Highway Maintenance Supervisor | Kelso

Highway Maintenance Supervisor | Kelso

Salary

$69,348.00 - $84,528.00 Annually

Location

Cowlitz County - Kelso, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

26DOT-SWR-40522e

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Southwest Region

Opening Date

10/08/2026

Closing Date

10/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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 worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking an experienced maintenance professional ready and willing to provide leadership, guidance, and support for employees tasked with roadway and roadside maintenance at the Maintenance Facility in Kelso, WA. As the Highway Maintenance Supervisor, you will work independently to plan, budget, schedule, and supervise highway maintenance crews engaged in specialized maintenance, repair, and reconstruction of highway features. An effective Maintenance Supervisor must have good communication skills, exhibit leadership qualities, facilitate and provide training in support of workforce development, support management, be accountable, and demonstrate inclusion with all employees.

What to Expect

The typical schedule is four 10-hour shifts (40 hours per week), with participation in a rotational night shift. You may work near high-volume, high-speed traffic, stand for extended periods, and navigate rough, steep, or uneven terrain. Some work may occur at heights or over land or water.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Supervise Highway Maintenance crews performing daily maintenance and operations activities on assigned roadways and structures.
• Plan, schedule, supervise, and budget highway maintenance activities for the daytime Kelso and St. Helens Maintenance crews, including Highway Maintenance Worker 2 and Highway Maintenance Worker 3 staff.
• Conduct employment interviews and recommend actions related to employment.
• Oversee employee development and performance evaluations.
• Prioritize and budget using a personal computer and utilize the Maintenance Accountability Process (MAP) System to develop the annual maintenance plan.
• Prepare records and reports pertaining to work accomplished, expenditures, and emergency situations including working with county agencies, city agencies, and Washington State Patrol.
• Conduct monthly crew safety and training meetings.
• Review and issue access permits, review franchise applications, and recommend requirements and approval.
• Communicate and coordinate resources for an emergency response with Emergency Operations Center, Incident Command, supervisor, and others as necessary.

Qualifications

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

• Independent Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise multiple highway maintenance crews operating across multiple duty stations and shifts, including planning, scheduling, prioritizing, and assigning work for maintenance activities.
• Operational and Administrative Experience: Demonstrated ability to track expenditures, use of inventory items and independently manage accuracy.
• Safety Awareness & Leadership: Experience prioritizing and promoting a safety-first culture, strong knowledge of workplace safety standards with consistently applied safe work practices.
• Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely with internal staff, management, other agencies, and the public using verbal, written, and virtual communications, including acting as WSDOT's representative in meetings and public interactions.
• Heavy Equipment Operation & Oversight: Ability to operate and oversee the use of heavy equipment in support of daily highway maintenance and emergency response operations.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to work at heights exceeding 25 feet over land or water.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended hours, alternate shifts, standby assignments, rotational day and night shifts, and emergency callouts as needed.
• Ability to work a rotational night shift.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions and report to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes when called back after hours.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Emergency Response: Experience coordinating emergency responses with a central operations center, while directing appropriate personnel and equipment. Knowledge of highways asset life cycles and preservation activities.
• Conflict Resolution: Proven experience applying strong problem solving and interpersonal skills addressing and resolving conflict in the workplace in a manner that aligns with Department policies and values.
• Mentoring: Demonstrated ability to guide and support others, effectively sharing knowledge, skills and experience to foster growth and development of employees.

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 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.
• 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.
• 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. 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 olivia.dietrich@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-40522e in the subject line.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Independent Leadership Please select the response that best describes your experience leading and supervising highway or roadside maintenance crews.

• Advanced: I have independently led and supervised multiple highway maintenance crews across multiple duty stations and/or shifts, including developing work plans, scheduling resources, prioritizing competing maintenance needs, and assigning work based on operational priorities, staffing, equipment, and changing conditions.
• Intermediate: I have led and supervised multiple maintenance crews or work groups, including planning, scheduling, prioritizing, and assigning maintenance activities across more than one duty station and/or shift.
• Basic: I have led or supervised a crew or work group and have experience planning, scheduling, prioritizing, and assigning maintenance activities.
• Limited: I have limited experience leading or supervising staff or assigning work, but I have had some responsibility for coordinating or organizing maintenance activities.
• No Experience: I have no experience leading or supervising crews or planning, scheduling, prioritizing, and assigning maintenance work.

