Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training) | Elma
State of Washington
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Job summary
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) seeks a dependable Highway Maintenance Worker to join the Elma maintenance crew. You will operate a range of equipment to maintain highways, structures, and adjacent right‑of‑way, including pavement, drainage, signs, and guardrails.
This journey‑level role involves outdoor work, night rotations, and potential elevations. A valid CDL‑A with N endorsement or ability to obtain within 12 months is required, with training provided as needed.
Qualifications
- Journey‑Level Highway & Roadway Maintenance skills including pavement repair, drainage, erosion control, vegetation management, sign/guardrail installation and debris removal.
- Ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six months of hire.
- Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR within six months of hire and a Washington pesticide applicator license.
Responsibilities
- Operate highway maintenance equipment, trucks and vehicles to perform maintenance and repair activities.
- Repair and maintain asphalt/concrete pavement, drainage systems, signs, guardrails and roadside infrastructure.
- Perform roadside maintenance including vegetation management and debris removal.
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 dependable and safety-minded Highway Maintenance Worker to join our maintenance team in Elma, WA. In this journey-level role, 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
- Journey‑Level Highway & Roadway Maintenance: 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: Class A CDL with N endorsement without restrictions, or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire. (WSDOT may provide training assistance for this licensing requirement.)
- Foundational Highway & Roadway Maintenance: Basic understanding of highway maintenance tasks such as pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal.
- Licensure & Certifications:
- Possession of a valid driver’s license to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.
- The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
- The ability to obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification within six (6) months of hire.
- The ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License.
- 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.
- 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 60 minutes when called back after hours.
- 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.
- 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.
- The base salaries for each level are:
- Highway Maintenance Worker 2: $58,392 – $71,136 Annually
- Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $52,872 – $64,512 Annually
- 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.
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.
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at olivia.dietrich@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-30410e 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.
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. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
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 and 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 the Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
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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