Landscape Plant Establishment Worker - Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training)

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 a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 to join the Northwest Region Maintenance organization in Everett, WA, as part of the Northwest Region Wide Plant Establishment Crew.

This in-training position offers a career path, hands-on learning, and mentorship allowing you to progress upward through the Highway Maintenance Worker series This position is perfect for someone who loves working with their hands, knowing their work is done on roadways and roadsides in a variety of weather.

The successful candidate will perform a variety of skilled tasks including landscape maintenance, plant care and other environmental needs.

This team member will assist with the maintenance and operations of the state highways, and adjacent right of ways to assure they remain in a condition that promotes the movement of traffic, and safety to the motoring public.Working in the maintenance area will require responsible, safety-minded individuals to accomplish skilled tasks that require operating trucks and various other highway and heavy equipment.

This position requires a quick response time to job sites. Highway maintenance crews are ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

By taking on this role, you are serving a key and vital function to the State of Washington.

What to ExpectThis 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.

Duties may be performed at elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water. A typical schedule is Monday through Thursday, 40-hours per week, for 4, 10-hour shifts.

Days, nights, weekends and holidays may be required for business needs or to respond to non-scheduled or call-out emergencies.

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

Perform skilled and semi-skilled landscape maintenance on roadside and mitigation sites, including applying pesticide and fertilizer applications.

Remove or cut trees and brush; manage vegetation through planting and transplanting, stream restoration and stabilization, fencing, irrigation setup and operation, pruning, mowing, minor grading, wildlife habitat structure construction, erosion control, and general grounds care.

Stay proficient on the latest Environmental Safety Act (ESA) and Best Management Practices and implement them in all aspects of work. Operate Class A, B or C highway equipment.

Routinely and safely operate Vactors, sweepers, hydraulic excavators, backhoes, booms and cranes, asphalt boxes, bulldozers, road graders, chain saws, and weed eaters.

Perform manual labor to complete activities such as asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair, applying concrete, asphalt, and synthetic materials.

Conduct drainage maintenance and repair.

QualificationsThis is a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 position.

However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

To be considered for this opportunity at the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level, 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 competencies, the following are also required:

• A valid Washington State CDL Class A Driver’s License with “N” endorsement and without air brakes restriction or obtain within twelve (12) months of employment.
• Obtain a Washington State Traffic Control/Flagging card within twelve (12) months of employment and maintain throughout employment.
• Ability to work at ground level, in confined spaces, and at elevated heights (above 25 feet over land or water).
• Ability to traverse steep, rough, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing 50 pounds or more in a safe manner.
• Ability to report in service to assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call.
• Ability and willingness to work varying shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and to respond to un-scheduled work, call-outs, or emergency situations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, alone or a part of a team.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Washington State Traffic Control/Flagging Card.
• Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Backflow Prevention Tester Certification.
• Crane 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 additional 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 is a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 position.

However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

The base salaries for each level are:

• Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $57,024 – $69,577
• Highway Maintenance Worker 2: $62,977 - $ 76,718
• 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:

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.
• 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-12373e in the subject line.