Highway Maintenance Worker 4 | Lakewood

State of Washington • Pierce County – Lakewood, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

WSDOT is seeking a dedicated, collaborative professional to coordinate and oversee key highway maintenance programs in the Olympic Region, Area 1. The role helps keep highways, roadways, and bike paths safe, functional, and well-maintained through asphalt program coordination, right-of-way restoration, and other maintenance activities. It supports timely responses to roadway impacts and the safety and reliability of transportation for the traveling public, in support of environmental stewardship, public safety, and the long-term resilience of Washington’s transportation system.

Highway maintenance is physically demanding and performed outdoors year-round in all weather, during day or night shifts and often near high-speed traffic, bodies of water, confined spaces, or elevated heights. The work includes operating and entering heavy equipment; standing and walking for extended periods; traversing uneven terrain; climbing; lifting and handling materials weighing 50 pounds or more; and repetitive movements in tight spaces. Exposure may include traffic, severe weather, noise, dust, fumes, limited visibility, hazardous chemicals, hot asphalt, and biological and other waste materials.

This is a full-time position requiring at least 40 hours per week, with a standard schedule of four 10-hour shifts, Monday through Thursday. The position is not eligible for remote work and is subject to FMCSA drug and alcohol testing requirements. The recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions based on business needs.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple Highway Maintenance Workers, ensure compliance with safety and operational standards, and promote accountability, teamwork, and employee development through communication and coaching.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance agency goals and deliver effective service.
• Demonstrated knowledge of workplace safety standards, construction industry practices, and heavy equipment operations applicable to highway maintenance and transportation infrastructure.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate technical and non-technical information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage confrontational situations calmly and professionally and use de-escalation strategies to diffuse tense interactions.
• Proficiency with Windows-based systems and business software, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, and SharePoint), cloud-based platforms, virtual meeting tools such as Microsoft Teams, and agency databases used for project tracking, asset management, and information systems.
• Possess an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.
• Ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six months of hire.
• Obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR certification.
• Demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth.
• Demonstrate a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in highway and roadway maintenance, preservation, and/or construction activities.
• Experience performing winter maintenance, including snow and ice control operations.
• Experience operating and transporting equipment used in highway maintenance, preservation, or construction, and understanding that equipment.
• Knowledge of the surrounding area, including local roadways and highway systems.
• Experience implementing traffic control in accordance with published highway standards, including MUTCD, placement of signs, cones, and barrels, and flagging.
• Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, internal WSDOT applications, and internet-based tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to follow safety policies, procedures, and established work practices to maintain a safe work environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee the Asphalt Program, Homeless Encampment Cleanup, Third-Party Damage, and Right-of-Way Restoration activities for highways, roadways, and bike paths, ensuring compliance with applicable permits, regulations, laws, policies, procedures, standards, and specifications.
• Plan, prioritize, schedule, and monitor maintenance projects, personnel, equipment, materials, budgets, and work schedules; prepare labor, equipment, materials, and other (LEMO) cost estimates; and review completed work, expenditures, daily records, and reports for accuracy.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners, including supervisors, leads, law enforcement, local jurisdictions, state agencies, design and construction teams, and community organizations. Review highway location and construction plans, attend project review meetings and preconstruction conferences, and address maintenance concerns.
• Maintain and analyze maintenance records and data in department databases, including HATS, WZDB, and TSMS; research roadway information; prepare reports and presentations; manage program inventories and purchasing; and recommend operational improvements.
• Conduct field inspections for right-of-way encroachments, highway safety, signing, and maintenance needs. Identify hazards, ensure safe work zones and proper hazardous-material handling, maintain required PPE, and report injuries and accidents in SafeTrak.
• Assist the Highway Maintenance Supervisor with recruitment, employee performance management, personnel recommendations, training, coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluations. Review and approve employee timesheets as delegated and promote compliance with safety practices and regulations.
• Perform day-to-day highway maintenance, including pavement and drainage repair, erosion and slide remediation, sign and roadside hardware maintenance, vegetation management, litter and debris removal, and operation and transport of highway maintenance equipment.
• Assist with the Area’s snow and ice program by managing stockpile inventories, using department databases for fleet and equipment scheduling, and leading and performing snow and ice control activities, including anti-icing applications, loading and hauling materials, and operating snow and ice equipment.

Benefits

• Up to 12 paid holidays.
• Full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year.
• Tuition assistance options for permanent employees, including tuition reimbursement programs, participating-college government 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