Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training)

Full Job Description

About WSDOTThe 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 OpportunityWSDOT is currently seeking an enthusiastic, career-minded individual who wants to make a difference and join our dynamic team in Bellingham, WA!

This position will support the vast transportation infrastructure of Northwest Washington.

This is an in-training opportunity that offers a career path, hands-on learning, and mentorship and allows you to progress upward through the Highway Maintenance Worker series and achieve the goal class of a Highway Maintenance Worker 2.

This position is perfect for someone who loves working with their hands, knowing their work is done on roadways and roadside in a variety of weather.

The successful candidate will perform a variety of skilled tasks including repairing roadways and roadway shoulders, maintain culverts and catch basins, removing debris, operating snow removal equipment, and providing traffic control for these operations.

This team member will assist with the maintenance and operations of the state highways, and adjacent right of ways to ensure they remain in a condition that promotes the movement of traffic, and safety to the motoring public.

Working in the maintenance area will require a responsible, safety-minded individual to accomplish skilled tasks that require operating trucks and various other highways and heavy equipment.

This position requires quick response time to job sites. Highway maintenance crews are ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

By taking on this role, you are serving a key and vital function to the State of Washington.

What to Expect

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

• Perform manual labor to complete activities such as asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair; apply concrete, asphalt, and synthetic materials.
• Operate Class A, B, and/or C highway equipment as designated on the approved Department of Transportation Equipment Fund (TEF) List for highway maintenance.
• Drain maintenance. Erosion and slide repair.
• Design and set up traffic control operations, as well as full road or bridge closures according to departmental and MUTCD standards.
• Install, maintain, and repair guardrail, fences, impact attenuator concrete barriers and other safety features.
• Removal of snow and ice during winter season.
• Assist in assembling, installing, and replacing signs, sign components and signposts.
• Respond to emergency call outs and/or work overtime on short notice (days, nights, holidays, and weekends).
• Remove dangerous trees; provide vegetation management, such as mowing, applying pesticides; establishing, maintaining, and repairing landscaped areas, including planting and remediating sites.
• Participate and carry out the Department's safety program.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity at the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level, the following are 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.
• Equipment Operation & Licensing: Possess an unrestricted Class A CDL with “N” endorsement without air brake restriction & valid medical card to legal operate vehicles in Washington State.

To be considered for this opportunity at the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 level, the following are 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.
• Equipment Operation & Licensing: Obtain an unrestricted Class A CDL with “N” endorsement without air brake restriction & valid medical card to legal operate vehicles in Washington State within twelve (12) months of hire.

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

• 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.

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.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Traffic Control Certification & Application: Possession of a valid Washington State Traffic Control/Flagging card and demonstrated ability to perform traffic control in accordance with the Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), including planning traffic control setups, placing signs, cones, and barrels, and performing flagging duties safely and effectively.
• Pesticide Application Licensing: Possession of a valid Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License with the ability to safely handle, mix, apply, and store pesticides in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Backflow Prevention Certification: Certification as a Backflow Prevention Tester with demonstrated ability to inspect, test, maintain, and document backflow prevention assemblies in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Crane Operation Certification: Possession of a valid crane operator certification with demonstrated ability to safely inspect, set up, and operate crane equipment in compliance with applicable safety regulations and industry standards.

Important Notes

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: Annual salary levels for each position are:

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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 a 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 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 Highway Maintenance Worker 2 - 11752 in the subject line.