Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training)

State of Washington • Klickitat County – Other, WA

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a dependable and safety-minded Highway Maintenance Worker to join their maintenance team in Bingen, WA. This journey-level role involves working outdoors as part of a team responsible for maintaining and repairing state highways, highway structures, adjacent right of way, and assigned rest areas. The position requires operating a variety of highway maintenance equipment and tools while performing hands-on work to ensure the safety and reliability of Washington’s transportation system. Responsibilities include janitorial services at Highway Safety Rest Areas, maintaining asphalt and concrete, signs and guardrails, drainage and culverts, traffic control systems, and other highway infrastructure. This is an opportunity to build a career while making a direct difference in the community for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, solving problems, and working with a team.

Requirements

• Journey-Level Highway & Roadway Maintenance: Demonstrated skills in highway maintenance practices, including pavement markings and 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.
• Class A CDL with N endorsement without restrictions, or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
• Equipment Operation: Ability to operate and maintain various Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles following WSDOT standards.
• Demonstrated ability to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites.
• Traffic Control & Work Zone Operations: 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 the use of cones/barrels.
• The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
• The ability to obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification within six (6) months of hire.
• 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 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.
• 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, and emergency callouts as needed.
• Ability to work a rotational night shift.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions and report to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes when called back after hours.
• Foundational Highway & Roadway Maintenance: Basic understanding of highway maintenance tasks such as pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal. (For Highway Maintenance Worker 1 level)
• Possession of a valid driver's license to legally operate vehicles in Washington State. (For Highway Maintenance Worker 1 level)

Nice To Haves

• Class A CDL with N endorsement without restrictions.
• Experience performing traffic control per published highway standards (MUTCD) including planning, setting signs and cones or barrels, and flagging.
• Intermediate computer skills to operate various computer programs, such as Microsoft Office applications, internal WSDOT applications, and the internet.
• Skills and experience performing snow removal and anti-icing operations, including safe and efficient operation of plow trucks and application of de-icing materials to maintain safe driving conditions during storms.
• Knowledge of the surrounding area and well-rounded experience in multiple maintenance-related disciplines.

Responsibilities

• 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, pesticide application, erosion control, debris and litter removal, and danger tree removal.
• Perform janitorial services and landscape maintenance at Highway Safety Rest Areas, including sanitation, garbage collection/disposal, and maintaining parking areas and walkways.
• Maintain daily contact with traveling public, assist as needed, and respond to questions and complaints.
• Operate snow and ice control equipment and hauling materials to help keep roadways safe and open for travel.
• Set up and maintain traffic control, including flagging, lane closures, and operating attenuator vehicles.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed