Want a $175K longshore job? Here’s your chance — if you’re lucky. And patient

Ever want to be a longshore worker? Now’s your chance.

The workers load and unload ships and move cargo around ports. Full-time jobs pay an average of $175,000 a year and include a benefits package costing more than $110,000, according to the Pacific Maritime Association.

But to get to that point you have to start somewhere.

The Pacific Maritime Association, which represents shipping lines and terminal operators at West Coast ports, is hiring part-time workers in Tacoma — the first time in several years.

Shipping traffic, and the associated work, ebbs and flows. During high traffic times, the shipping lines call for reinforcements from a pool of “casuals” — part-time longshore workers.

If the past is any indication, a flood of applicants will seek the few hundred slots. Those picked will know about Aug. 20.

More than 15,000 people applied in 2015, the last time casual openings were available. From them, about 325 people were picked in a lottery-style drawing. In 2013, more than 14,000 applied for the lottery in just four days, and 226 people were selected for casual status.

This time, the online application will be open for a week, closing Aug. 9. (Applications are not accepted by mail.)

“It’s kind of a roll of the dice — but winning the lottery is by no means a ticket to a job,” said Dean McGrath, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23, based in Tacoma. “It’s a ticket to a foot in the door and the rest of that is kind of up to you.”

Casual workers have erratic schedules and uncertain hours. There are no benefits, such as health insurance or a pension.

“It’s by no means a regular job,” McGrath said. “Your life becomes dependent on ship schedules and you are not going to be doing the same thing every day.”

Casual workers must show up to the ILWU office in person to check to see whether work is available that day. Work is posted by 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. each day, McGrath said.

“There is a lot of unpredictability,” even for full-time workers, he said. “You never know if you’re going to be out in really bad, brutal weather, lashing a container ship or driving a piece of equipment.”

It took McGrath 10 years to earn full-time status. During that time, he ran a side business painting houses to keep the bills paid.

A “large pool” of workers plans to retire in coming years, he said, and as positions open up, casuals who have worked the most hours will be selected for full-time positions. They are paid the same rate as Longshore union members, but work far fewer hours.

Casuals who stick with it can earn full-time status, but how long that takes depends on turnover of full-time workers, the demands of the shipping industry and the pace of international trade.

If picked as a casual, workers must pass a criminal background check and complete training for the physically demanding job. Applicants must be 18 or older, speak English well enough to understand verbal and written safety warnings and have a valid driver’s license.

For more information and to submit an application, log on to tacoma.casualdrawingapp.net/public.

This story was originally published August 2, 2018 at 3:55 PM.