Job Description
Posting number: 26DOT-OR-32699e
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Olympic Region
Job classification: HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE WORKER 2
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Public Safety, Trades, Transportation, Safety, Maintenance, Construction Maintenance, Construction Trades
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 to join the Olympic Region maintenance team and help keep Washington's transportation system safe, reliable, and operating efficiently. In this journey-level role, you will perform skilled highway maintenance and repair work, with a primary focus on installing and maintaining pavement markings while supporting striping, sign maintenance, and work zone traffic control operations. During the winter season, you will assist maintenance crews with snow and ice response and other roadway maintenance activities to help keep highways open and safe for the traveling public. This position may also provide direction to maintenance crews in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 while upholding WSDOT's commitment to safety, quality, environmental stewardship, and respectful teamwork.
What to Expect
This full-time position is scheduled for four (4) 10-hour shifts per week (40 hours total). The schedule may include Monday through Friday or other assigned days based on operational needs. Employees must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, extended hours, alternate shifts, and emergency assignments as needed. This position participates in standby and rotational shift assignments, including night shifts, and requires responding to emergency situations in all weather conditions. When on standby or called back after hours, employees must be able to report to their assigned duty station within 60 minutes. Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as-needed basis. Overnight travel is required.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 will:
- Install and maintain durable pavement markings, raised pavement markers, signs, and highway striping to support safe and efficient travel.
- Operate Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, striping trucks, and specialized tools to complete roadway maintenance activities.
- Perform roadway maintenance and repairs, including asphalt and concrete work, drainage maintenance, erosion repair, vegetation management, guardrail and fence repair, and roadside cleanup.
- Respond to snow and ice events by applying anti-icing materials, operating snow response equipment, hauling materials, and maintaining stockpile sites.
- Support emergency response operations by establishing traffic control, assisting with lane and road closures, responding to incidents, and coordinating with partner agencies.
- Maintain vehicles, equipment, tools, facilities, and work areas to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations.
- Document daily work activities, inventories, damage estimates, time records, and operational data using computerized systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Promote a safe work environment by following safety policies, participating in safety planning and training, using required personal protective equipment, and providing guidance and training to crew members when assigned.
Qualifications
This is a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.
To qualify at the HMW1 level, the following is required:
- Basic Highway Maintenance Skills: Basic understanding of highway maintenance tasks such as pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal.
- Licensing: Possession of an unrestricted valid driver’s license to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.
To qualify at the HMW2 level, the following is required:
- Highway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated skills in highway maintenance practices, including pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal. Ability to assess maintenance needs and perform repairs to highway structures, roadside features, and landscapes.
- Licensing: Possession of an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement to legally operate vehicles in Washington State; or obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.
In addition to the above, the following competencies are required at any level:
- Equipment Operation: Ability to operate and maintain various Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles following WSDOT standards. Ability to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites.
- Traffic Control & Work Zone Operations: Knowledge of traffic control practices following the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Ability to plan and implement safe work zones, including flagging, signage, and the use of cones/barrels.
- Certifications:
- Safety Awareness & Compliance: Strong understanding of workplace safety procedures and commitment to following safety policies, including confined space entry, fall protection, and hazardous material handling. Ability to participate in the creation and implementation of Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP) and attend regular safety training.
- Technical & Administrative Proficiency: Skilled in the use of electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating (e.g., HATS, WZDB, TSMS). Proficient in standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office and email communication.
- Teamwork & Leadership: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently in the field. Capable of leading a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3, demonstrating sound decision-making and leadership skills.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required - The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
- The ability to obtain within 6 months of hire and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification.
- Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
- Ability to work at heights exceeding 25 feet over land or water.
- Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended hours, alternate shifts, standby assignments, rotational day and night shifts, and emergency callouts as needed.
- Ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions and report to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes when called back after hours.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Traffic Control Operations: Experience performing traffic control per published highway standards (MUTCD) including planning, setting signs and cones or barrels, and flagging.
- Computer and Technology Proficiency: Intermediate computer skills to operate various computer programs, such as Microsoft Office applications, internal WSDOT applications, and the internet.
- Communication Skills: Experience in effective communication to multiple audiences, both orally and in writing.
- Safety Compliance and Work Practices: Experience adhering to safety policies and diligence in performing work in a safe manner.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position is not eligible for remote work.
- This position primarily works outdoors year-round in all weather conditions during both day and night shifts. Work is performed alongside high-speed traffic, near bodies of water, in confined spaces, and at elevated heights. Duties require standing and walking for extended periods; traversing rough or uneven terrain; climbing; maneuvering up to 50 pounds (and occasionally more); and frequent bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, pushing, and pulling. This position is exposed to highway maintenance hazards, including extreme weather, traffic, loud noise, dust, fumes, hazardous chemicals, hot asphalt, and biohazards encountered during roadway maintenance activities.
- This is a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.
- Highway Maintenance Worker 2: $58,392 - $71,136
- Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $52,872 - $64,512
- This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing
- In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
- Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
- An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.govPlease be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32699e in the subject line.
