Highway Maintenance Worker 2

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Union Gap (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave

Tuition assistance

Work-life balance

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 to join the Traffic Control Crew in the South Central Region. The role focuses on safeguarding travelers and workers by implementing traffic control during road maintenance and improvements.

Work is outdoors in all weather, involving setting up devices, flagging, operating equipment, and adhering to safety procedures. The position may include nights, weekends and on-call duties.

Qualifications

• Highway and road maintenance experience on highways and related infrastructure.
• Licensing & certification: CDL with N endorsement and safety cards.
• Strong safety awareness and adherence to procedures.

Responsibilities

• Establish, implement, and maintain traffic control operations per MUTCD and approved plans.
• Set up, remove, and maintain TTC zones for lane closures and detours.
• Deploy, operate, and maintain traffic control devices and equipment.
• Respond to roadway incidents with safe traffic control measures.
• Perform snow and ice control operations per manuals and plans.
• Monitor conditions and respond to after-hours events to support safety.

Skills

Traffic control operations

Safe work practices

Heavy equipment operation

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Timekeeping systems

Job description

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 2 to join the Traffic Control Crew. In this role, you will support safe and efficient travel throughout the South Central Region. Working as part of a dedicated maintenance crew, this position plays a critical role in protecting the traveling public, fellow employees, and work zones by implementing effective traffic control during roadway maintenance and improvement activities. Through reliable field operations and a strong commitment to safety, this role helps ensure the uninterrupted movement of people, goods, and services across Washington's transportation system. Join WSDOT and make a meaningful impact by supporting a safe, dependable transportation network that serves communities statewide.

What to Expect

This position works primarily outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind, with exposure to traffic, construction equipment, and roadway hazards. Performs physically demanding work, including setting up traffic control devices, flagging traffic, operating equipment, and moving materials while following safety procedures and wearing required PPE. Typically works Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, on four 10-hour shifts; however, schedules may include nights, weekends, holidays, standby, call-back, and emergency response assignments. Must be available to report to the assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call to support WSDOT operations.

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

• Establish, implement, and maintain traffic control operations for South Central Region (SCR) work activities in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), agency specifications, and approved traffic control plans.
• Set up, remove, and maintain temporary traffic control (TTC) zones for lane closures, road closures, detours, mobile operations, short-duration operations, and flagging activities on two-lane and multi-lane roadways.
• Deploy, operate, and maintain traffic control devices and equipment, including cones, drums, barricades, Road Warrior devices, attenuator trucks, and portable changeable message signs (PCMS).
• Perform moving and stationary traffic control operations using attenuator/buffer vehicles to protect work crews during maintenance, construction, and roadway incident activities.
• Respond to roadway incidents and emergencies by establishing safe traffic control measures, implementing emergency lane closures and detours, and coordinating with maintenance crews, emergency responders, law enforcement, and other partners.
• Perform snow and ice control operations in accordance with the WSDOT Maintenance Manual, Winter Operations Plan, and established Levels of Service by operating snowplow and deicing vehicles to maintain safe highway conditions.
• Apply solid and liquid deicing and anti-icing materials, perform material blending operations, and maintain stockpile sites, storage areas, and equipment in accordance with WSDOT safety, environmental, and operational standards.
• Monitor roadway, weather, and pavement conditions; adjust operations as needed; and respond to emergency, on-call, and after-hours events to support public safety and system mobility.

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.
• Licensing & Certification:
  1. Possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with N endorsement and without airbrakes restriction.
  2. Washington State Flagging Card (or ability to obtain within two (2) months of appointment).
  3. First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment).
  4. Valid CDL Medical card.
• 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) Licensing & Certification:
• 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:

• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, to respond to unscheduled work, call-outs, or emergencies.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, individually or as part of a team.
• Ability to report in service to assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Highway Maintenance Experience:Demonstrated experience performing maintenance activities in a related field, including roadway, transportation, or infrastructure maintenance.
• Traffic Control Knowledge:Ability to perform traffic control activities in compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards and applicable roadway safety requirements.
• Maintenance Operations Knowledge:Ability to interpret, comprehend, and implement the WSDOT Maintenance Manual in daily maintenance operations.
• Winter Operations Knowledge:Ability to interpret and apply the WSDOT Snow and Ice Plan procedures to support safe and effective winter maintenance operations.
• Traffic Control Standards & Compliance:Ability to interpret and apply M54-44 guidelines and MUTCD standards related to traffic control, work zones, and roadway safety.
• Technical Skill Assessment:Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and experience will be evaluated to determine appropriate placement at the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 or Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• 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 (FMSCA). 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 mayearn 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.
• PlanFor Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SCR-51371 in the subject line.