Winter Highway Maintenance Technician (Seasonal)

State of Washington; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is hiring multiple non-permanent Highway Maintenance Worker positions for the winter maintenance season in South Central Region, Area 1. Roles involve operating snow removal and de-icing equipment, repairing roadways, maintaining culverts, and providing traffic control to keep highways safe.

40 hours/week with 4, 10-hour days, including nights and weekends. Positions are non-permanent (3–6 months).

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to perform routine and emergency highway maintenance and related infrastructure.
• Skilled operation and maintenance of heavy equipment and vehicles used in winter maintenance.
• Possession of a valid Class A CDL with N endorsement and CDL Medical Card, or ability to obtain.
• Commitment to workplace safety and following PASP and safe work practices.
• Ability to use electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory, and communication.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and willingness to learn.
• Ability to serve the public and work with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform highway maintenance activities in outdoor environments under varying weather, terrain, and traffic conditions.
• Operate and maintain a wide variety of highway maintenance equipment, including snow and ice response vehicles.
• Safely use hand tools, power tools, and PPE to support maintenance operations.
• Support year-round and emergency maintenance, including night and weekend shifts.
• Travel within and beyond the maintenance area for activities, meetings, and training.
• Document maintenance and communicate with supervisors and stakeholders.
• Coordinate with contractors, law enforcement, and the traveling public for safe operations.
• Perform physically demanding tasks including lifting and climbing on uneven terrain.

Skills

Highway maintenance

Heavy equipment operation

CDL license

Safety culture

Electronic systems

Growth mindset

Service oriented

Tools

Front-end loaders

Tractor mowers

Sweepers

Flushers

Truck-mounted attenuators

Backhoes

Vactors

Snowplows & deicer attachments

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 to fill multiple non-permanent Highway Maintenance Worker positions for the winter maintenance season in South Central Region, Area 1 (Bullfrog, Camp Mason, Easton, Ellensburg, and Hyak). These positions are critical to keeping traffic moving safely across I-90 and throughout Washington State. The successful candidates will perform a variety of skilled tasks including operating snow removal and de-icing equipment, repairing and maintaining roadways, cleaning and maintaining culverts and catch basins, removing debris and hazards, and providing traffic control to protect the traveling public and work crews. If you are dedicated to protecting the public from driving hazards and are committed to making a meaningful contribution to Washington’s transportation system, we encourage you to apply.

What to Expect
WSDOT maintenance personnel are expected to respond quickly to clear highways of hazards to ensure the public has safe and seamless access to travel.This position may also work at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water, traversing in rough, steep, and uneven terrain. A typical schedule is Monday through Sunday, 40 hours per week, for 4, 10-hour days. Weekends, nights, and holidays are required to Maintain service area 24 hours a day seven days a week, day or night shift.

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

• Perform highway maintenance activities in outdoor environments under varying weather, terrain, and traffic conditions, including work at heights, in confined spaces, and around hazardous materials while following established safety practices.
• Operate and maintain a wide variety of highway maintenance equipment, including Class A, B, and C equipment, snow and ice response vehicles, excavators, loaders, graders, cranes, paving equipment, sweepers, Vactors, and attenuator trucks.
• Safely use and maintain hand tools, power tools, chemical application equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to support maintenance and repair operations.
• Support year-round and emergency maintenance operations, including snow and ice response, by working varying schedules, weekends, nights, holidays, and other operationally required shifts.
• Travel throughout the assigned maintenance area, and occasionally beyond, to perform maintenance activities, attend meetings, training, and support emergency operations in challenging weather and road conditions.
• Utilize computerized equipment controls, mobile devices, and computer systems to support maintenance operations and complete required documentation.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with supervisors, maintenance staff, contractors, law enforcement, public agencies, and the traveling public to safely and efficiently complete work activities.
• Safely perform physically demanding work, including lifting, carrying, climbing, bending, stooping, standing, and walking on uneven terrain while handling materials and equipment.

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

• Highway and Roadway Maintenance:Demonstrated ability to perform routine and emergency maintenance on highways, roadways, and related infrastructure, including pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, debris removal, and repairs to highway structures, roadside features, and landscapes.
• Heavy Equipment Operation:Demonstrated skill in safely operating and maintaining heavy equipment, including front-end loaders, tractor mowers, sweepers, flushers, truck-mounted attenuators, backhoes, vactors, and 26,000–56,000 GVW dump trucks equipped with snowplows and chemical deicer attachments.
• Licensing and Certifications:Possession of a valid Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with N endorsement and no airbrake restriction, a valid CDL Medical Card, or the ability to obtain required certifications and licenses as a condition of employment.
• Safety Focus:Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety by following safety policies and procedures, participating in Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP), and applying safe work practices related to confined spaces, fall protection, and hazardous materials.
• Technical Proficiency:Demonstrated ability to use electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, cost estimating, email communication, and standard computer applications.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

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

• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to respond to assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call.
• 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 have:

• Operational Knowledge: Ability to interpret and apply plans, policies, and procedures related to snow and ice control, traffic control, and roadway safety in daily maintenance operations.

Important Notes

• This recruitment will be used to fill positions in multiple areas throughout South Central Region, Area 1 (Bullfrog, Camp Mason, Easton, Ellensburg, and Hyak).This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• The Hyak, Camp Mason and Eason positions qualify for 5% to 10% Pass Assignment pay.
• These are non-permanent positions with an expected duration of 3-6 months through the winter maintenance season.
• Applications will be evaluated weekly throughout this recruitment process, with thefirst review date on 9/152026. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer positions at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
• The recruiting efforts for these positions may be extended beyond the displayed closing date until all available positions have been filled.
• These positions are not eligible for remote work.
• 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 applicableCollective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found inChapter 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 (FMSCA). For more information, please go toDOT 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 visitwww.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Seasonal Work– Great for those who are looking for winter seasonal work, with the potential of coming back next year.
• Career Possibilities– Great way to get your foot in the door and see if a career in Highway Maintenance/State Service is something you would enjoy.
• Holiday Pay– Winter is also holiday season! This opportunity provides up to 5 paid holidays within this non-perm duration.
• Utilize Expertise– Share your knowledge and experience with others.
• Build Your Resume– Learn new transferable skills to add to your resume.
• Benefits – Some positions may be eligible for medical and retirement benefits. Go toState Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

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 26DOT-SCR-WinterTemps-Area 1 in the subject line.