Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training)

  • State of Washington
  • Lacey, Washington
  • Full Time

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 to fill a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 position. This journey-level position performs a variety of skilled maintenance tasks and are responsible for maintenance and repair of highways and highway structures to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce. This position is a member of the Work Zone Traffic Control (WZTC) Crew and may assist with crews in maintaining signs, durable pavement markings, and striping and/or setting up and maintaining a safe work zone for regionwide, statewide, and area crews for maintenance and emergency operations. As a Highway Maintenance Worker on the WZTC crew, you may have the opportunity to work with general maintenance operations on other roadway and roadside maintenance activities and assist with snow and ice control. Our top candidates are mechanically inclined and self-motivated individuals that enjoy working outdoors.

What to Expect
These positions are required to respond to emergency callouts and must be available for standby 24 hours a day/7 day a week. Work is often physical in nature and performed primarily outdoors, traversing rough, steep, and uneven terrain; and near high-volume/high-speed traffic. May also work at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water.

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

  • Design and set up traffic control for all operations to include full road or bridge closures, settings signs, cones, and barrels in accordance with the MUTCD standards.
  • Install durable pavement markings; load thermoplastic materials and prepare equipment for use.
  • Transport heavy equipment and materials.
  • Operate Class A, B and C highway equipment as designated on the approved Department of Transportation Equipment List (TEF) for highway maintenance.
  • Asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair; apply concrete, asphalt, and synthetic materials.
  • Drainage maintenance including catch basins, sedimentation facilities, and ditches; erosion and slide repair.
  • Perform general roadway maintenance activities including guardrail repair, cleaning culverts, patching asphalt, and removing litter.
  • Perform snow and ice control to include application of anti-icing compounds to road surface with truck mounted equipment, load trucks from stockpiles or pits.
  • Respond to emergency situations and act as a first responder at accident scenes, spills, or other emergent situations.
  • Perform maintenance and minor repair on equipment and hand tools.
  • Lead and train others in the absence of the Highway Maintenance Worker 3.

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

To qualify at the HMW1 level, the following is required:

  • Basic Highway Maintenance Skills: Basic understanding of highway maintenance tasks such as pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal
  • Licensing: Possession of an unrestricted valid drivers license to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.

To qualify at the HMW2 level, the following is required:

  • Highway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated skills in highway maintenance practices, including pavement markings and 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.
  • Licensing: Possession of an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement to legally operate vehicles in Washington State; or obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.

In addition to the above, the following competencies and certifications are required at either level:

  • Equipment Operation: Ability to operate and maintain various Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles following WSDOT standards. Ability to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites .
  • Traffic Control & Work Zone Operations: 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.
  • Licensing & Certification: The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire. The ability to obtain within 6 months of hire and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Teamwork & Leadership: 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.
  • Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Qualification & Endorsement: Possession of an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement at the time of hire.
  • Traffic Control Operations: Experience performing traffic control per published highway standards (MUTCD) including planning, setting signs and cones or barrels, and flagging.
  • Computer and Technology Proficiency: Intermediate computer skills to operate various computer programs, such as Microsoft Office applications, internal WSDOT applications, and the internet.
  • Communication Skills : Experience in effective communication to multiple audiences, both orally and in writing.
  • Safety Compliance and Work Practices: Experience adhering to safety policies and diligence in performing work in a safe manner.

Important Notes

  • This is a shared position. April through September will be with the Work Zone crew and October through March will be at the Port Orchard shed.
  • This is a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 In-Training position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the Highway Maintenance Worker based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal in-training plan. The base salaries for each level are:
    • Highway Maintenance Worker 2: $57,252 $69,744
    • Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $51,840 $63,252
  • These positions require rotational night shift.
  • Travel is an expectation of these positions and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis. Overnight travel is required.
  • These positions are not eligible for remote work.
  • 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.
  • These positions may be subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing .
  • 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 of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may 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 via email.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at ... . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32739 in the subject line.

Job ID: 523262587
Originally Posted on: 6/2/2026

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