About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking two dedicated and safety-focused Highway Maintenance Worker 3s to join our Southwest Region maintenance team in Vancouver, WA. In this vital role, you will help keep Washington’s transportation system safe, reliable, and efficient for the traveling public. Working under the direction of the Highway Maintenance Supervisor, you will operate a variety of heavy equipment, vehicles, and specialized tools while performing skilled highway maintenance and repair activities on state highways and transportation infrastructure. Your work directly supports the safe movement of people, goods, and services throughout the region.
As a senior member of the maintenance crew, you will provide leadership and guidance to lower-level Highway Maintenance Workers, helping ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to established standards. You may also assume supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Highway Maintenance Supervisor. This position plays an important role in promoting teamwork, accountability, and a positive workplace culture while contributing to WSDOT’s mission of connecting communities and keeping Washington moving.
What to Expect
Work is generally performed Monday–Thursday on four 10-hour shifts; however, weekends, holidays, night work, and extended hours may be required for emergency response and non-scheduled callouts. The position requires the ability to report to the duty station within 60 minutes, respond in all weather conditions, and participate in rotational night, standby, and call-back assignments.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 3 will:
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Lead Highway Maintenance Crews in the daily performance of all maintenance and operational tasks throughout the State Highways.
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prioritize, plan, schedule and budget maintenance activities
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Lead, schedule, and direct highway maintenance activities throughout State Highways.
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Coordinate equipment and manpower with fellow Highway Maintenance Worker 3s.
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Maintain and submit daily records and reports of maintenance activities.
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Enter all maintenance activities into computerized systems (i.e. Highway Activity Tracking System (HATS), Work zone Database (WZDB); review computerized records to ensure accuracy.
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Train personnel in equipment use, safety, highway maintenance and public relations.
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Arrange for the purchase or repair of replacement parts; arrange rental or lease of privately owned equipment.
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Conduct ICP inventory and accurate record keeping.
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Prepare project estimates for all LEMO (Labor, Equipment, Material, Other) costs.
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Investigate employee personal injury and equipment damage. Assist in reporting accidents in computerized systems. (Safetrak)
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Perform snow and ice control, to include application of anti-icing compounds to road surface with truck mounted equipment.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
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Equipment Operation: Skilled in operating and maintaining various Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles following WSDOT standards. Proven ability to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites.
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Reporting: Must be able to report in service to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call.
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Licensing & Certification: Possession of a valid driver’s license, or Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement or the ability to obtain a CDL with N endorsement within 1 year of hiring date. The ability to obtain within 6 months of hire and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification.
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Traffic Control & Work Zone: Working knowledge of traffic control practices following the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Ability to plan and implement safe work zones, including flagging, signage, and the use of cones/barrels. The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
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Safety Awareness & Compliance: Strong understanding of workplace safety procedures and commitment to following safety policies, including confined space entry, fall protection, and hazardous material handling. Ability to participate in the creation and implementation of Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP) and attend regular safety training.
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Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently in the field. Capable of leading a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3, demonstrating sound decision-making and leadership skills.
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Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
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Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
The following qualifications are also required:
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Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
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Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
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Highway Maintenance: 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 perform repairs to highway structures, roadside features, and landscapes.
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Technical & Administrative Proficiency: Skilled in the use of electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating (e.g., HATS, WZDB, TSMS). Proficient in standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office and email communication.
Important Notes
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This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
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This position is not eligible for remote work.
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To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
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Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and often near moving traffic and heavy equipment, requiring heightened situational awareness and strict adherence to safety practices. The role involves physically demanding tasks, including deploying traffic control devices, flagging, and operating maintenance vehicles and equipment, with extended periods of standing and walking. Employees must wear appropriate PPE at all times.
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In addition to 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
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This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.
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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 www.uscis.gov
Why WSDOT
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Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
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Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
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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.
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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 State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
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 recruiter listed.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at
[email protected] Please be sure to reference Highway Maintenance Worker 3 #41588 in the subject line.
