Highway Maintenance Worker ; In-Training Elma

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!

WSDOT is currently seeking a dependable and safety-minded Highway Maintenance Worker to join our maintenance team in Elma, WA. In this journey-level role, you’ll work outdoors as part of a team responsible for maintaining and repairing state highways, highway structures, and adjacent right of way. You’ll operate a variety of highway maintenance equipment and tools while performing hands‑on work that helps keep Washington’s transportation system safe, reliable, and moving.

Your work may include maintaining asphalt and concrete, signs and guardrails, drainage and culverts, traffic control systems, and other highway infrastructure. If you enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, solving problems, working with a team, and taking pride in a job well done, this is an opportunity to build a career while making a direct difference in your community.

The typical schedule is four 10‑hour shifts (40 hours per week), with participation in a rotational night shift. You may work near high‑volume, high‑speed traffic, stand for extended periods, and navigate rough, steep, or uneven terrain. Some work may occur at heights or over land or water.

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

• Operate Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, trucks, tools, and vehicles to complete maintenance and repair activities.
• Repair and maintain asphalt and concrete pavement, drainage systems, signs, guardrails, and other roadside infrastructure.
• Perform roadside maintenance, including vegetation management, erosion control, debris and litter removal, and danger tree removal.
• Operate snow and ice control equipment and hauling materials to help keep roadways safe and open for travel.
• Set up and maintain traffic control, including flagging, lane closures, and operating attenuator vehicles.
• Inspect, maintain, and perform minor repairs on maintenance equipment, vehicles, and tools.
• Respond to emergencies such as collisions, spills, severe weather, and other incidents, working independently or as part of a team and coordinating with partner agencies when needed.
• Provide work direction, equipment instruction, and on‑the‑job training to crew members when serving in a lead capacity.

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 the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level, the following is required:

• Journey‑Level Highway & Roadway Maintenance: 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.
• Licensure: Class A CDL with N endorsement without restrictions, or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire. (WSDOT may provide training assistance for this…