Highway Maintenance Worker 2 In-Training

State of Washington • King County – Other, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is hiring a highway maintenance professional to maintain and repair highways and highway structures throughout Washington State. The work supports safe, reliable, and accessible transportation for the traveling public and businesses, preserves infrastructure, and contributes to communities’ economic vitality. This is a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 position, but the hiring manager may fill it at the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 level based on qualifications, with an opportunity to gain the required experience through a formal in-training plan. The position is not eligible for remote work and is subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration drug and alcohol testing requirements.

The role includes operating highway equipment; maintaining pavement, drainage systems, structures, erosion and slide areas, safety features, vegetation, and rights-of-way; responding to emergencies; transporting equipment and materials; and maintaining equipment, tools, and facilities. The worker follows safety and traffic-control procedures, responds to work requests, and may lead and train employees when a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 is absent.

The position requires an unrestricted Class A commercial driver’s license with an N endorsement, no air-brake restriction, and a valid medical card for the Worker 2 level. At the Worker 1 level, these credentials must be obtained within 12 months of hire. The posted annual salary range is $61,311–$74,692 for Worker 2 and $55,515–$67,737 for Worker 1; the listed salary includes a legislative-approved 5% premium for positions in King County. Additional compensation may apply depending on position type, duties, or location.

WSDOT describes flexible work schedules, paid leave, tuition assistance, healthcare options, and state retirement programs. Full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year and receive 12 paid holidays. Applications must be submitted electronically with a detailed work history, an attached resume and cover letter, and contact information for at least three references.

Requirements

• For the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level, demonstrated highway maintenance skills, including pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal.
• For the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level, an unrestricted Class A CDL with an N endorsement, no air-brake restriction, and a valid medical card to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.
• For the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 level, a basic understanding of highway maintenance tasks, including pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal.
• For the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 level, obtain an unrestricted Class A CDL with an N endorsement, no air-brake restriction, and a valid medical card to legally operate vehicles in Washington State within 12 months of hire.
• Ability to operate and maintain various Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles in accordance with WSDOT standards.
• Ability to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites.
• Knowledge of traffic-control practices in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), including planning and implementing safe work zones with flagging, signage, and cones or barrels.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety procedures and commitment to following policies, including confined-space entry, fall protection, and hazardous-material handling.
• Ability to participate in creating and implementing Pre-Activity Safety Plans and attend regular safety training.
• 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.
• Ability to work effectively independently in the field and as part of a team.
• Ability to lead a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3, using sound decision-making and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to learning and growth.
• Takes action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

• Valid Washington State Traffic Control/Flagging card and demonstrated ability to perform traffic control under the MUTCD, including planning setups, placing signs, cones, and barrels, and flagging safely and effectively.
• Valid Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License and ability to safely handle, mix, apply, and store pesticides in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Backflow Prevention Tester certification and ability to inspect, test, maintain, and document backflow prevention assemblies in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Valid crane operator certification and ability to safely inspect, set up, and operate crane equipment in compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate designated Class A, B, and/or C highway equipment and maintain or repair pavement, drainage systems, highway structures, erosion and slide areas, and other highway features.
• Install, maintain, and repair guardrails, fences, impact attenuators, concrete barriers, signs, sign components, and signposts.
• Remove dangerous trees, manage vegetation, maintain landscaped areas, and implement appropriate Best Management Practices.
• Remove litter, dead animals, debris, and unlawful dwellings from state rights-of-way, coordinating with law enforcement and Department of Corrections contacts as appropriate.
• Provide traffic control, emergency highway structure repairs, and debris removal as needed.
• Transport equipment and materials between work sites using ergonomic risk-reduction techniques, including equipment and team lifting.
• Safely handle hazardous substances, objects, and potential bloodborne pathogens.
• Perform daily equipment checks and minor repairs; maintain equipment and hand tools; service tools, sharpen power saws and chains, and wash vehicles.
• Clean crew rooms, storage areas, truck bays, stockpile sites, and other WSDOT facilities.
• Develop and follow Pre-Activity Safety Plans; use and maintain required personal protective equipment; follow safety protocols, confined-space, fall-restraint, and traffic-control requirements; attend required safety training and meetings; identify safety improvements; and report injuries and accidents through SIIRS.
• Respond to maintenance and operations assignments and work requests from internal and external customers, including assignments directed by regional and maintenance leadership.
• May lead and train personnel when a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 is absent, plan work activities, and provide equipment instruction and training to other employees.
• Perform other related duties in support of the organizational unit.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules
• 12 paid holidays
• Up to 25 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees
• Tuition assistance, including tuition reimbursement programs and government discounts at participating colleges
• 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed