JOB
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 currently seeking a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 to support the safe and efficient operation of state highways and transportation infrastructure. Under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor, this position performs and leads a wide range of skilled highway maintenance activities while operating various equipment and tools. The incumbent provides guidance and support to entry and journey-level Highway Maintenance Workers, promotes safe work practices, and helps ensure maintenance operations are completed effectively and efficiently. This position plays a critical role in maintaining roadways and highway structures, supporting the movement of people and commerce throughout the state. The Highway Maintenance Worker 3 also fosters a respectful, inclusive work environment and may occasionally serve as crew lead in the absence of a supervisor.
What to Expect
The typical schedule for this position is four 10-hour shifts per week (40 hours total). Weekend, holiday, alternate shift, and emergency response work may be required to support operational needs and respond to unscheduled events. Employees must be able to report to their assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call. This position responds to emergencies in all weather conditions, at any time of day or night, working independently or as part of a team. Overtime and work beyond 40 hours per week may be required based on operational demands.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 3 will:
-
Lead and coordinate highway maintenance crews in the planning, scheduling, and completion of roadway maintenance and operational activities.
-
Operate a variety of highway maintenance equipment and vehicles to support roadway preservation, repair, and emergency response efforts.
-
Train and mentor maintenance staff on equipment operation, safety practices, maintenance procedures, and customer service expectations.
-
Perform roadway maintenance activities including pavement repair, drainage maintenance, vegetation management, traffic barrier repair, sign installation, and right-of-way upkeep.
-
Maintain accurate records, reports, inventories, project estimates, and maintenance activity documentation using computerized systems.
-
Establish and oversee safe work zones, implement safety procedures, and support compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations.
-
Respond to emergencies by providing traffic control, coordinating incident response activities, assisting with debris and spill removal, and supporting roadway closures and detours.
-
Inspect, maintain, and perform minor repairs on equipment, tools, facilities, and highway assets to ensure safe and effective operations.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Highway Maintenance Operations:
-
Skills, knowledge, and experience performing highway maintenance and operations activities on state highways, including roadway, drainage, vegetation, sign, and right-of-way maintenance in active traffic environments.
Traffic Control & Work Zone Safety:
-
Ability to establish, implement, and lead traffic control operations in accordance with MUTCD and departmental standards.
Equipment Operation & Physical Abilities:
-
Ability and experience operating highway maintenance equipment and commercial vehicles, performing physically demanding work in all weather conditions.
Communication, Customer Service & Coordination:
-
Skills communicating effectively with crews, supervisors, internal partners, external agencies, and the public; providing professional customer service; and coordinating work activities and emergency responses.
Work Documentation & Technology:
-
Ability and experience maintaining accurate records, tracking inventory and maintenance activities, and using computerized systems and mobile devices to complete reports and documentation.
Growth Mindset & Service-Oriented:
-
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
-
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
In addition to the above, the following are also required:
-
Washington State Class A Commercial Driver’s License with N endorsement, no air brake restrictions, and no transmission restrictions.
-
Valid Traffic Control/Flagging card or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
-
Ability to operate Class A, B, and/or C equipment w/ current technology in highway maintenance operations.
-
Obtain a Washington State Traffic Control/Flagging card and maintain throughout employment.
-
Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
-
Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
-
Ability to respond to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours callout.
-
Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work at elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
Supervisory & Decision-Making Leadership:
-
Experience leading and/or supervising highway maintenance crews, providing clear direction, coordinating work activities, and exercising sound judgment and decision-making in dynamic and high-stress operational and emergency environments.
Advanced Equipment Operation & Technical Knowledge:
-
Experience operating, transporting, and maintaining TEF highway maintenance equipment, including cranes, and commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or greater.
Incident, Emergency & Traffic Control Operations:
-
Experience serving as a traffic control lead during emergency and planned operations.
Environmental, Utility & System Certifications:
-
Possession of specialized certifications: Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License, Backflow Prevention Tester Certification, and Crane Certification.
Local Area & Operational Familiarity:
-
Knowledge of the surrounding geographic area, roadway network, traffic patterns, and maintenance features to support efficient routing, emergency response, and coordination with local partners.
Important Notes
-
This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
-
The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
-
The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
-
This position is not eligible for remote work.
-
Work is performed primarily outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and other inclement weather, during both daytime and nighttime hours. Duties require traversing steep, rough, and uneven terrain; working at heights above 25 feet over land or water; and operating in high-risk environments such as active traffic corridors and confined spaces. Employees may be exposed to hazards associated with roadway maintenance operations, including sharp objects, bloodborne pathogens, hazardous materials, and hot asphalt with temperatures reaching up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Safety is expected to remain a top priority in all aspects of the work.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
-
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 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 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.
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.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-10572e in the subject line.
