Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training)

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave

Tuition assistance

Work-life balance

Job summary

WSDOT in Lakewood, WA is hiring a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 to support maintenance and repair of state highways, performing asphalt and concrete work, traffic control, guardrail and sign installation, culvert and drainage tasks, and more in all weather. The role is field-based, outdoors, and requires working 40 hours weekly on four 10‑hour shifts, with nights, weekends, and holidays possible.

Candidates must have a valid driver’s license or Class A CDL with N endorsement and be able to

Qualifications

• Basic highway maintenance tasks and debris removal knowledge.
• Possession of an unrestricted driver’s license; Class A CDL preferred.
• Ability to operate highway maintenance equipment safely.
• Understanding of traffic control and work zone setup.

Responsibilities

• Operate Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment.
• Perform pavement, drainage, erosion, sign/guardrail maintenance.
• Vegetation control and debris removal; snow/ice operations.
• Design and set up traffic control for lane closures.
• Respond to non-scheduled emergencies; work in all weather.

Skills

Highway maintenance

Traffic control

Safety awareness

Equipment operation

Teamwork & leadership

Growth mindset

Service-oriented

Licensure: Class A CDL

Tools

Microsoft Office

WSDOT applications

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 a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (HMW2) in Lakewood, 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 a member 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.

What to Expect

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.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the HMW2 will:

• 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.
• Perform vegetation control, such as pesticide application and repairing landscaped areas.
• 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.

Qualifications

This is a HMW2 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 qualify at the HMW1 level, the following is required:

• Basic Highway Maintenance Skills: Basic understanding of highway maintenance tasks such as pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal
• Licensure: Possession of an unrestricted valid driver’s license to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.

To qualify at the HMW2 level, the following is required:

• Highway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated skills in 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.
• Licensure: Possession of an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement to legally operate vehicles in Washington State OR the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.

In addition to above, the following competencies, certifications, and licenses are required at any level:

• Ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid First Aid/CPR Certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds (an occasionally heavier).
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain, and work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work at ground level, in confined spaces, and at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand‑by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ability to report in service to assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after‑hours call.
• Equipment Operation: Ability to operate and maintain various Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles following WSDOT standards. Ability to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites.
• Traffic Control & Work Zone Operations: 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 & Administrative Proficiency: Skilled in the use of electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating. Proficient in standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office and email communication.
• Teamwork & Leadership: 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.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Traffic Control Operations: Experience performing traffic control per published highway standards (MUTCD) including planning, setting signs and cones or barrels, and flagging.
• Computer and Technology Proficiency: Intermediate computer skills to operate various computer programs, such as Microsoft Office applications, internal WSDOT applications, and the internet.
• Communication Skills: Experience in effective communication to multiple audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Safety Compliance and Work Practices: Experience adhering to safety policies and diligence in performing work in a safe manner.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• The salary listed includes the 10% Group C Assignment Pay for this job classification.
• 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: $64,231 – $78,249
  • Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $58,159 – $70,963
• 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.
• 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 their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:

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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32352e in the subject line.