Highway Maintenance Worker 2 | Clarkston

State of Washington; Clarkston (WA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in Clarkston, WA, is seeking dependable Highway Maintenance Workers to care for state highways and related infrastructure. The role involves outdoor teamwork, equipment operation, and hands‑on maintenance across roads, drainage, signs, and guardrails.

The position requires CDL with N endorsement, safety compliance, and the ability to work a varied schedule including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Experience in routine and emergency highway maintenance and infrastructure repairs.
• Proficient in operating heavy highway maintenance equipment.
• Valid Class B CDL with N endorsement; ability to obtain Class A within 12 months.
• Safety training and compliance with PASP and hazardous material handling.
• Proficiency with timekeeping, maintenance tracking, and MS Office.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and respond to emergencies.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and navigate rough terrain.

Responsibilities

• Operate highway maintenance equipment, trucks, and tools to complete maintenance and repair activities.
• Repair and maintain asphalt, drainage, signs, and guardrails.
• Perform vegetation management and debris removal in rights‑of‑way.
• Operate snow and ice control equipment and haul materials.
• Set up traffic control, flagging, and lane closures.
• Inspect and perform minor repairs on equipment and vehicles.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate with partner agencies as needed.
• Provide on‑the‑job training to crew members when leading a crew.

Skills

Highway maintenance

Heavy equipment operation

CDL license

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Growth mindset

Service oriented

Tools

Vactor

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 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 seeking dependable and safety-minded non-permanent Highway Maintenance Workers to join our maintenance team in Clarkston, WA. In these journey-level roles, 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.

What to Expect

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies 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, 32,000‑60,000 GVW Dump truck with snowplow and chemical deicer attachments)
• Licensing & Certification:Possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement and without airbrakes restriction, and ability to obtain Class A within 12 months of hire. Valid CDL Medical card. Washington State Flagging Card required within 6 months of employment. First Aid Certified required within 6 months of employment.
• 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.
• Teamwork:Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently in the field. Capable of leading a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3, demonstrating sound decision making and leadership skills.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service‑Oriented: Takes 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 work at heights exceeding 25 feet over land or water.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended hours, alternate shifts, standby assignments, rotational day and night shifts, and emergency callouts as needed.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions and report to the assigned duty station within 45 minutes when called back after hours.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Highway Maintenance Policies and Procedures: Ability to interpret, understand, and apply operational plans, policies, and procedures related to highway maintenance, including snow and ice control, traffic control, and roadway safety.
• Commercial Driver Licensing: Possession of a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with an N (Tanker) endorsement and no air brake restriction.
• Highway Maintenance Operations and Equipment Proficiency: Demonstrated knowledge and experience performing a variety of highway maintenance activities, including operating specialized maintenance equipment, conducting snow and ice control operations, implementing traffic control measures, and performing roadway, drainage, and roadside maintenance and repairs.
• Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This is a non‑permanent opportunity, expected to last 12 months.
• 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.
• 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.
• Plan For 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.

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 listed Recruiter.

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