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Posted: February 11, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Highway Maintenance Worker 2

State of Washington

Dept. of Transportation

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$57,252 - $69,744

per year

Closes

February 26, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves hands-on maintenance of state highways in Washington, including tasks like snow removal, repairing roads and guardrails, operating heavy equipment, and keeping areas clean and safe for drivers.

It's perfect for someone who enjoys outdoor physical work, works well in a team, and is committed to safety in all weather conditions.

Ideal candidates are reliable, eager to learn, and comfortable with irregular hours including nights and weekends.

Key Requirements

  • Demonstrated experience in highway and roadway maintenance, including pavement repair, drainage systems, and debris removal
  • Skilled operation and maintenance of heavy equipment like dump trucks, front-end loaders, and excavators
  • Ability to perform physical work outdoors in all weather, at heights, or in confined spaces near live traffic
  • Knowledge of traffic control, including setting up work zones, flagging, and using signs
  • Experience with snow and ice control using plows and sanders
  • Willingness to participate in safety training and work flexible shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays

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 to fill a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 position in Ellensburg, WA.

This position performs a wide range of highway and right-of-way maintenance activities to help maintain state highways, roadside areas, infrastructure, and right of way.

In this role, employees support the agency’s mission of safely moving people and goods across Interstate 90, Interstate 82, SR 10, SR 97, and SR 821.

A top candidate will take pride in hands-on work, demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and teamwork, and be willing to learn and apply maintenance practices that support efficient traffic movement and a safe travel experience for the public.What to ExpectThis position performs work that is often physical in nature and performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions, next to live traffic.

This position may work at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water or perform work in a confined environment, low to the ground, or at ground level.

A typical schedule is Monday through Thursday, from 6:00am to 4:30pm summer scheduling, with winter schedules varying 4/10 hour shifts to accommodate required 24/7 coverage that will include nights, weekends and holidays.

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

  • Operate 32,000 to 60,000 GVW dump truck with plow and sander units for snow and ice control on both interstate and secondary highways.
  • Establish temporary work zones, mobile work operations, traffic control devices, including Road warriors, portable electronic signs, flagging for all maintenance operations and roadway accidents.
  • Assist with accident scene cleanup and repairing damaged guardrail, fencing, signs, delineation, and removing graffiti from highway facilities.
  • Maintain drainage systems, including ditches, channels, culverts, cross drains, manholes, and catch basins.
  • Operate equipment such as front-end loaders, dump trucks, sweepers, mowers, vactors, excavators, pickups, and hand tools, for general highway maintenance tasks.
  • Use Class A highway and hauling equipment, rollers to perform road repair activities, including asphalt patching, crack sealing, and concrete panel replacement.
  • Clean rest areas and perform litter removal.
  • Participate in required safety meetings and training courses.
  • Track inventory and complete reports using computers or iPads.


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: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

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

    • Possession of a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement and without airbrakes restriction.
    • A 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.
    • Ability to work at ground level, in confined spaces, and at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water.
    • Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
    • Ability to maneuver and transport up to 50 pounds.
    • Ability and willingness to work varying shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays to accommodate required 24/7 winter coverage.


    It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

    • Related Maintenance Experience: Experience performing maintenance activities in a related field of work.
    • Traffic Control Experience: Experience performing traffic control in compliance with Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards.
    • Maintenance Manual Application: Ability to interpret, comprehend, and implement the WSDOT Maintenance Manual in daily operations.
    • Winter Operations Knowledge: Knowledge of the WSDOT Snow and Ice Plan and the ability to effectively interpret and implement the procedures during winter operations.
    • Traffic Control Safety: Proficiency in interpreting and applying M54-44 guidelines and the MUTCD for traffic control and roadway safety.


    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 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 ApplyApplications 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 Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov .

    Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SCR-51221 in the subject line.

    Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 2/11/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/12/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5234703