing to put in the effort. Whether you’re interested in becoming a captain, a terminal supervisor, or exploring another maritime role, there’s room to grow in this dynamic field.
“That’s what’s cool about the ferry system. You can move up,” said Jennie.
Jennie’s Team
As terminal supervisor, Jennie’s leadership is defined by trust and respect. She’s dedicated to empowering her team, providing the tools and guidance they need to succeed while giving them the autonomy to do their jobs effectively. “I don’t micromanage. They know how to do their job. I’m not out there hovering like a helicopter mom,” said Jennie. “If I know something, I will pass it on.”
Jennie’s trusting and supportive approach to her role has helped many team members advance in their careers. One of her employees, a 50-year-old veteran of Washington State Ferries, was recently honored with a prestigious award, a recognition Jennie was proud to champion. Jennie frequently helps her staff advance within their careers by encouraging them to apply for promotions and supporting their progression through Ferries. In fact, one of her team members is interviewing to become a terminal supervisor themselves, partly due to Jennie’s encouragement. Jennie’s goal as a supervisor is simple: to foster an environment where everyone has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
Jennie’s pride in her team is evident from her tone and beaming smile while she describes their work roles, points out their decorated lockers, and shares whose birthday is coming up soon. Many of her team members are older, and one is approaching 50 years with Washington State Ferries. Women also make up a good portion of Jennie’s terminal staff.
Sun and Rain
Jennie starts each day with a mix of managerial duties, such as checking payroll and addressing any challenges that arose in her absence. She also oversees the operations of the terminal, working with her team to keeping everything running efficiently as ferries come and go throughout the day.
As the terminal supervisor, Jennie’s responsibilities extend beyond scheduling and managing traffic; she’s the person who ensures the safety of passengers and crews alike during emergencies, from medical incidents to weather-related disruptions. Her work is a vital part of a transportation system that people rely on every day, from commuters to tourists.
As with any job, it isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, though good days do seem more common at the Port Townsend terminal. “This is a special dock, said Jennie. “I’m biased, but I’ve worked a lot of terminals. Every terminal has a different flavor, and this one is just special.”
In the summer months, the Port Townsend-Coupeville ferry can get busy due to increased tourism traffic. Many ferry runs are completely full and leave cars behind with frustrated passengers. Jennie still tries to help where she can, even going as far as to help an older customer make a reservation for a later run in her office.
Women at Ferries
When Jennie first joined the maritime industry, it was predominantly male. But over the years, the field has evolved, and now women are not only entering the industry but are thriving in leadership roles. While she’s had to prove herself in this traditionally male-dominated field, Jennie has earned the respect of her colleagues by demonstrating her expertise and leadership. “Some men have a hard time having a woman boss, especially if they’ve been with the ferries for a really long time, and they’re kind of old school,” she said. “But I prove myself, and then I get the respect.”
Recently, a high school group from the Maritime High School came through the Port Townsend terminal, and Jennie noted that there were a lot of women in the group asking questions about ferry positions. “That didn’t happen back when I was started; you know, they figured it was a man’s job, especially on the boat,” said Jennie.
Jennie is proud to be part of the shift towards a more diverse and inclusive maritime industry. She has seen firsthand how much workers can grow within their roles and pursue a wide range of career opportunities. Today, Jennie fully believes that the maritime field is open to people of all backgrounds, ages, and experiences.
If you liked this story, you might enjoy other stories about Women on Washington’s Working Waterfronts. Hear from Ava Karr, a pilot who lands seaplanes across the Salish Sea, or Michele Allen, chief mate aboard many of Washington’s ferries.