Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training)
State of Washington
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) seeks a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 to support the North Central Region in Ephrata, WA. The role focuses on maintenance and repair of state highways, guardrails, drainage, and signage, often in high-traffic outdoor settings and varied weather.
The position requires driving and operation of heavy equipment, with responsibilities including traffic control, winter maintenance, and emergency response.
Qualifications
- Experience with roadway maintenance, construction, heavy equipment operation, or related work.
- Basic computer/electronic device skills for communication and data retrieval.
Responsibilities
- Operate Class A, B, and C highway equipment for maintenance.
- Perform roadway maintenance such as asphalt, concrete, drainage, and erosion repairs.
- Set up traffic control including signs and cones, and assist with lane closures.
- Respond to non-scheduled emergencies including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Perform minor repairs on equipment and hand tools, and clean/resupply rest areas.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
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 Highway Maintenance Worker to serve North Central Region in Ephrata, WA. The selected candidate will assist with the maintenance and repair of state highways and highway structures to ensure the safety of the traveling public. This journey-level position serves as members of the regional maintenance organization and performs asphalt and concrete maintenance, traffic control, repair and installation of guardrail and signs, as well as culvert and drainage maintenance. Working in the maintenance area requires responsible, safety-minded individuals to perform a variety of skilled labor tasks and operate highway equipment and tools. This work is performed in the field on active roadways and in a variety of weather conditions.
This position performs work that is often physical in nature, primarily outdoors, and often next to high-volume, high-speed traffic that may require standing for extended periods of time. HMW2s may work at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water. Work may also include traversing in rough, steep, and uneven terrain. A typical schedule is 40-hours per week for four (4) 10-hour shifts. Nights, weekends, and holidays may also be required to respond to emergency situations.
- Operate Class A, B, and C highway equipment for highway maintenance.
- Perform general roadway maintenance and repair activities such as:
- Asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair.
- Drainage maintenance, including catch basins, sedimentation facilities, and ditches.
- Erosion and slide repair.
- Sign maintenance and repair.
- Clean and resupply rest areas in the absence of the rest area attendant and perform some vegetation control, including mowing or trimming.
- Remove highway debris, including danger tree removal.
- Perform snow and ice removal, which includes operating dump trucks and sanders, as well as hauling sand and gravel.
- Design and set-up of traffic control, which includes manually flagging traffic or signing for lane closures and operating attenuator/buffer truck.
- Perform maintenance and minor repair on equipment and hand tools including sharpening power saws and chains, washing vehicles, and greasing tools and equipment, etc.
- Respond to non-scheduled emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
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 1 level, the following are required:
- Highway and Roadway Maintenance Expertise: Ability to perform roadway maintenance, roadway construction, heavy equipment operation, over the road or other truck driving, farming, landscaping, general construction, or related experience.
- Technical & Administrative Proficiency: Basic computer/electronic tablet skills with the ability to communicate, capture, and retrieve information.
To be considered for the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level, the following are required:
- Highway and Roadway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated experience performing roadway maintenance, roadway construction, heavy equipment operation, over the road or other truck driving, farming, landscaping, general construction, or related experience.
- Technical & Administrative Proficiency: Proficient with computer/electronic devices, including the ability to communicate, capture, and retrieve information in a variety of systems.
- A Washington State Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class B without airbrake restrictions. Must have N (tanker) endorsement and current medical card obtained prior to employment.
- Ability to obtain Class A CDL (without restrictions) with endorsement N and without air brakes restriction within 12 months of hire. WSDOT will assist with training for this licensing requirement.
- Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to negotiate rough, steep terrain and perform work low to the ground or at ground level.
- Ability to respond to emergency call outs, work other scheduled shifts, and/or extended shifts on short notice (days, nights, and weekends), and perform standby duty.
- Ability to report in service to assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call.
- Ability to work a rotational night shift.
- Respect and Inclusion: Experience contributing to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
- Washington Class A CDL (without restrictions) with endorsement N and without air brakes restriction.
- Traffic Control Operations: Experience performing traffic control per MUTCD, including planning, setting signs and cones or barrels, and flagging.
- Communication and Teamwork: Skilled in written and verbal communication. Experience working individually and as part of a team to accomplish work.
- 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 (FMCSA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.
- 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. The base salaries for each level are:
- Highway Maintenance Worker 2: $58,392 – $71,136
- Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $52,872 – $64,512
- 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.
- 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 may earn 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 their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at olivia.dietrich@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NCR-24576 in the subject line.
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
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