Highway Maintenance Worker 3

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a motivated and hard-working individual to join the Olympic Region Maintenance Crew in Forks. The Highway Maintenance Worker 3 will need to be able to hit the ground running and lead an experienced team of Maintenance professionals responsible for performing a variety of daily activities such as heavy equipment operations, providing roadway maintenance for sub-sections of highways, and performing snow and ice removal functions. In this role, you will operate a wide variety of highway equipment and tools and maintain and repair highways and highway structures. The individual in this role must foster an inclusive and healthy work environment that challenges all staff to be respectful and professional.

What to Expect

This position performs work that is often physical in nature and performed primarily outdoors, often next to high-volume, high-speed traffic, at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water. This position requires the ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, alone or a part of a team as needed. Rotational night shift work is required.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 3 will:

• Assist the Maintenance Supervisor by coordinating and overseeing staff to perform essential roadway maintenance operations.
• Lead and perform such work as inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining culverts, catch basins, and ditches; asphalt repairs of roadways; repairing guardrail and roadway surfaces; blading shoulders and removing debris; plowing snow and sanding/de-icing roads; and cutting brush.
• Patrol and inspect assigned highway and right of ways, documenting deficiencies of the roadway.
• Prioritize and schedule personnel and equipment.
• Complete third-party damage reports and prepare cost estimates.
• Operate and train others on Class A, B, and C Commercial Drivers License (CDL) equipment.
• Safely provide proper traffic control supervision for all work operations and emergency road closures.
• Steward safety programs by knowing and enforcing the established WSDOT/WAC safety policies and procedures; conduct safety meetings.
• Act as traffic control lead during emergency operations.
• Perform maintenance and minor repair on equipment and hand tools.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required :

Highway Maintenance - Demonstrated ability to perform and assess highway maintenance activities, including pavement repair, drainage systems maintenance, erosion control, vegetation management, and the installation and repair of signage, guardrails, and debris removal. Proven capability in maintaining roadside features and landscapes in compliance with safety and operational standards.

Equipment Operation - Proven competency in operating and maintaining Class A, B, and C maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles according to WSDOT standards. Ability to safely load, secure, and transport heavy equipment and materials across various job sites under varying conditions.

Licensing & Certification Compliance - Ability to acquire and maintain the following certifications within required timeframes:

• Valid Washington State Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with N endorsement within 12 months of hire.
• Washington State Pesticide Applicators License within 12 months of hire.
• Valid First Aid/CPR Certification throughout employment.

Demonstrates a commitment to meeting all regulatory and licensing requirements to ensure compliance and operational readiness .

Traffic Control & Work Zone Safety - Working knowledge and application of traffic control standards as outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Ability to establish, monitor, and maintain safe work zones including flagging, signage, and cone/barrel placement. Capability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging certification within six months of hire.

Safety Awareness & Compliance - Demonstrates strong knowledge of and adherence to safety protocols including confined space entry, fall protection, and hazardous material handling. Active participant in safety programs, including the development and execution of Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP). Regularly engages in required safety training and compliance practices.

Teamwork and Leadership - Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and independently in field settings. Capable of providing leadership in the absence of supervisory staff (Highway Maintenance Worker 3), making sound decisions and ensuring continuous operations.

Candidates must also meet the following essential job requirements:

• Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and respond to emergency callouts 24/7.
• Physical ability to transport, move, and manipulate tools and materials weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to respond to an after-hours callout at the assigned duty station within 60 minutes.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work at heights above 25 feet over land or water.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• High school graduation, or possession of a GED certificate, or equivalent
• Three (3) years of experience in one of the following job classes: Highway Maintenance Worker 2, Bridge Maintenance Technician 2, or Maintenance Specialist 2.
• One (1) year of experience operating and transporting equipment.
• Experience operating vehicles weighing 26,000 GVW.
• Experience leading and/or supervising crews, providing clear direction, and making good decisions in stressful conditions.
• Understanding of TEF owned equipment.
• Possession of a Plans Reading Certification.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• In addition to the base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable . Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). For more information, please go to .
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit .

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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. Go to for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the Work Experience portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the References section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at ... . Please be sure to reference Highway Maintenance Worker 3 #30363 in the subject line.