Maintenance Specialist 2 – RW Sign Crew

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 Maintenance Specialist 2 as the journey-level specialist assisting with the maintenance, repair, and installation of highway signage for the Olympic Region (OR) Regionwide (RW) Sign Crew.

The maintenance and repair of highway signage is critical to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce.

This position may train entry and journey-level Highway Maintenance Workers to assist in the maintenance, repair, and installation of highway signage.

Additionally, this position is expected to perform a variety of skilled maintenance tasks throughout assigned highways and roadways.

The Maintenance Specialist 2 would have public safety and safety of fellow employees as a high priority and must be considered in every decision and activity affecting the highway facilities.

What to Expect

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

• Read and interpret plans, blueprints, and sketches.
• Assist in assembling, installing, and replacing signs, sign components, and signposts; using a variety of equipment and tools such as hand diggers, portable power augers, pavement breakers, ladder trucks and hydraulic boom trucks with attached auger; this includes installation of overhead signs.
• Install new signs; pour cement bases, install steel posts, attach wind beams and signs to post; install and maintain wood posts and signs over 30 square feet in area.
• Train staff to perform sign maintenance and operations tasks.
• Promote a safe work environment and remain current on the Department’s Safety Program.
• Perform asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair utilizing trucks, rollers, mechanical sweepers, and hand tools; apply concrete, asphalt, and synthetic materials.
• Perform drainage maintenance including catch basins, sedimentation facilities, and ditches; erosion and slide repair; guardrail, fence, and impact attenuator installation and repair.

Typical schedule 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.

Must be able to report in service to assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call, and work alternate and emergency shifts as assigned.

Respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, alone or a part of a team as needed. Work long hours, including nights.

Occasional standby and call-back may be required. Rotational night shift is required.

Qualifications

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

Highway Sign Installation & Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated skills to install, fabricate, and maintain highway signs and sign structures, including ground-mounted and overhead signs.

Proven ability to operate hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment to set posts, pour concrete foundations, mount sign panels, and apply roadway markings.

Highway Maintenance Knowledge: Knowledge of highway maintenance practices, including pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, debris removal, and snow and ice control.

Equipment Operation: Ability to operate and maintain various Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles following WSDOT standards.

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: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently in the field.

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.
• Possession of an NCCCO Digger Derrick Operator Certification; or obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
• The ability to obtain within 6 months of hire and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification.
• Ability to perform duties at ground level, in confined spaces, and at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to move, carry, and manipulate tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.

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.
• 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 25DOT-OR-30484e in the subject line.