Highway Maintenance Worker 2 | Plant Establishment

State of Washington; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation days

Tuition reimbursement

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking dependable Highway Maintenance Workers in Everett, WA. Responsibilities include outdoor maintenance, operating highway equipment, and repairing state highways and related structures.

You'll join a Region Wide Plant Establishment Crew, with diverse landscape and erosion control tasks. The role requires Class A CDL with N endorsement, a valid medical card, and strong teamwork.

Qualifications

• Experience in landscape installation and maintenance, erosion control, and debris removal.
• Unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement and valid medical card.
• Knowledge of traffic control devices and safe work zones.

Responsibilities

• Operate highway maintenance equipment, perform repairs to pavement and drainage systems.
• Manage vegetation and perform erosion control on roadside areas.
• Set up traffic control and flagging for work zones.
• Inspect and maintain equipment, responding to emergencies as needed.
• Provide on-the-job training and direction to crew members when leading.
• Support safety plans and training programs.

Skills

Highway maintenance

Vegetation management

Safety awareness

Equipment operation

Team leadership

MUTCD knowledge

Emergency response

Education

CDL Class A license

Medical card

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 currently seeking dependable and safety-minded Highway Maintenance Workers to join our maintenance team in Everett, WA. In these journey-level roles, 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. This work is part of a Region Wide Plant Establishment Crew that will include landscape maintenance on roadside mitigation sites, pesticide and fertilizer application, manage vegetation through planting and transplanting, stream restoration and stabilization, fencing, irrigation setup and operation, pruning, mowing, minor grading, wildlife habitat structure construction, erosion control, and general grounds care. 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 haul 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 competencies are required:

• Highway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated skills in landscape installation and maintenance practices, including drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, pavement repair, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal.


• Licensing: Possess an unrestricted Class A CDL with “N” endorsement without air brake restriction & valid medical card to legally operate vehicles in Washington State

In addition to the following are required:

• 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: Acting to demonstrate 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 45 minutes when called back after hours.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• 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. The ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License within twelve (12) months of hire.

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 10% Assignment Pay for this job class.


• 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 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 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 #12540 in the subject line.