Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training) | Three Positions

State of Washington•Whatcom County – Bellingham, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking three Highway Maintenance Workers (HMW2) to support the Northwest Region in Bellingham, WA. These positions will assist with the maintenance and repair of state highways and highway structures to ensure public safety. As members of the regional maintenance organization, they will perform tasks such as asphalt and concrete maintenance, traffic control, guardrail and sign repair, and culvert and drainage maintenance. This role requires responsible, safety-minded individuals to perform skilled labor and operate highway equipment and tools in outdoor, field environments on active roadways, often in challenging weather conditions.

Requirements

Basic understanding of highway maintenance tasks such as pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal (for HMW1 level).
Demonstrated skills in highway maintenance practices, including pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal (for HMW2 level).
Obtain an unrestricted Class A CDL with “N” endorsement without air brake restriction & valid medical card to legally operate vehicles in Washington State within 12 months of hire (for HMW1 level).
Possess an unrestricted Class A CDL with “N” endorsement without air brake restriction & valid medical card to legally operate vehicles in Washington State (for HMW2 level).
Ability to obtain a Washington State Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to traverse steep, rough, and uneven terrain and work at heights above 25 feet over land or water in varying weather conditions.
Ability to respond to emergency call outs, work other scheduled shifts, and/or extended shifts on short notice (days, nights, and weekends), and perform standby duty.
Ability to report in service to assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

Valid Washington State Traffic Control/Flagging card with experience performing traffic control per MUTCD including planning, setting signs and cones or barrels, and flagging.
Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License.
Backflow Prevention Tester Certification.
Crane Certification.

Responsibilities

Operate Class A, B, and C highway equipment for highway maintenance.
Perform general roadway maintenance and repair activities such as asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair.
Conduct drainage maintenance, including catch basins, sedimentation facilities, and ditches.
Perform erosion and slide repair.
Conduct sign maintenance and repair.
Perform vegetation control, including mowing, pesticide application, and establishing, maintaining, and repairing landscaped areas.
Remove highway debris, including danger tree removal, and actively participate in the development and implementation of Pre Activity Safety Plans.
Perform snow and ice removal, which includes operating dump trucks and sanders, as well as hauling sand and gravel.
Design and set-up of traffic control, which includes manually flagging traffic or signing for lane closures and operating an attenuator/buffer truck.
Perform maintenance and minor repair on equipment and hand tools including sharpening power saws and chains, washing vehicles, and greasing tools and equipment.
Respond to non-scheduled emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays.