Recent Listing

Posted: January 7, 2026 (8 days ago)

This job has been posted for 1-2 weeks. Still a good time to apply.

Maintenance Specialist 3

State of Washington

Dept. of Transportation

Recent

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$61,644 - $71,472

per year

Closes

January 22, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading a team to maintain and repair highway signs and related roadside infrastructure for the Washington State Department of Transportation, ensuring safe and efficient travel across the state.

The role includes hands-on work like installing signs, operating heavy equipment, and handling winter road conditions, while also training others and managing supplies.

It's a good fit for someone with practical experience in construction or maintenance who enjoys outdoor work, can handle irregular hours including emergencies, and is committed to safety and teamwork.

Key Requirements

  • Practical knowledge of highway maintenance practices, including sign installation, guardrail work, pavement repair, drainage, and debris removal
  • Journey-level experience in roadway maintenance or operating heavy equipment, with transferable skills from construction, farming, or timber operations
  • Ability to lead and train maintenance personnel on projects and assist with work order prioritization
  • Proficiency in using computerized tracking systems for documentation, reporting, and inventory management
  • Experience operating snow and ice control equipment, such as plow and sander trucks up to 54,000 GVW
  • Skills in developing safety plans, using PPE, and handling hazardous materials or emergency cleanups
  • Commitment to a growth mindset and continuous learning in maintenance practices

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 skilled Maintenance Specialist 3 to lead and oversee Area 1 highway sign maintenance operations that support our mission of delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation solutions for communities across Washington State.

This position serves as the lead for all phases of highway sign maintenance, ensuring work is performed efficiently, safely, and in compliance with agency standards.

Working under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor, the Maintenance Specialist 3 also addresses ESA-related considerations tied to sign maintenance activities.

The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining roadway safety and supporting WSDOT’s commitment to high-quality infrastructure.What to ExpectTypical schedule: Tuesday-Friday, 40 hours per week.

May require weekends and holidays, and respond to non-scheduled or call-out emergencies. Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Maintenance Specialist 3 will:

  • Perform journey-level maintenance and repair of highways, roadsides, right-of-way, and related infrastructure.
  • Erect, inspect, maintain, and replace large highway signs, including sign bridges, bridge-mounted signs, and roadside signs, while completing fall-restraint plans as needed.
  • Lead and train maintenance personnel on sign projects and assist supervisors with prioritizing Traffic Operations Work Orders.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of sign installations, repairs, and work orders using computerized tracking systems and daily activity reporting tools.
  • Order and purchase materials and supplies for sign-related and general road maintenance projects and coordinate scheduling through the supervisor.
  • Operate snow and ice control equipment, including plow and sander trucks up to 54,000 GVW, and maintain stockpile sites during winter operations.
  • Oversee third-party sign damage repairs, manage sign inventories, review plans and contracts, and operate tools and equipment required for sign maintenance.
  • Develop and implement safety plans, use proper PPE, and assist with the safe cleanup of roadway debris and unlawful encampments, including hazardous materials handling.


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

  • Highway Maintenance Expertise: Practical knowledge of highway maintenance practices, including pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal, with the ability to assess maintenance needs and perform repairs to highway structures, roadside features, and landscapes.
  • Journey-Level Maintenance & Equipment Experience: Demonstrated journey-level experience performing roadway maintenance, operating heavy equipment, or related transferable experience from fields such as construction, farming, or timber operations.
  • 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:

  • CDL Class A with N endorsement and without air brake restrictions.
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by.
  • Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
  • Ability to work at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water.
  • Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.


It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • Highway Maintenance & Sign Fabrication Experience: Demonstrated journey-level expertise gained through experience as a Highway Maintenance Worker or experience assisting in the fabrication of highway signs, providing the technical skills necessary to perform complex roadway and sign maintenance duties safely and effectively.


Important Notes

  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • This position is not eligible for remote work.
  • Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and may involve long hours. Duties are carried out in high-traffic urban and suburban areas, sometimes in confined spaces, with potential exposure to sharps, bloodborne pathogens, and other hazardous materials.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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 yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov.

Please be sure to reference 25DOT-NWR-10512 in the subject line.

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

Browse Similar Jobs

Posted on NEOGOV: 1/7/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/8/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5190624