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 seeking a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 to join the Northwest Region Maintenance organization in Bellevue, WA. As a member of the regional maintenance team, this role operates a wide variety of highway equipment and tools while leading entry- and journey-level Highway Maintenance Workers and performing skilled maintenance work on WSDOT roadways and highway structures. This position may occasionally supervise a crew in the absence of the Highway Maintenance Supervisor. The work performed in this role supports WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options that improve communities and economic vitality for people and businesses. A strong candidate will demonstrate technical expertise, sound judgment, leadership by example, and a commitment to safety and teamwork.

What to Expect
This position performs work that is often physical in nature and performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions, and often next to high-volume, high-speed traffic that may require standing for extended periods of time. The schedule is Tuesday through Thursday, 40-hours per week, for 4, 10-hour shifts. Days, nights, weekends and holidays may be required to respond to non-scheduled or call-out emergencies.

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

• Lead Highway Maintenance crews in the daily performance of all maintenance and operations tasks throughout State highways.
• Prioritize, plan, schedule, and budget maintenance activities, while coordinating equipment and personnel.
• Maintain and submit daily records and reports of maintenance activities and enter data into computerized systems (e.g., Highway Activity Tracking System (HATS), Work Zone Database (WZDB), Traffic Sign Management System (TSMS, etc.); while ensuring accuracy.
• Train personnel in equipment usage, safety, highway maintenance, and public relations.
• Operate Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and heavy equipment such as dump truck with plow and sander units, front end loaders, truck/trailer combos, sweepers, mowers, and pickups.
• Assist in assembling, installing and replacing signs and sign posts using a variety of equipment and tools.
• Perform asphalt, concrete, drainage, vegetation, and roadside maintenance, including repairs and installation of safety features such as guardrail and impact attenuators.
• Lead and perform snow and ice control operations, including applying anti-icing compounds and loading trucks.
• Act as traffic control lead during emergency operations and assist crews with traffic control setup and response.
• Assist in the safe cleanup and removal of unlawful dwellings.

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

Highway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrates advanced-level proficiency 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.

Operational Decision-Making: Applies sound judgment in dynamic field conditions, making timely decisions that support safety, operational continuity, and agency standards.

Customer Service Excellence: Provides responsive, respectful, and solution-oriented service to internal and external customers, representing the agency with professionalism.

Independent Work & Prioritization: Manages workload effectively with minimal supervision, prioritizing multiple assignments and adapting to changing operational needs.

Digital & Software Skills: Utilizes Windows-based systems and software including Excel, Word, SharePoint, Outlook, and cloud-based tool to complete documentation, reporting, communication, and operational tasks efficiently.

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:

• A valid Washington State CDL Class A driver’s license with endorsement N and without air brakes restriction, with valid medical card.
• The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s license within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Possession of an unrestricted valid driver’s license to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.
• The ability to traverse steep, rough, and uneven terrain.
• The ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing 50 pounds or more in a safe manner.
• The ability to report in service to assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call.
• The ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency call-outs/stand-by.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Traffic Control Operations: Experience performing traffic control in accordance with MUTCD standards, including planning work zones, setting signs, cones, or barrels, and conducting flagging operations.
• Computer & Systems Proficiency: Intermediate computer proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, internal WSDOT systems, and web-based tools.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly to diverse audiences both verbally and in writing.
• Heavy Vehicle Operation: Experience operating vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds.
• Leadership & Crew Coordination: Experience leading or supervising crews, providing clear direction, maintaining situational awareness, and making sound decisions under stressful conditions.
• TEF Equipment Knowledge: Working knowledge of TEF-owned equipment and its appropriate use in field operations.
• Plans Reading Certification: Possession of a Plans Reading certification.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. An additional 10% assignment pay is included.

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 (FMCSA). 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-NWR-10982e in the subject line.