Highway Maintenance Worker 2 In-Training

Washington State Health Care Authority; Washington; On-site; USD 61,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation days (up to 25 annually)

Tuition assistance

State benefits package

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a dedicated Highway Maintenance Worker 2 to help maintain and repair highways and structures across Washington State, ensuring safety and reliability for travelers and businesses.

The role requires a Class A CDL with N endorsement, strong maintenance skills, and the ability to operate and transport equipment between sites. A focus on safety and teamwork is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Highway maintenance expertise across pavement, drainage, erosion, vegetation, and debris removal.
• Unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement and valid medical card to operate Washington State vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Operate highway equipment and repair asphalt/concrete pavements and drainage systems.
• Install and maintain guardrails, signs, and safety barriers; manage vegetation.
• Respond to ROW cleanup, debris, and emergency highway repairs as needed.
• Transport equipment between sites and safely handle materials and PPE.
• Perform routine equipment checks and basic maintenance of tools and vehicles.
• Follow safety plans, policies, and participate in required training and meetings.
• Lead a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 and train staff.

Skills

Highway maintenance

CDL Class A

Pavement repair

Tools

HATS

WZDB

TSMS

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 dedicated maintenance professional to help maintain and repair highways and highway structures that support the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout Washington State. In this role, you will help keep the transportation system safe, reliable, and accessible for the traveling public and businesses. Your work will support roadway safety, preserve critical infrastructure, and contribute to the economic vitality of communities across the state. Join WSDOT in delivering dependable transportation services that make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of Washingtonians.

What to Expect

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

• Highway Maintenance and Repair: Operate Class A, B, and/or C highway equipment as designated on the approved Department of Transportation Equipment Fund (TEF) List; perform maintenance and repair of asphalt and concrete pavement, drainage systems, highway structures, erosion and slide areas, and other highway features.
• Highway Safety Features and Vegetation Management: Install, maintain, and repair guardrails, fences, impact attenuators, concrete barriers, signs, sign components, and signposts; remove dangerous trees, manage vegetation, maintain landscaped areas, and implement appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Right-of-Way Maintenance and Emergency Response: Remove litter, dead animals, debris, and unlawful dwellings from state rights-of-way (ROWs), coordinating with law enforcement and Department of Corrections contacts as appropriate; provide traffic control, emergency highway structure repairs, and debris removal as needed.
• Equipment Operation and Material Handling: Transport equipment and materials between work sites, using ergonomic risk-reduction techniques, including equipment and team lifting; safely handle hazardous substances, objects, and potential bloodborne pathogens.
• Equipment and Facility Maintenance: Perform daily equipment checks, minor repairs, and maintenance of equipment and hand tools; service tools, sharpen power saws and chains, wash vehicles, and clean crew rooms, storage areas, truck bays, stockpile sites, and other WSDOT facilities.
• Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Develop and follow Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASPs), adhere to safety protocols and policies, use and maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE), identify safety improvements, attend required safety training and meetings, and comply with applicable confined-space, fall-restraint, and traffic‑control requirements; report injuries and accidents through the Safety Incident Information Reporting System (SIIRS).
• Work Coordination and Customer Support: Respond to maintenance and operations assignments and work requests from internal and external customers, including assignments directed by regional and maintenance leadership; perform other related duties in support of the organizational unit.
• Leadership and Training: May lead and train personnel in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 (HMW3), plan work activities, and provide equipment instruction and training to other employees.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity at the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level, the following are 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.
• Equipment Operation & Licensing: Possess an unrestricted Class A CDL with “N” endorsement without air brake restriction & valid medical card to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.

To be considered for this opportunity at the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 level, the following are 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.
• Equipment Operation & Licensing: Obtain an unrestricted Class A CDL with “N” endorsement without air brake restriction & valid medical card to legally operate vehicles in Washington State within twelve (12) months of hire.

In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required at both levels:

• 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 (e.g., HATS, WZDB, TSMS). 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 have:

• Traffic Control Certification & Application: Possession of a valid Washington State Traffic Control/Flagging card and demonstrated ability to perform traffic control in accordance with the Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), including planning traffic control setups, placing signs, cones, and barrels, and performing flagging duties safely and effectively.
• Pesticide Application Licensing: Possession of a valid Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License with the ability to safely handle, mix, apply, and store pesticides in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Backflow Prevention Certification: Certification as a Backflow Prevention Tester with demonstrated ability to inspect, test, maintain, and document backflow prevention assemblies in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Crane Operation Certification: Possession of a valid crane operator certification with demonstrated ability to safely inspect, set up, and operate crane equipment in compliance with applicable safety regulations and industry standards.

Important Notes

• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

• This position is not eligible for remote work.

• 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: Annual salary levels for each position are:

  • Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $55,515- $67,737

  • Highway Maintenance Worker 2: $61,311 - $74,692

• 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 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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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 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.