Highway Maintenance Worker 3

State of Washington • Lewis County – Chehalis, WA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 to join the Southwest Region maintenance team. This journey-level leadership role leads highway maintenance crews, operates equipment and tools, and performs skilled maintenance and repair work on highways and highway structures. The position supports transportation safety and reliability, maintains infrastructure, responds to emergencies and severe weather, and may oversee maintenance operations when a Highway Maintenance Supervisor is absent.

Work is generally performed Monday through Thursday in four 10-hour shifts. Weekends, holidays, night work, extended hours, emergency callouts, standby assignments, and rotational night assignments may be required. The employee must be able to report to the duty station within 45 minutes and respond in all weather conditions. Work is primarily outdoors, near moving traffic and heavy equipment, and includes physically demanding tasks. The position is not eligible for remote work.

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

• Applied knowledge of highway maintenance practices, including pavement repair, snow and ice removal, 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.
• Proficiency operating and maintaining 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.
• Experience communicating orally and in writing to multiple audiences.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety procedures and commitment to safety policies, including confined-space entry, fall protection, and hazardous-material handling.
• Ability to participate in creating and implementing Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP) and attend regular safety training.
• Working knowledge of traffic control practices under the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), including planning and implementing safe work zones with flagging, signage, and cones or barrels.
• Experience performing traffic control on high-speed, multi-lane highways.
• Skilled in 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 lead and/or supervise crews, give clear directions, and make sound decisions in stressful conditions.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize workload, and handle multiple assignments.
• Demonstrates commitment to learning and growth and takes action to meet the needs of others.
• Washington Class A CDL with N endorsement and no air-brake restrictions.
• Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License, required within 12 months of hire.
• Ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to maneuver and transport materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays and perform emergency callouts and standby duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of TEF-owned equipment.
• Experience operating and transporting equipment.
• Knowledge of the surrounding area.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Plans Reading Certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead highway maintenance crews in planning, prioritizing, scheduling, and coordinating daily activities, equipment, and personnel.
• Train maintenance personnel in equipment operation, safety procedures, and highway maintenance practices; maintain records, reports, inventories, and project cost estimates.
• Perform highway maintenance and repairs, including pavement repairs, drainage maintenance, erosion control, guardrail and sign repairs, vegetation management, and debris removal.
• Lead snow and ice control operations, including snowplowing, applying anti-icing materials, hauling sand and gravel, and maintaining stockpile sites.
• Inspect, clean, service, and perform minor repairs on highway maintenance equipment, vehicles, tools, facilities, and rest areas.
• Coordinate emergency response activities, including work-zone traffic control, lane and road closures, detours, and assistance to first responders and external agencies.
• Assist with safe cleanup and removal of unauthorized encampments, coordinating with appropriate agencies and following procedures for hazardous materials and potential health risks.
• Respond to internal and external service requests and assist with incident reporting and investigations.
• May oversee maintenance operations in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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