Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training)

State of Washington; Moses Lake (WA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 in Moses Lake, WA to support North Central Region. This journey-level role maintains and repairs state highways and structures, operating heavy equipment and performing traffic control, guardrail, signs, and drainage tasks.

Qualified applicants will have roadway maintenance experience, ability to obtain a Washington CDL Class B with N endorsement within 12 months, and pursue a pesticide applicator

Qualifications

• Demonstrated roadway maintenance experience.
• Ability to operate heavy highway equipment.
• Commitment to safety policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate highway equipment for maintenance and repair.
• Perform asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance.
• Maintain drainage, signs, guardrails, and related structures.
• Provide vegetation control and debris removal.
• Assist with traffic control setup and lane closures.
• Respond to emergencies and work irregular hours.
• Maintain and repair equipment and tools.
• Follow safety training and PASP requirements.

Skills

Highway maintenance

Heavy equipment operation

Traffic control

Safety compliance

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 to support North Central Region in Moses Lake, 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, you 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 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 is required:

• Highway and Roadway Maintenance Expertise: Ability to perform roadway maintenance, roadway construction, heavy equipment operation.

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.


• Licensure: Ability to obtain a Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s license within 12 months of hire. WSDOT will assist with training for this licensing requirement.

The following qualifications are also required at any level:

• 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 after‑hours call.


• Ability to work a rotational night shift.


• Technical & Administrative Proficiency: Basic computer/electronic tablet skills with the ability to communicate, capture, and retrieve information.


• 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. Ability to interpret Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the proper mixing and handling of chemicals.


• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently in the field. 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.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Washington Class A CDL (without restrictions) with endorsement N and without air brakes restriction.


• Valid Washington State Herbicide license.


• Traffic Control Operations: Experience performing traffic control per MUTCD, including planning, setting signs and cones or barrels, and flagging.

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 (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:
  
  
  
  1. Highway Maintenance Worker 2: $58,392 – $71,136
  
  
  2. 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.


• 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 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.


• 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: 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 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-NCR-20194 in the subject line.