Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training) | Multiple Positions

State of Washington; Renton (WA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation/holidays

Tuition assistance

State retirement options

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is hiring multiple Highway Maintenance Worker 2 positions in the King County area. In-training opportunities lead to the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 title as you gain experience operating heavy equipment, performing road repairs, and ensuring safety on state highways and rights-of-way.

The team supports 24/7 operations and requires quick response to job sites.

Qualifications

• Practical knowledge of highway maintenance practices and debris removal.
• Ability to operate Class A/B/C heavy equipment per standards.
• Hold/obtain CDL with N endorsement within 12 months of hire; pesticide applicator license within 12 months.
• Know MUTCD traffic control and plan safe work zones; obtain flagging card within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Perform journey-level highway and right-of-way maintenance and repair tasks.
• Operate heavy equipment to maintain state roadways and highways.
• Design and set up traffic control operations and road/bridge closures per standards.
• Support snow/ice removal and other winter duties; respond to after-hours needs.

Skills

Highway maintenance

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Timekeeping systems

Teamwork

Driving trucks

Education

High school diploma or GED

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 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 looking for multiple enthusiastic career-minded individuals who want to make a difference to join our dynamic team in the King County area, supporting the vast infrastructure of Northwest Washington. This is an in-training opportunity that offers a career path, hands-on learning, and mentorship and allows you to progress upward through the Highway Maintenance Worker series and achieve the goal class of a Highway Maintenance Worker 2. This opportunity is perfect for someone who loves working outdoors, doing manual labor, and operating a variety of equipment to complete tasks. As part of our maintenance team, you will assist with repairing and rebuilding of state highways, and adjacent right of ways to ensure they remain in a condition that promotes the movement of traffic, and safety to the motoring public. We encourage you to apply if you are dependable and looking for a career with growth potential!
Working in the maintenance area will require responsible, safety-minded individuals to accomplish assigned tasks and may require operating trucks as well as other heavy equipment. These positions require quick response time to job sites. Highway maintenance crews are ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By taking on this role, you are serving a key and vital function to the State of Washington.

What to Expect

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

• Perform journey-level highway, roadside, infrastructure, and right-of-way maintenance and repair tasks.
• Operate Class A, B, and/or C heavy equipment to maintain state roadways and highways.
• Design and set up traffic control operations, as well as full road or bridge closures according to departmental and MUTCD standards.
• Remove dangerous and hazardous debris from roadways.
• Removal of snow and ice during winter season.

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 this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Highway Maintenance:Practical knowledge of 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.
• Equipment Operation:Proficiency in operating and maintaining a variety of Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles in accordance with WSDOT standards. Demonstrated ability to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites.
• Licensing & Certification:Possession of a valid driver’s license with the ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement within twelve (12) months of hire. The ability to obtain a Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License within twelve (12) months of hire. The ability to obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification.
• Traffic Control & Work Zone:Working 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 use of cones/barrels. The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
• 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: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.

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

• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to respond to assigned duty station with 60 minutes of an afterhours callout.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Technical Operations and Safety Compliance:Knowledge of workplace safety practices, operational procedures, and regulatory requirements related to traffic control, equipment operation, and field maintenance activities. Ability to safely perform assigned duties, follow established protocols, and maintain compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency standards.
• Specialized Equipment and Systems Expertise:Knowledge of specialized equipment, systems, and operational practices related to crane operations, backflow prevention, vegetation management, and other maintenance functions. Ability to inspect, test, operate, maintain, and document work activities in accordance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Certifications and Professional Development:Demonstrated ability to obtain, maintain, and apply required licenses, certifications, and specialized training necessary to perform assigned duties safely and effectively. Commitment to ongoing professional development and compliance with certification requirements.

Preferred Licenses and Certifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Washington State Traffic Control/Flagging Card.
• Washington State Pesticide Applicator's License.
• Backflow Prevention Tester Certification.
• Crane Certification.

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 legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County and 10% Group C Assignment Pay.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026, upon legislative approval.
• Obtaining your Commercial Driver’s License is made easier with WSDOT! We provide on the job training and partial financial assistance for positions requiring CDLs.
• 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: $67,150 - $81,806
  2. Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $60,802 - $74,188
• 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 (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 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 maycontact the recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference Highway Maintenance Worker 2 #A4Days in the subject line.