Highway Maintenance Worker

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 seekinga Highway Maintenance Worker 2 to support the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce through essential highway and infrastructure maintenance. Under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3, this journey-level role operates a variety of equipment and tools to perform skilled maintenance and repair work on highways and related structures. The position may also provide occasional crew leadership in the absence of a lead worker.

This role plays a key part in maintaining roadway safety and reliability across the region. A strong commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment is essential.

What to Expect

The typical schedule is four 10-hour shifts per week, Monday through Friday. This position requires the ability to work weekends and holidays in response to emergency call-outs and report to the assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call. Employees must be available to work alternate, emergency, and rotational night shifts as needed. The role requires responding to emergencies in all weather conditions, 24/7, independently or as part of a team.

Long hours, night work, and occasional standby or call-back assignments may be required.

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

• Perform asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair, including applying concrete, asphalt, and synthetic materials.
• Maintain and repair drainage systems, signage, guardrails, fencing, and impact attenuators to ensure roadway safety.
• Manage vegetation and landscaping, including danger tree removal, pesticide application, and site restoration.
• Haul materials such as rip rap, asphalt, sand, and gravel while tracking and reporting daily work activities and inventory.
• Conduct snow and ice control operations and maintain roadways for safe and open travel year-round.
• Respond to emergency situations by setting up traffic control, supporting incident response, and coordinating with external agencies.
• Assist with unlawful dwelling cleanup and removal, ensuring safe handling of hazardous materials and coordination with partner agencies.
• Lead and train crew members in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 and perform maintenance and minor repairs on equipment and tools.

Qualifications

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

• Highway Maintenance: Practical knowledge of 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.
• Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating and maintaining a variety of Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles in accordance with WSDOT standards. Demonstrated ability to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites.
• Traffic Control & Work Zone: Working 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.
• 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 &…