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 the Olympic Region’s mission of maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient transportation systems.

Under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor, this journey-level position performs skilled maintenance and repair work on highways and highway structures using a wide variety of equipment and tools to ensure the safe movement of people and commerce.

The role supports effective highway operations, emergency and weather response, and environmental stewardship of WSDOT-owned and maintained lands.

This position places a strong emphasis on safety for both the traveling public and fellow employees and may occasionally lead a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3.

Successful candidates will contribute to WSDOT’s long-term resilience by upholding quality, safety, and stewardship standards while fostering a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace.What to Expect

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

• Perform day-to-day highway maintenance operations, including pavement repair, drainage maintenance, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail repair, and removal of debris, litter, and hazards from state right-of-way.
• Operate Class A, B, and C highway equipment and transport heavy equipment and materials between work sites in support of maintenance activities.
• Maintain roadways for safe, open travel by conducting snow and ice control operations, applying anti-icing materials, hauling and loading materials, and maintaining stockpile sites.
• Respond to emergencies and incidents by setting up traffic control, performing flagging and attenuator operations, coordinating with external agencies, and supporting Emergency Operations Center (EOC) mobilization efforts.
• Inspect, document, and report work activities, inventories, damage estimates, timekeeping, and safety incidents using computerized systems and standard office applications.
• Promote and ensure a safe work environment by developing and following Pre-Activity Safety Plans, adhering to safety protocols, wearing and maintaining PPE, and participating in required safety training and meetings.
• Maintain and clean tools, equipment, vehicles, stockpile sites, and WSDOT facilities through routine maintenance, minor repairs, and housekeeping activities.
• Assist with unlawful dwelling cleanup and other assigned duties, including safe handling of hazardous materials, supporting law enforcement coordination, and leading or training others in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3.

Qualifications

The typical schedule for this position is Monday–Friday, working four 10-hour days each week; however, weekends and holidays may be required for emergency callouts.

Employees must be able to report to the duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call and may be assigned alternate or emergency shifts as needed.

This role requires responding to emergencies in all weather conditions, 24/7, working long hours, including some nights, and may involve occasional standby and call-back.

To be considered for this opportunity, 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.

Ability to assess maintenance needs and perform repairs to highway structures, roadside features, and landscapes.

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.

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

• 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.
• The ability to obtain a Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License within twelve (12) months of hire.
• The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
• The ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by. Must be able to report in service to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to work at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Traffic Control Experience: Experience performing traffic control activities in accordance with MUTCD standards, including planning work zones and setting signs, cones or barrels, and flagging traffic.
• Computer & Systems Proficiency: Intermediate skill level using computer programs such as Microsoft Office applications, internal agency systems, and internet-based tools to support daily work activities.
• Communication Effectiveness: Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally with diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing, in support of operational and coordination needs.
• Safety-Focused Work Practices: Experience consistently adhering to safety policies and demonstrating diligence in performing work safely in field and operational environments.

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 active traffic, requiring alertness and strict safety awareness.

Duties may involve working at heights over 25 feet, in confined spaces, on rough or steep terrain, and at or near ground level.

Employees handle various chemicals and products such as herbicides, fuels, solvents, lubricants, paint, cleaners, and hot asphalt, and may encounter hazardous or contaminated materials.

The role requires performing traffic control from both stationary and moving platforms.

• 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.
• 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 25DOT-OR-30135 in the subject line.