Highway Maintenance Worker - Lead

Position: Highway Maintenance Worker 3 - Lead
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!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 to lead the Traffic Control Crew and oversee daily traffic control operations throughout the South-Central Region. This position combines hands-on operational work with leadership responsibilities, including mentoring staff, providing feedback, coordinating schedules, and managing workflow to ensure efficient and safe project delivery. The incumbent is accountable for their own safety and the safety of the crew while upholding high standards of traffic control and roadway operations.

Through effective leadership and coordination, this role plays a critical part in supporting WSDOT's mission to ensure the safe, reliable, and uninterrupted movement of people, goods, and services across Washington State.

What to Expect

This position performs work that is often physical, primarily outdoors, and next to high-volume, high-speed traffic, which may require standing for extended periods. A typical schedule is Monday through Thursday, 40 hours per week, for 4, 10-hour days. Days, nights, weekends, and holidays may be required to respond to non-scheduled or call-out emergencies. Rotational night shift is required.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 3 will:

* Lead traffic control operations across the South-Central Region by establishing, implementing, and maintaining temporary traffic control in compliance with MUTCD standards, approved traffic control plans, and agency specifications.

* Deploy traffic control devices and equipment-including cones, drums, barricades, attenuator trucks, Road Warrior devices, and PCMS-to support lane closures, detours, mobile operations, and emergency responses.

* Protect workers and the traveling public by performing moving and stationary traffic control, monitoring traffic flow, and adjusting control measures as roadway and incident conditions change.

* Perform winter operations by operating snowplow and deicing vehicles, applying anti-icing and deicing materials, maintaining stockpiles, and responding to severe weather and hazardous roadway conditions.

* Coordinate with maintenance crews, supervisors, Traffic Management Centers, law enforcement, and emergency responders to ensure safe and efficient operations during planned work and unplanned incidents.

* Complete highway maintenance activities such as asphalt and concrete repairs, drainage system maintenance, guardrail and sign installation, and operation of maintenance equipment in accordance with WSDOT standards.

* Document work activities, materials used, and equipment maintenance by accurately entering information into the Highway Activity Tracking System (HATS) in a timely manner.

* Plan and direct the work of assigned crew members by organizing daily tasks, providing clear instructions, monitoring performance, and ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with WSDOT requirements.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following 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, 26,000
-56,000 GVW Dump truck with snowplow and chemical deicer attachments).

Leadership in Adverse Conditions

* Proven ability to supervise personnel engaged in snow and ice removal operations, ensuring safe and effective performance in adverse weather conditions during both day and nighttime hours.

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…