Highway Maintenance Worker 2 | Nights (Multiple Positions)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Paid Leave

Tuition Assistance

PlanFor Your Future

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in Kent, WA, seeks Highway Maintenance Worker 2s to perform skilled highway maintenance, operate heavy equipment, and support vegetation and erosion control efforts. The role may lead a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 and requires strong safety practices.

Work typically spans four 10-hour shifts with potential nights, weekends, and emergency callouts.

Qualifications

• Experience in highway maintenance practices including pavement repair and drainage.
• Possession of an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement; or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Ability to operate Class A/B/C highway maintenance equipment and vehicles.
• Knowledge of MUTCD traffic control and work zone safety practices.
• Strong safety awareness and adherence to PASP and safe operating procedures.
• Proficiency with timekeeping, maintenance tracking, and inventory systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate highway equipment and maintain roadways, drainage, and landscapes.
• Set up traffic control, flagging, and safety devices at worksites.
• Respond to emergencies and perform repairs as needed.
• Lead a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3.
• Maintain roadways during snow/ice events and drive plow/sander equipment.
• Train staff on equipment use and safety procedures.

Skills

Highway maintenance

CDL Class A with N endorsement

Traffic control knowledge

Equipment operation

Safety compliance

Timekeeping & inventory

Team leadership

Communication

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 Highway Maintenance Worker 2’s to join the Northwest Region Maintenance organization in Kent and Lake Geneva, WA. This journey-level role performs skilled highway maintenance, including operating heavy equipment, maintaining roadways, drainage systems, roadside features, and landscapes, and performing erosion control and pavement repairs. The position may occasionally lead a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3. This work supports WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation that improves communities and economic vitality. A strong candidate demonstrates technical skill, sound judgment, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

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 60 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:

• Perform highway maintenance, including operating Class A, B, or C highway equipment, maintaining roadways, drainage, landscapes, and roadside features.
• Apply pesticides and fertilizers safely, manage vegetation, and follow Environmental Safety Act and Best Management Practices.
• Assemble, install, and replace signs and sign components, transport equipment and materials, and track inventory in WSDOT systems.
• Respond to emergencies, set up traffic control, assist at accident scenes or spills, and perform emergency roadway or structure repairs.
• Remove and clean up unlawful dwellings safely, handling hazardous substances and following Pre-Activity Safety Plans.
• Maintain roadways for open travel, including snow and ice control, operating plow and sander trucks, applying anti-icing compounds, and maintaining stockpile sites.
• Train and assist personnel in equipment use, safety procedures, and highway maintenance practices as needed.
• Perform other assigned duties, help construct Best Management Practices, and occasionally lead a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3.

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 & Certifications: 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. Possession of an unrestricted 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 within 6 months of hire and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification.
• 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.

The following qualifications are also required:

• 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 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 demonstrate:

• Traffic Control: Ability to plan and implement traffic control activities in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and applicable highway standards, including selecting and placing signs, cones, barrels, and other traffic control devices and performing flagging duties safely and effectively.
• Computer Skills: Ability to use computers and common software applications, including Microsoft Office, internal WSDOT applications, and internet-based tools, to complete work assignments, access information, document activities, and communicate effectively.
• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing, including coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and members of the traveling public.
• Safety: Ability to recognize workplace hazards, follow established safety policies and procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and consistently perform work in a manner that protects oneself, coworkers, and the public.
• Pesticide Application: Possession of a valid Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License, if required for the position.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• 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.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. In addition, 10% assignment pay is added for this job classification. The salary for this position will also include an additional $3.00 per hour for Night Shift and Designated Corridor pay, which is not currently listed in the salary.
• The assigned work schedule for these positions is Night Shift. However, these positions require the ability to respond to emergency call outs, work nights, work different and/or extended shifts on short notice (days, nights, and weekends), and perform standby duty. Travel throughout the assigned duty area is required of these positions. Some regional and statewide travel may be required to attend meetings or participate in trainings.
• 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
• 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 mayearn 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.
• PlanFor 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.

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 #12273 in the subject line.