Highway Maintenance Worker 2 | Kelso

State of Washington; Kelso (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) seeks a dependable Highway Maintenance Worker to join the Kelso team. You will work outdoors on state highways and related infrastructure, operating equipment and performing repairs to keep roads safe and reliable.

This journey‑level role includes four 10‑hour shifts, occasional night work, and opportunities to lead crew members. Candidates must meet licensing and safety requirements, and be prepared to travel across the region as needed.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license or CDL with N endorsement, or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Experience operating Class A/B/C highway maintenance equipment safely.
• Knowledge of MUTCD traffic control practices and safe work zone setup.
• Ability to obtain Traffic Control/Flagging card within 6 months and First Aid/CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Operate highway maintenance equipment and vehicles to complete repairs.
• Repair pavement, drainage, signs, guardrails and roadside infrastructure.
• Perform vegetation management, erosion control, and debris removal.
• Set up traffic control, flagging, lane closures, and attenuator operation.
• Inspect and perform minor repairs on equipment and vehicles.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate with partner agencies as needed.
• Provide on‑the‑job training to crew members when leading a team.

Skills

Valid driver’s license or CDL with N

Equipment operation

Traffic control knowledge

Safety awareness

Team leadership ability

Growth mindset

Service oriented

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

MUTCD knowledge

First Aid/CPR certification

HATS/TSMS familiarity

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 dependable and safety‑minded Highway Maintenance Worker to join our maintenance team in Kelso, 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.

What to Expect

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.

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

• 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.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Licensing: Possession of a valid driver’s license, or Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement or the ability to obtain one within 12 months of hire. (WSDOT may provide training assistance for this licensing requirement.)
• Equipment Operation: Skilled in operating and maintaining various Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles following WSDOT standards. Proven ability to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites.
• Traffic Control & Work Zone Operations: 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 the use of cones/barrels. Certifications:
  • The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
  • The ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification.
• 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.
• 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.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• 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.
• 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.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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?

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-41559e in the subject line.