Highway Maintenance Worker 2

Full Job Description

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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 to support traffic control and roadway maintenance operations across the South-Central Region.

In this role, you will work as part of a crew to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians while contributing to project workflow and crew coordination.

This position plays a key role in maintaining a safe work environment by adhering to proper traffic control practices and demonstrating situational awareness.

By supporting hands-on maintenance tasks and work zone safety, this role directly contributes to WSDOT’s mission to deliver safe, reliable, and uninterrupted transportation throughout Washington State.

What to Expect

Work is generally performed Monday–Thursday on four 10-hour shifts; however, weekends, holidays, night work, and extended hours may be required for emergency response and non-scheduled callouts.

The position requires the ability to report to the duty station within 45 minutes, respond in all weather conditions, and participate in rotational night, standby, and call-back assignments.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 will:

• Establish and maintain temporary traffic control operations for lane closures, detours, mobile work, and flagging activities in accordance with MUTCD standards and approved traffic control plans.
• Deploy, operate, and maintain cones, barricades, Road Warrior devices, attenuator trucks, and portable message signs to protect work crews and ensure safe traffic flow.
• Support emergency and after-hours responses by rapidly implementing traffic control measures and coordinating with maintenance crews, law enforcement, and emergency responders.
• Operate snowplows and deicing equipment to remove snow and ice from highways, ramps, shoulders, and facilities, adjusting routes and application rates based on weather and pavement conditions.
• Apply solid and liquid deicing materials and perform material blending and stockpile maintenance to support winter operations and public safety.
• Perform routine roadway maintenance tasks such as pothole patching, crack sealing, sign installation, and drainage system cleaning to maintain roadway safety and compliance.
• Operate and perform basic maintenance on trucks, loaders, and other maintenance equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Document maintenance activities, materials, and equipment usage in the Highway Activity Tracking System (HATS) in accordance with WSDOT procedures.

Qualifications

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

Highway and Roadway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated experience performing routine and emergency maintenance on highways, roadways, and related infrastructure, 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.

Heavy Equipment Operations: Skilled in operating and maintaining heavy equipment (e.g., front-end loaders, tractor mowers, sweepers, flushers, truck-mounted attenuators, backhoe, vactor, 26,000 -56,000 GVW Dump truck with snowplow and chemical deicer attachments).

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: Ability to use electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating. Proficient in standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office and email communication.

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

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

• Possession of a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement without airbrake restriction.
• Valid CDL Medical card.
• Washington State Flagging Card (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment).
• First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment).
  
  

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Maintenance Field Knowledge: Demonstrated ability to perform roadway, facility, or related maintenance activities involving tools, equipment, or manual labor in outdoor environments.
• Traffic Control & Work Zone Operations: Ability to implement temporary traffic control in alignment with MUTCD standards to protect workers, responders, and the traveling public.
• Procedural Interpretation & Application: Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical guidance from maintenance manuals to support safe and compliant daily operations.
• Winter Operations Knowledge: Understanding of snow and ice control procedures and the ability to apply operational plans to support roadway safety during adverse weather events.
• Guideline & Standard Compliance: Ability to interpret and apply work zone traffic control guidance, such as the M54-44 Work Zone Traffic Control Guidelines and the MUTCD, to maintain roadway safety and regulatory compliance.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.

Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and often near moving traffic and heavy equipment, requiring heightened situational awareness and strict adherence to safety practices.

The role involves physically demanding tasks, including deploying traffic control devices, flagging, and operating maintenance vehicles and equipment, with extended periods of standing and walking.

Employees must wear appropriate PPE at all times.

• 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.

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 may earn 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.

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.Contact UsFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov.

Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SCR-51376 in the subject line.