Utility Worker 2 | I-90 Tunnels

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a motivated and safety-focused Utility Worker 2 to join our team in Seattle, WA. In this hands-on role, you will help maintain and enhance some of the region’s most unique and highly visible transportation facilities, including the I-90 Tunnel Maintenance Facilities in Seattle and Mercer Island, the Seattle Convention Center lid, and the SR 520 Montlake and Portage Bay lids. Your work will directly contribute to the safety, appearance, and functionality of these critical transportation assets through facility maintenance, vegetation management, and general upkeep activities.

As a valued member of the maintenance team, you will support Electrical and Electronic Systems Specialists and Maintenance Mechanics with a variety of operational and maintenance tasks while working both independently and collaboratively. This position offers the opportunity to work in diverse environments, develop valuable maintenance skills, and play an important role in ensuring WSDOT facilities remain safe, reliable, and well-maintained for employees, partners, and the traveling public. A strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality workmanship is essential, as safety remains the foundation of every decision and activity performed in this role.

What to Expect

Work is generally performed Monday–Thursday on four 10-hour shifts. Work is primarily performed in facility offices, tunnel system rooms, corridors, and void spaces around industrial electronic, electrical, and mechanical equipment, with some outdoor work required year-round in all weather conditions including heat, rain, snow, heavy winds on both day and night shifts. You must be able to report in service to assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call.

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

• Conduct facility and grounds maintenance for the I-90 Tunnels (Seattle/Mercer Island), SCC lid, and SR 520 Montlake and Portage Bay lids.
• Perform services to maintain clean, sanitary, and safe conditions in the I-90 Tunnels Seattle/Mercer Island), SCC lid, and SR 520 Montlake and Portage Bay lid facilities.
• Conduct routine inspections of fire extinguishers.
• Ensure safe handling of hazardous substances, hazardous objects and possible bloodborne pathogens.?
• Report all injuries and accidents in computerized system (SAFETRAK).

Qualifications

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

• Effective Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally in a variety of situations and effectively uses a two-way radio network to support safe and coordinated operations.
• Mathematical Reasoning: Ability to perform basic mathematical equations
• Licensing & Certification: Possession of an unrestricted valid driver’s license. The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire. Obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification. Obtain a class ‘C” Underground Storage tank License within six (6) months of hire.
• Technical & Administrative: Ability to use standard computer applications for timekeeping, maintenance tracking and inventory management (e.g., HATS, MPET, DOTtime, Microsoft Office, and email communication).
• Safety Awareness & Compliance: Thorough knowledge of occupational safety requirements and commitment to safe work practices in shop and field environments.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to respond to assigned duty station with 60 minutes of an afterhours callout.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Maintenance and Trades Support: Demonstrated experience performing physical, trade-related work using tools, equipment, materials, and methods commonly associated with construction, landscaping, facility maintenance, or janitorial operations. Ability to safely perform manual labor in a variety of work environments while following established procedures and safety requirements.
• Building Maintenance and Repair: Demonstrated experience performing routine facility maintenance, minor repairs, and upkeep of public or commercial buildings. Experience supporting or performing janitorial services and basic maintenance activities involving building systems such as plumbing, electrical, or other facility infrastructure.
• Cleaning Methods and Chemical Use: Demonstrated knowledge of cleaning practices, equipment, and materials, including the safe handling, mixing, and application of cleaning agents to achieve effective cleaning and sanitation while complying with safety requirements and manufacturer guidelines.

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 legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County, and the 2% general wage increase.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
• Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and often near moving traffic and heavy equipment, requiring heightened situational awareness and strict adherence to safety practices. The role involves physically demanding tasks, including deploying traffic control devices, flagging, and operating maintenance vehicles and equipment, with extended periods of standing and walking. Employees must wear appropriate PPE at all times.
• 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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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 of 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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov Please be sure to reference Utility Worker 2 #11320 in the subject line.