Highway Maintenance Worker 2 | Kelso

State of Washington • Cowlitz County – Kelso, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a dependable, safety-minded Highway Maintenance Worker to join its maintenance team in Kelso, Washington. This journey-level role works outdoors as part of a team maintaining and repairing state highways, highway structures, and adjacent right of way. The position operates a variety of highway maintenance equipment and tools and performs hands-on work involving pavement, signs, guardrails, drainage, traffic control systems, and other highway infrastructure.

The typical schedule is four 10-hour shifts (40 hours per week), with participation in a rotational night shift. Work may take place near high-volume, high-speed traffic and can involve extended periods of standing, rough or steep terrain, work at heights, and work over land or water. The role may also require flexible scheduling, nights, weekends, holidays, extended hours, alternate shifts, standby assignments, emergency callouts, and reporting to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes when called back after hours. The position is not eligible for remote work and is subject to FMCSA drug and alcohol testing requirements.

WSDOT is a multimodal transportation agency that plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system. It maintains more than 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, among other responsibilities.

WSDOT offers work-life balance, paid leave, tuition assistance for permanent employees, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare options and state retirement programs. Full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year, in addition to 12 paid holidays.

Requirements

• Possess a valid driver’s license, or a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement, or be able to obtain one within 12 months of hire. WSDOT may provide training assistance.
• Be skilled in operating and maintaining Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles in accordance with WSDOT standards.
• Be able to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites.
• Have working knowledge of traffic control practices following the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and be able to plan and implement safe work zones using flagging, signage, and cones or barrels.
• Be able to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six months of hire.
• Be able to obtain within six months of hire and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification.
• Understand workplace safety procedures and follow safety policies, including confined space entry, fall protection, and hazardous material handling.
• Be able to participate in creating and implementing Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP) and attend regular safety training.
• Work effectively both as part of a team and independently in the field.
• Be capable of leading a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3, demonstrating sound decision-making and leadership skills.
• Demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth and take action to meet the needs of others.
• Be able to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Be able to work at heights exceeding 25 feet over land or water.
• Be able to maneuver and transport materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Be able 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.
• Be able to respond to emergencies in all weather conditions and report to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes when called back after hours.

Nice To Haves

• Practical knowledge of highway maintenance practices, including pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal.
• Ability to assess maintenance needs and repair highway structures, roadside features, and landscapes.
• Skill using electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating, such as HATS, WZDB, and TSMS.
• Proficiency with standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office and email.

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, 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 and lane closures, and operate 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, independently or as part of a team, and coordinate 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

• Work-life balance commitment
• Up to 25 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees
• 12 paid holidays
• Tuition assistance options for permanent employees, including tuition reimbursement programs, participating-college discounts, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness
• Comprehensive benefits package with a variety of healthcare options
• Choice of state retirement programs

What This Job Offers

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