Highway Maintenance Worker 3 - Lead

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 3 to lead the Traffic Control Crew and oversee daily traffic control operations throughout the South-Central Region.

This position combines hands-on operational work with leadership responsibilities, including mentoring staff, providing feedback, coordinating schedules, and managing workflow to ensure efficient and safe project delivery.

The incumbent is accountable for their own safety and the safety of the crew while upholding high standards of traffic control and roadway operations.

Through effective leadership and coordination, this role plays a critical part in supporting WSDOT’s mission to ensure the safe, reliable, and uninterrupted movement of people, goods, and services across Washington State.What to Expect

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

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

Rotational night shift is required.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 3 will:

• Lead traffic control operations across the South-Central Region by establishing, implementing, and maintaining temporary traffic control in compliance with MUTCD standards, approved traffic control plans, and agency specifications.
• Deploy traffic control devices and equipment—including cones, drums, barricades, attenuator trucks, Road Warrior devices, and PCMS—to support lane closures, detours, mobile operations, and emergency responses.
• Protect workers and the traveling public by performing moving and stationary traffic control, monitoring traffic flow, and adjusting control measures as roadway and incident conditions change.
• Perform winter operations by operating snowplow and deicing vehicles, applying anti-icing and deicing materials, maintaining stockpiles, and responding to severe weather and hazardous roadway conditions.
• Coordinate with maintenance crews, supervisors, Traffic Management Centers, law enforcement, and emergency responders to ensure safe and efficient operations during planned work and unplanned incidents.
• Complete highway maintenance activities such as asphalt and concrete repairs, drainage system maintenance, guardrail and sign installation, and operation of maintenance equipment in accordance with WSDOT standards.
• Document work activities, materials used, and equipment maintenance by accurately entering information into the Highway Activity Tracking System (HATS) in a timely manner.
• Plan and direct the work of assigned crew members by organizing daily tasks, providing clear instructions, monitoring performance, and ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with WSDOT requirements.

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

Leadership in Adverse Conditions

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

Service-Oriented

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

• A valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement without airbrake restriction.
• A valid CDL Medical card.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ability to respond to the assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours callout.
• 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 traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  
  

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
Policy and Manual Interpretation & Compliance

• Ability to interpret, comprehend, and implement the Maintenance Manual.
• Ability to interpret, comprehend, and implement the Snow and Ice Plan.
• Ability to interpret, comprehend, and implement the M 54-44 Manual and the MUTCD.

Maintenance Operations Experience

• Demonstrated ability to perform a wide range of highway or related maintenance activities, applying appropriate methods, tools, and safety practices to support roadway operations.

Equipment Operation Proficiency

• Demonstrated ability to safely operate a variety of maintenance and traffic control equipment required to support maintenance, traffic control, winter operations, and emergency response activities.
  
  

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• 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-51369 in the subject line.