Maintenance Specialist

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!

WSDOT 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.

Typical schedule:

Tuesday‑Friday, 40 hours per week. May require weekends and holidays, and respond to non‑scheduled or call‑out emergencies.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• This…