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Posted: February 12, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Maintenance Specialist 3 – Signs

State of Washington

Dept. of Transportation

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$61,644 - $71,472

per year

Closes

March 2, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading a team to maintain, repair, and install highway signs across Washington's roads, while also handling other tasks like pavement repairs and snow removal during emergencies.

It's a hands-on role focused on keeping transportation safe and efficient.

A good fit would be someone with strong experience in sign work, leadership skills, and the ability to work outdoors in all weather, including nights and weekends.

Key Requirements

  • Experience installing, fabricating, and maintaining highway signs and structures, including overhead signs
  • Ability to read and interpret plans, blueprints, and sketches
  • Skills in leading, scheduling, and directing maintenance teams
  • Proficiency with tools and equipment like power augers, ladder trucks, hydraulic boom trucks, rollers, and mechanical sweepers
  • Knowledge of asphalt and concrete pavement repair and maintenance
  • Experience in snow and ice control operations
  • Commitment to safety, public protection, and emergency response

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 3 to join the Olympic Region (OR) Maintenance & Operations Organization.

Under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor, the Maintenance Specialist 3 is the senior specialist responsible for the maintenance, repair, and installation of highway signage for the OR Area 2 Sign Crew.

This position may lead journey-level Maintenance Specialists and 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 safety of the public and fellow employees is a top priority and must be considered in every decision and activity.


This position contributes to the agency’s strategic plan by ensuring, through adherence to WSDOT policies, that work functions performed are administered to the expected quality, safety, and stewardship standards to support Washington’s long-term resilience.

This position is expected to contribute to a workplace that fosters a culture of respect, equal opportunity, and a sense of belonging.


What to Expect

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

  • Prioritize, plan, schedule, and budget sign maintenance activities to accomplish the work.
  • Read and interpret plans, blueprints, and sketches.
  • Lead, schedule, and direct highway sign maintenance activities
  • Assemble, install, and replace 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.
  • Asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair utilizing trucks, rollers, mechanical sweepers, and hand tools; apply concrete, asphalt, and synthetic materials.
  • Lead and perform snow and ice control, to include application of anti-icing compounds to road surface with truck mounted equipment, load trucks from stockpiles or pits.
  • Assist with traffic control on emergency operations and assists crews in setting up and performing traffic control during emergency operations.
  • Assist in the safe cleanup and removal of unlawful dwellings.


The standard schedule is 4, 10-hour shifts, Monday through Friday; weekends and holidays may be required to respond to non-scheduled call-out emergencies. May require working long hours, including nights.


Qualifications

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

Highway Sign Installation & Maintenance Experience: Experience and/or 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.

  • Sign Maintenance Planning and Leadership: Ability to plan, prioritize, schedule, and budget highway sign maintenance activities to ensure timely completion of work; lead and direct sign maintenance operations on state highways; train and support staff to perform sign maintenance and operational tasks to maintain continuity during absences; and manage multiple assignments effectively in a dynamic work environment.
  • 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 and/or experience 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.
    • Possession of an NCCCO Digger Derrick Operator Certification; or obtain within six (6) months of hire, depending on class availability.
    • The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
    • The ability to obtain a valid First Aid/CPR Certification within six (6) months of hire.
    • Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
    • Ability to perform work at ground level, in confined spaces, and at elevated heights (above 25 feet over land or water).
    • Ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, individually or part of a team.
    • Ability to report in service to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call.

    It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

    • Equipment Operation & Transportation: Ability to safely operate and transport equipment, including vehicles up to 26,000 GVW, in support of maintenance and operational activities.
    • Plans Reading & Interpretation: Ability to read, interpret, and apply construction or maintenance plans.


    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. Regular travel to and from highway locations is necessary. Overnight travel is required.
    • 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-OR-32505e in the subject line.

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 2/12/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/13/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5236142