Highway Maintenance Worker 2 In-Training | 5 Positions

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 currently seeking several Highway Maintenance Worker 2’s to support the Olympic Region’s mission of maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient transportation systems for the traveling public. Under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor, these journey-level positions perform a variety of skilled highway maintenance and repair activities to preserve highways, structures, facilities, and fleet operations. These roles operate a wide range of maintenance equipment and tools while responding to weather events, emergencies, natural disasters, and construction impacts to keep the highway system functioning safely and effectively. In addition, these positions may occasionally lead a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 and are expected to uphold WSDOT’s standards for safety, quality, environmental stewardship, and long-term system resilience. The ideal candidates will contribute to a respectful and inclusive workplace while prioritizing the safety of fellow employees and the traveling public in all aspects of the work.

What to Expect
This position is full-time, requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week. The standard schedule is four (4) 10-hour shifts, Monday through Friday. Three positions will be at Aberdeen’s Maintenance Shed and two positions will be at Amanda Park Maintenance Shed.

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

• Operate Class A, B and C highway equipment as designated on the approved Department of Transportation Equipment List (TEF) for highway maintenance.
• Perform daily highway maintenance activities, including roadway and pavement repairs, sign maintenance, guardrail repair, drainage maintenance, vegetation management, litter and debris removal, and transportation of equipment and materials.
• Track, document, and report work activities using computerized systems and applications, maintain inventory records, complete timesheets, prepare damage reports, and utilize Microsoft Office and other computer programs.
• Participate in safety planning activities, follow established safety procedures, wear required personal protective equipment, attend safety meetings and training, and help maintain a safe work environment for employees and the traveling public.
• Perform snow and ice control activities, including operating equipment, applying anti-icing materials, hauling maintenance materials, and maintaining stockpile locations.
• Respond to emergencies by setting up traffic control, assisting with road and bridge closures, supporting incident response activities, coordinating with partner agencies, and participating in emergency preparedness efforts.
• Perform maintenance and minor repairs on equipment, tools, facilities, storage areas, truck bays, and maintenance sites.
• Assist with the cleanup and removal of unlawful dwellings while safely handling hazardous materials and following established procedures.
• Support additional maintenance and operations assignments and assist with training or leading coworkers when needed.

Qualifications
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.

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

To qualify at the HMW1 level, the following is required:

• Basic Highway Maintenance Skills: Basic understanding of highway maintenance tasks such as pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal
• Licensing: Possession of an unrestricted valid driver’s license to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.

To qualify at the HMW2 level, the following is 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.
• Licensing: 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.

In addition to the above, the following competencies, certifications, and licenses are required at any level:

• 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.
• Certifications: 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. Possession of Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License; or obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.
• 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: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Traffic Control Operations: Experience performing traffic control per published highway standards (MUTCD) including planning, setting signs and cones or barrels, and flagging.
• Computer and Technology Proficiency: Intermediate computer skills to operate various computer programs, such as Microsoft Office applications, internal WSDOT applications, and the internet.
• Communication Skills: Experience in effective communication to multiple audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Safety Compliance and Work Practices: Experience adhering to safety policies and diligence in performing work in a safe manner.
  

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• This is an in-training position that offers a career path, hands-on learning, and mentorship. This position allows you to progress upward through the Highway Maintenance Worker series and achieve the goal class of a Highway Maintenance Worker 2. Candidates will be considered for the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 or Highway Maintenance Worker 2 position, depending on their qualifications. Annual salary levels for each position are:
• Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $51,840 - $63,252
• Highway Maintenance Worker 2: $57,252 - $69,744
• This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 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 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 Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-30404m in the subject line.