Job Description

Posting number: 26DOT-SWR-41230nm

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: South Central Region

Job classification: HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE WORKER 1

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Safety, Transportation, Vehicle Maintenance

Summary

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 to fill multiple non-permanent Highway Maintenance Worker positions for the winter maintenance season in Southwest Region in Bingen and Goldendale. Under the direction of Highway Maintenance Worker 3, this journey-level position is a member of the regional maintenance organization. Operating a wide variety of highway equipment and tools, this position is responsible for maintenance and repair of highways and highway structures to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce. This position performs a variety of skilled maintenance tasks and may occasionally lead a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3. This position is critical in fostering a respectful, and healthy work environment with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.

What to Expect

This work is primarily performed outdoors in all weather conditions, often around live traffic, at elevated heights, in confined spaces, and on rough or steep terrain. Employees may be exposed to chemicals, hazardous materials, waste, needles, and hot asphalt and may lift and move tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds. The typical schedule is four 10-hour days, Monday through Friday, with required rotational night shifts, occasional weekends and holidays, and emergency call-outs. Employees must be available to respond to emergencies 24/7, including after-hours calls, and report to their assigned duty station within 45 minutes when required.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker will:

• Perform day-to-day highway maintenance operations, including asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair, drainage maintenance, erosion and slide repair, and application of concrete, asphalt, and synthetic materials.
• Install, maintain, and repair highway infrastructure, including signs, guardrails, fences, impact attenuators, and landscaped areas; perform vegetation management, pesticide application, and danger tree removal.
• Haul and place materials such as rip rap, hot and cold asphalt, sand, gravel, and other maintenance materials; maintain stockpile sites and account for inventory.
• Remove litter, dead animals, and debris from state right-of-way and roadways; perform snow and ice control to maintain roadways for open travel.
• Construct appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs) when needed and perform other maintenance work as requested by internal and external customers.
• Track, document, and report daily work activities and highway section inventories.
• Design and set up traffic control for maintenance operations, including lane closures, detours, and full road or bridge closures in accordance with departmental standards and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
• Respond to accidents, spills, and other emergencies; perform manual, stationary, and moving traffic control, coordinate responses with external agencies, and communicate status and resource needs to supervisors and internal customers.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Highway Maintenance: Practical knowledge of 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.
• Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating and maintaining a variety of Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles in accordance with WSDOT standards. Demonstrated ability to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites.
• Traffic Control & Work Zone: Working 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 use of cones/barrels. The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
• 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: 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: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required:

• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to respond to assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Snow and Ice Control: Skills and experience performing snow removal and anti-icing operations, including safe and efficient operation of plow trucks and application of de-icing materials to maintain safe driving conditions during storms.
• Local Area Knowledge: Knowledge of the surrounding area, including roadways, routes, and geographic conditions that support effective highway maintenance operations.
• Maintenance Experience: Well-rounded experience across multiple highway maintenance-related disciplines.

Important Notes

• This recruitment will be used to fill positions in multiple areas throughout Southwest Region. Locations are Bingen and Goldendale.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• These are non-permanent positions with an expected duration of 8 - 9 months through the winter maintenance season.
• Applications will be evaluated weekly throughout this recruitment process, with the first review date on 9/29/2026. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer positions at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
• The recruiting efforts for these positions may be extended beyond the displayed closing date until all available positions have been filled.
• These positions are not eligible for remote work.
• 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.
• This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.
• 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

• Seasonal Work – Great for those who are looking for winter seasonal work, with the potential of coming back next year.
• Career Possibilities – Great way to get your foot in the door and see if a career in Highway Maintenance/State Service is something you would enjoy.
• Holiday Pay – Winter is also holiday season! This opportunity provides up to 5 paid holidays within this non-perm duration.
• Utilize Expertise – Share your knowledge and experience with others.
• Build Your Resume – Learn new transferable skills to add to your resume.
• Benefits – Some positions may be eligible for medical and retirement benefits. 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 of 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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-41230nm - Winter in the subject line.