Highway Maintenance Worker 2 – Multiple Positions

State of Washington; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in Lakewood, WA is hiring Highway Maintenance Worker 2 on Area 1 Night Crew and Encampment Crew. You will perform a broad range of highway and structure maintenance, operate equipment, and support safety and reliability of Washington's transportation system.

This journey-level role requires ability to work nights, weekends, and respond to emergencies.

Qualifications

• Highway maintenance expertise and ability to repair pavement, drainage, vegetation, and debris.
• Licensing: Possession of an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement or able to obtain within 12 months.
• Equipment operation: Operate Class A/B/C maintenance equipment and transport materials.
• Traffic control & work zone operations: plan and implement safe work zones per MUTCD.
• Certifications: Obtain valid Traffic Control/Flagging and First Aid/CPR within 6 months.
• Safety awareness & compliance: follow PASP and safety training; abide by safety programs.
• Technical & administrative proficiency: use timekeeping, maintenance tracking systems, and MS Office.
• Teamwork & leadership: lead crew in absence of Highway Maintenance Worker 3.
• Growth mindset: commitment to learning and development.
• Service-oriented: focus on serving the traveling public.

Responsibilities

• Performs day-to-day highway maintenance operations.
• Operates Class A, B and C highway equipment as designated on TEF.
• Pavement maintenance and repair; apply asphalt, concrete, and related materials.
• Drainage maintenance including basins and ditches.
• Vegetation management and site remediation.
• Transport heavy equipment between sites.
• Document daily work activities in computerized systems (HATS/WZDB/TSMS).
• Prepare third-party damage estimates (K3) for incident costs.
• Complete timesheets online using timekeeping software.
• Use email and Microsoft Office applications.
• Develop and implement Pre Activity Safety Plans (PASP).
• Maintain safety training and incident readiness.
• Attend safety meetings and ensure safe work practices.

Skills

Highway maintenance

Licensing

Equipment operation

Traffic control

Certifications

Safety awareness

Tech proficiency

Teamwork & leadership

Growth mindset

Service-oriented

Tools

HATS

WZDB

TSMS

Microsoft Office

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 multiple skilled and motivated Highway Maintenance Worker 2’s to join our team in Lakewood, WA on our Area 1 Night Crew and Area 1 Specialty Crew (Encampment Crew) in both non-permanent and permanent positions. This is an opportunity to put your hands‑on maintenance skills to work supporting the safety and reliability of Washington’s transportation system. As a journey‑level member of the regional maintenance organization, you’ll perform a diverse range of highway and highway structure maintenance and repair activities while operating a variety of equipment and tools.

Working under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor, you’ll play an important role in keeping our highways safe, accessible, and ready for the traveling public. You may also have opportunities to take the lead on a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3, providing guidance and helping coordinate daily work. Whether performing routine maintenance, responding to changing roadway conditions, or addressing unexpected needs, you’ll be part of a team where safety, teamwork, and service to the traveling public are at the heart of every decision.

What to Expect

Work is generally performed Monday–Thursday on four 10-hour shifts; however, weekends, holidays, night work, and extended hours may be required for emergency response and non-scheduled callouts. The position requires the ability to report to the duty station within 45 minutes, respond in all weather conditions, and participate in rotational night, standby, and call-back assignments.

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

• Performs day‑to‑day highway maintenance operations.
• Operates Class A, B and C highway equipment as designated on the approved Department of Transportation Equipment List (TEF) for highway maintenance.
• Asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair; apply concrete, asphalt, and synthetic materials.
• Drainage maintenance to include catch basins, sedimentation facilities, and ditches.
• Danger tree removal; vegetation management, including pesticide application; establish, maintain, and repair landscaped areas, including planting and remediating sites.
• Transport heavy equipment and materials between work sites.
• Remove litter on state right‑of‑way; remove dead animals and debris from roadways.
• Track, document, and report daily work activities into computerized systems (e.g., Highway Activity Tracking System (HATS), Work Zone Data base (WZDB), Traffic Sign Management System (TSMS, etc.); review computerized records to ensure accuracy.
• Prepare and complete third‑party damage estimates (i.e., K3) through computerized systems to recoup costs associated with incident response and services provided.
• Completes daily timesheets online using computerized timekeeping application.
• Utilize email and other personal computer applications, such as Microsoft Office programs.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of Pre Activity Safety Plans (PASP) in adherence with safety guidelines and ensure PASPs are accurate and followed.
• Remain current on the Department’s Safety Program and attend safety training as required.
• Attend monthly organization safety meetings to ensure safe work practices and compliance with new regulations including confined space, fall restraint, and traffic control.?
• Ensure work area is safe for self, coworkers, and the traveling public. Ensure safe handling of hazardous substances and hazardous objects.?
• Removal and cleaning of encampments on our state right of way.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies 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. Ability to assess maintenance needs and perform repairs to highway structures, roadside features, and landscapes.
• Licensing: Possession of an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement to legally operate vehicles in Washington State; or obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.
• 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.
• Certifications: The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire. The ability to obtain within 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.
• 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.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand‑by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ability to respond to assigned duty station with 60 minutes of an after-hours 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 demonstrate:

• 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.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• Non-permanent positions are expected to last up to 12 months.
• Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and often near moving traffic and heavy equipment, requiring heightened situational awareness and strict adherence to safety practices. The role involves physically demanding tasks, including deploying traffic control devices, flagging, and operating maintenance vehicles and equipment, with extended periods of standing and walking. Employees must wear appropriate PPE at all times.
• 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.
• 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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference Highway Maintenance Worker 2 #32830 in the subject line.

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.