Highway Maintenance Worker 4

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 4 to join the Northwest Region (NWR) Highway Maintenance Program.

Under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor, this position is responsible for coordinating, testing, performing routine maintenance and repair, reporting, and overseeing the NWR Area 4 and 5 fire department connections and their backflow devices.

This position is also responsible for leading entry and journey-level Highway Maintenance Workers while operating a wide variety of equipment and tools and regularly performing skilled maintenance tasks throughout WSDOT roadways.

This position may act as a Highway Maintenance Supervisor in a supervisor’s absence or delegation.

What to Expect

Typical scheduled is Monday through Friday, 40-hours per week, for 4, 10-hour days. Weekends and holidays may be required to respond to non-scheduled or call-out emergencies. Work may include night work, occasional standby, and call-back.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 4 will:

Qualifications

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

• Technical Expertise in Maintenance Operations: Highly experienced in all aspects of roadway or highway maintenance, including knowledge of safety standards, construction industry practices, heavy equipment operation, and maintenance procedures.
• Commercial Driver Proficiency: Ability to operate and transport equipment requiring a Washington Class A CDL with N endorsement, without airbrake or E restrictions, or the ability to obtain the required license within six (6) months of employment.
• Traffic Control & Work Zone Safety: Demonstrated proficiency in traffic control in accordance with MUTCD standards, including planning and setting signs, cones, and barrels, and performing flagging operations; holds a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card or can obtain certification within six (6) months.
• Specialized Fire Hydrant Systems Knowledge: Successful completion of fire hydrant repair, testing, and hands-on training, or the ability to complete required training within eight (8) months; applies technical skill to maintain, repair, and troubleshoot hydrant systems.
• Backflow Prevention Certification & Application: Hold a current Backflow Tester Certification or can obtain certification within eight (8) months; demonstrates competency in inspecting, maintaining, repairing, and replacing backflow prevention devices.
• Safety & Compliance: Demonstrated commitment to following safety policies, identifying hazards, and performing work in a safe, compliant, and responsible manner.
• Leadership & Team Coordination: Experience leading or supervising crews, providing clear direction, coaching others, and making sound decisions under pressure while maintaining professionalism.
• Accountability & Work Management: Ability to work independently, prioritize workload, manage multiple assignments, and follow through on commitments with a high level of reliability.
• Communication: Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills to effectively convey information to diverse audiences, including individuals with non-technical backgrounds, in a respectful and professional manner.
• Technical & Digital Proficiency: Proficient in Windows-based systems and software, including MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, SharePoint, Outlook), cloud-based tools, virtual meeting platforms such as MS Teams, and various databases used for project tracking, asset management, and operational reporting.
• Analytical & Planning Skills: Knowledge of planning and managing budgets, evaluating operational needs, and applying sound judgment to support effective maintenance and construction activities.
• Technology Use: Experience using computers, tablets (iPads), and Microsoft Office products to support daily operations, documentation, and communication
• 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:

• Ability to perform duties at elevated heights, above 100 feet over land or water.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to report in service to assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, individually or as part of a team.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Maintenance & Equipment Operations: Experience performing hydrant and backflow maintenance and testing, winter snow and ice control, and traffic control in accordance with MUTCD standards.
• Planning & Budget Management: Demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate maintenance activities and manage budgets effectively to ensure efficient and compliant operations.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis. Overnight travel is required.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County, as well as the approved 10% Assignment Pay.

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 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 Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-13041e in the subject line.