Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training)

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 to fill a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training) position in Poulsbo, WA. This journey-level role is part of the regional maintenance organization.

Operating a wide variety of highway equipment and tools, the position is responsible for maintaining and repairing highways and highway structures to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce.

The role performs a variety of skilled maintenance tasks and may occasionally lead a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3.

This position contributes to the agency’s strategic plan by ensuring, through adherence to WSDOT policies, that work functions performed are administered to the expected quality, safety, and stewardship standards to support Washington’s long-term resilience.

This position is expected to contribute to a workplace that fosters a culture of respect, equal opportunity, and a sense of belonging.

What to Expect

This position performs work that is often physical in nature and performed primarily outdoors and often next to high-volume, high-speed traffic that may require standing for extended periods of time.

This position may also work at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water, traversing in rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

A typical schedule is Monday through Thursday, 40 hours per week, for 4, 10-hour days. Weekends and holidays may be required to respond to non-scheduled or call-out emergencies.

Rotational night shift may be required.

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

• Operate highway and heavy equipment.
• Perform asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair; apply concrete, asphalt and synthetic materials.
• Perform drainage maintenance; sign maintenance and repair; guardrail, fence and impact attenuator installation and repair.
• Perform tree removal and vegetation management.
• Track, document and report daily work activities, account for inventory and inventories highway section.
• Perform snow and ice control, including application of anti-icing compounds to road surface with truck mounted equipment, loading trucks, hauling materials such as sand, gravel and other items, and maintaining stockpile sites.
• Set up traffic control; full road or bridge closures; perform traffic control; and conduct moving and stational traffic control operations.
• Perform maintenance and minor repair on equipment and hand tools.

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 Highway Maintenance Worker 1 level, the following competencies are required:

• Basic Highway Maintenance Skills: Basic understanding of highway maintenance tasks such as pavement marking and 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 Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level, the following competencies are required:

Highway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated skills in highway maintenance practices, including pavement markings and 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, certifications, and licenses 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:
  • 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.

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 above, the following are also required at any level:

• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ability to respond to assigned duty station with 60 minutes of an after-hours callout.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.
• Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Traffic Control Experience: Experience performing traffic control per MUTCD including planning, setting signs and cones or barrels, and flagging.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is 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 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.

The base salaries for each level are: Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $51,840 – $63,252

• Highway Maintenance Worker 2: $57,252 – $69,744

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

• 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.
• 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 Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-30317e in the subject line.