Highway Maintenance Worker 3

Washington State Health Care Authority; Chehalis (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation time

Tuition assistance

State retirement benefits

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation seeks a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 to lead crews and perform skilled highway maintenance and repair work across the Southwest Region. Expect diverse duties from pavement repair to snow/ice control and emergency response.

Strong leadership and safety culture are essential. The role requires reporting to duty stations quickly, working long shifts during weather events, and complying with safety and training requirements.

Qualifications

• Applied knowledge of highway maintenance practices including pavement repair and drainage.
• Ability to operate Class A/B/C maintenance equipment safely.
• Strong safety awareness and compliance responsibilities.
• Know-how to plan safe work zones and traffic control.
• Proficiency with timekeeping, inventory, and cost estimating systems.
• Experience leading crews and coordinating activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead highway maintenance crews in daily operations and scheduling.
• Train staff in equipment operation and safety procedures.
• Perform pavement repairs, drainage, erosion control and repairs.
• Lead snow and ice control operations and stockpile management.
• Maintain equipment and coordinate emergency response activities.
• Assist with incident reporting and safety investigations.

Skills

Highway maintenance

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Traffic control

Technical proficiency

Team leadership

Growth mindset

Service orientation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Plans Reading Certification

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 a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 to join the Southwest Region maintenance team and help ensure the safety and reliability of Washington State's transportation system. In this journey-level leadership role, you will lead highway maintenance crews, operate a variety of equipment and tools, and perform skilled maintenance and repair work on highways and highway structures. This position plays a key role in maintaining transportation infrastructure, responding to emergencies and severe weather events, and supporting the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce. The successful candidate may also oversee maintenance operations in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor while promoting a safe, efficient, and collaborative work environment.

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 3 will:

• Lead highway maintenance crews in daily operations, including planning, prioritizing, scheduling, and coordinating maintenance activities, equipment, and personnel to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Train maintenance personnel in equipment operation, safety procedures, and highway maintenance practices while maintaining accurate records, reports, inventories, and project cost estimates.
• Perform skilled highway maintenance and repair work, including pavement repairs, drainage maintenance, erosion control, guardrail and sign repairs, vegetation management, and debris removal.
• Lead snow and ice control operations, including snowplowing, applying anti-icing materials, hauling sand and gravel, and maintaining stockpile sites to keep roadways safe and accessible.
• Maintain highway maintenance equipment, vehicles, tools, facilities, and rest areas through routine inspections, cleaning, servicing, and minor repairs.
• Coordinate emergency response activities, including establishing work zone traffic control, managing lane and road closures, implementing detours, and assisting first responders and external agencies.
• Assist with the safe cleanup and removal of unauthorized encampments, coordinating with appropriate agencies and following established procedures for handling hazardous materials and potential health risks.
• Support additional maintenance and operational activities as assigned, including responding to internal and external service requests and assisting with incident reporting and investigations.

Qualifications

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

• Highway Maintenance:Applied knowledge of highway maintenance practices including pavement repair, snow and ice removal, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installations, 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. Experience in communicating to multiple audiences, both orally and in writing.
• 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.
• Traffic Control & Work Zones: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. Experience performing traffic control on high-speed, multi-lane highways.
• 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 lead and/or supervise crews, providing clear directions and making good decisions in stressful conditions. Ability to work independently, prioritize workload, and handle multiple assignments.

• Growth Mindset:Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented:Takes action to meet the needs of others.

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

• Possession of a Washington Class A CDL with N endorsement without airbrake restrictions.
• Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License (required within twelve months of hire).
• Ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within 6 months of hire.

• 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 traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work at elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Equipment Knowledge: Understanding of TEF-owned equipment.
• Equipment Operation and Transportation: Experience operating and transporting equipment.
• Local Area Knowledge: Knowledge of the surrounding area.

In addition to the above, the following are also preferred:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Possession of a Plans Reading Certification.

Important Notes

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

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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-40272-1 in the subject line.