Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (Multiple 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 seeking multiple Highway Maintenance Workers to fill multiple non- permanent vacancies in Connell and Pasco, WA. The selected candidates will assist with the maintenance and repair of state highways and highway structures to ensure the safety of the traveling public. These journey-level positions serve as members of the regional maintenance organization and perform asphalt and concrete maintenance, traffic control, repair and installation of guardrail and signs, as well as culvert and drainage maintenance. Working in the maintenance area requires responsible, safety-minded individuals to perform a variety of skilled labor tasks and operate highway equipment and tools. This work is performed in the field on active roadways and in a variety of weather conditions.

What to Expect

These positions perform work that is often physical in nature and performed primarily outdoors and often next to high-volume, high-speed traffic that may require standing for extended periods of time; HMW2 may work at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water. Work may also include traversing in rough, steep, and uneven terrain. A typical schedule is 40-hours per week, for 4, 10-hour days. Nights, weekends, and holidays may be required to respond to emergency situations.

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

Qualifications

To qualify, the following competencies are required:

• Highway and Roadway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated experience performing routine and emergency maintenance on highways, roadways, and related infrastructure 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.
• Heavy Equipment Operations: Skilled in operating and maintaining heavy equipment (e.g. front-end loaders, tractor mowers, sweepers, flushers, truck-mounted attenuators, backhoe, vactor, 32,000-60,000 GVW dump truck with snowplow and chemical deicer attachments).
• Teamwork: 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.
• Licensing and Certification: Possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement and without airbrakes restriction, and ability to obtain Class A within 12 months of hire; valid medical card.
• Certifications: A Washington State Flagging Card, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire; First Aid Certification or ability to obtain within six (6) 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: Ability to use electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating. Proficient in standard computer applications including Microsoft Office and email communication.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following are also required at any level:

• Ability to move, place, and manipulate tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain, and work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work at ground level, in confined spaces, and at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ability to report in service to assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

Important Notes

• This recruitment is being used to fill two positions in Connell, WA and two positions in Pasco, WA.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• These positions are not eligible for remote work.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
• 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.
• These are non-permanent opportunities, expected to last 6-8 months.
• 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 (FMCSA). 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:

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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SCR-50206m in the subject line.