02

Please briefly describe how you gained your experience leading and supervising highway/roadside maintenance crews or work groups. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

03

Operational & Administrative Experience Please select the response that best describes your experience tracking expenditures, monitoring the use of inventory items, and independently maintaining accurate operational and administrative records.

• Advanced: I have independently tracked expenditures and monitored inventory usage for a significant operational program or multiple work groups, reconciled records, identified discrepancies, and taken corrective action to maintain accurate financial and inventory information.
• Intermediate: I have independently tracked expenditures and inventory usage, maintained accurate records, monitored available resources, and resolved routine discrepancies.
• Basic: I have experience tracking expenditures or inventory usage and maintaining related records for an operational or maintenance program.
• Limited: I have limited experience with expenditure tracking, inventory management, or maintaining operational records and have generally performed these activities with guidance or oversight.
• No Experience: I have no experience tracking expenditures, monitoring inventory usage, or maintaining related operational and administrative records.

04

Safety Awareness & Leadership Please select the response that best describes your experience promoting a safety-first culture and applying workplace safety standards.

• Advanced: I have independently led safety efforts for multiple crews or work groups, consistently applied workplace safety standards, identified and addressed safety risks, and promoted a safety-first culture through communication, training, coaching, and corrective action.
• Intermediate: I have promoted safe work practices within a crew or work group, applied workplace safety standards, identified safety hazards, and taken action to address or prevent unsafe conditions.
• Basic: I have experience following workplace safety standards and applying safe work practices, as well as communicating safety expectations to others.
• Limited: I have limited experience applying workplace safety standards or promoting safe work practices and have generally relied on established procedures and direction from others.
• No Experience: I have no experience promoting workplace safety or applying workplace safety standards in a work environment.

05

Heavy Equipment Operations & Oversight Please select the response that best describes your experience operating and overseeing the use of heavy equipment.

• Advanced: I have independently operated and overseen the use of multiple types of heavy equipment in complex highway maintenance and emergency response operations, including determining equipment needs, assigning equipment and operators, and ensuring safe and effective use.
• Intermediate: I have operated multiple types of heavy equipment and have experience overseeing equipment use during highway maintenance and/or emergency response operations, including assigning equipment or operators based on operational needs.
• Basic: I have experience operating heavy equipment in support of work activities and have had some responsibility for coordinating or monitoring its use.
• Limited: I have limited experience operating heavy equipment, generally under the direction of others.
• No Experience: I have no experience operating or overseeing the use of heavy equipment.

06

Please list the equipment or vehicles you have operated/overseen, including any commercial vehicles or heavy equipment. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

07

Emergency Response Please select the response that best describes your experience coordinating emergency responses.

• Advanced: I have independently coordinated complex highway or transportation emergency responses, maintained communication with a central operations center, assessed changing conditions, and directed multiple personnel, crews, and equipment to support emergency operations and restore safe transportation.
• Intermediate: I have coordinated emergency response activities, communicated with an operations center or similar coordination function, and directed personnel and equipment in response to highway, transportation, weather, or other operational emergencies.
• Basic: I have participated in emergency response activities and have experience coordinating personnel, equipment, or work activities under established emergency-response procedures.
• Limited: I have limited experience participating in emergency response activities and have generally worked under the direction of others.
• No Experience: I have no experience participating in or coordinating emergency response activities.

08

Please briefly describe how you gained your experience coordinating emergency responses. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

09

Licensing: What type of Driver's License do you currently possess?

• Class A CDL
• Class B CDL
• CDL Learner's Permit
• Standard Driver's License
• None of the above

10

If you currently hold a CDL, please indicate the CDL class and any relevant endorsements. If you do not currently hold a CDL, enter N/A.

11

Are you able and willing to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain?

• Yes
• No

12

Are you able and willing to work at heights exceeding 25 feet over land or water?

• Yes
• No

13

Are you able and willing to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds?

• Yes
• No

14

Are you able and willing to participate in emergency response activities, including working nights, weekends, holidays, standby, and call-backs as needed?

• Yes
• No

15

Are you able and willing to work a rotational night shift?

• Yes
• No

16

Are you able and willing to report in service to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call, or willing to relocate to meet this response time?

• Yes
• No

17

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

18

If you selected Other on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov