Highway Maintenance Worker 1 | Rest Area

State of Washington

Olympia, WA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$4,320.42–$5,270.46
SKILLS
Aged Care, Blowers, CDL Driver's License, Childcare, Class A License, Class B License, Collective Bargaining, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Construction, Customer Relations, Customer Support/Service, Datasheets, Diversity, Driver's License, Emergency Response, Employee Benefits, First Aid, Flexible Spending Accounts, Government, Groundskeeping, Hazard Analysis, Hazardous Materials/Substances, Health Maintenance, Healthcare, Heavy Equipment/Vehicles, Housekeeping/Cleaning, Licensing, Maintain Compliance, Maintenance Services, Material Moving, Medical Waste, Nonprofit, Painting (Facilities and Maintenance), Physical Demands, Plumbing, Policy Development, Problem Solving Skills, Procedure Development, Procedure Implementation, Quality Metrics, Radio Advertising, Regulations, Relocation Services, Risk, Risk Management, Safety Compliance, Safety Process, Safety Training, Safety/Work Safety, Student Loans, Team Player, Transportation Planning, Use Tax, Waste/Garbage/Recycle Collection, Water Sampling, Water Supply, Workforce Planning
LOCATION
Olympia, WA
POSTED
Today
Salary : $4,320.42 - $5,270.46 Monthly
Location : Grant County - Ephrata, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 26DOT-NCR-20151
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: North Central Region
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency witha 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 a motivated and dependable Highway Maintenance Worker 1 to help maintain and enhance the traveling public's experience at rest areas throughout the North Central Region. This position plays a vital role in preserving clean, safe, and welcoming facilities at the Winchester, Quincy, and Blue Lake rest areas while supporting the agency's commitment to safety, mobility, and customer service.Through effective communication and teamwork, this role helps ensure maintenance activities are completed efficiently and professionally.
In this position, you will perform a variety of facility, highway, and right-of-way maintenance activities, including cleaning, repairs, and routine upkeep of rest area grounds and infrastructure. Your efforts will directly contribute to providing a safe, reliable, and comfortable environment for travelers while supporting the efficient movement of people, goods, and services throughout the region.
What to Expect

Typical schedule is Thursday through Monday, 11:00 am to 7:30 pm 40-hours per week, for 5, 8-hour days. Weekends and holidays may be required to respond to non-scheduled call-out emergencies. Must be able to report in service to assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call. Work alternate and emergency shifts as situations dictate. 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. Work long hours, including some night work. Occasional standby and call-back may be required. Rotational night shift is required.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 will:
  • Ensure that restrooms are clean and operational in the 4 rest areas within Area 2.
  • Picking up trash, removing graffiti, paint as needed.
  • Daily removal of gum from floors and sidewalks, sweeps, power washes, squeegees, mop floors, disinfects, scours, cleans all wash basins, toilets, urinals and wipes down walls, (on occasion from floor to ceiling).
  • Cleans and disinfects hand dryers, toilet seat dispensers and sanitary napkin boxes.
  • Refills all dispensers with paper and soap.
  • Maintain and unclog plugged drains and urinals, toilets and sinks, clean and disinfect afterwards.
  • Cleans vents, replace air filters, remove spider webs, replace light bulbs and clean filters.
  • Pick up supplies and take water samples as needed.
  • Empty ashtrays and trash containers into large garbage cans.
  • Pick up litter and debris around restrooms, parking area and pet area.
  • Repair or replace handles, hinges, stall doors, dispenser's, faucets, toilet seats, urinals, flush valves, plumbing parts, signs on doors, walls and drinking fountains.
  • Repair damage caused by vandals, remove graffiti, blood and human waste.
  • Mow four rest areas and office lawns, edge, weed eat, prune shrubs and trees.
  • Repair irrigation systems by replacing sprinkler heads, broken lines and sprinkler head parts.
  • Open and shut down irrigation system and RV stations in Fall and Spring.
  • Service and maintain lawn mower, gas trimmer, leaf blower and other mower tools and equipment.
  • Wash vehicles.
  • Maintain landscaped areas to include pruning of trees and shrubs, maintenance and repair of the irrigation system; picking litter in landscaped area and parking area; mowing.
Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
  • Licensing & Certification: Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to drive a state vehicle at the time of hire. Ability to obtain and maintain a First Aid Certification within 6 months of hire. Ability to obtain and maintain a Flagging Card within 6 months of hire.
  • Safety & Risk Management: Demonstrated knowledge of workplace safety principles and the ability to follow established safety policies, procedures, and regulations. Experience recognizing hazards, utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and working safely in environments involving confined spaces, fall protection requirements, hazardous materials, or other high-risk conditions.
  • Safety Planning & Compliance: Ability to participate in safety planning activities, including the development and implementation of Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP), attending required safety training, and applying safety procedures to daily work activities.
  • Hazardous Materials Handling: Knowledge of chemical handling and storage practices, including the ability to interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and follow established procedures for the safe use, mixing, transportation, and disposal of materials.
  • Independent Work & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating accountability, reliability, adaptability, and a commitment to achieving shared goals in a maintenance or operational environment.
  • Communication & Customer Service: Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally and effectively with coworkers, supervisors, customers, contractors, partner agencies, and members of the public to exchange information, coordinate work activities, and resolve issues.
  • Working at Heights & Physical Capability: Ability to safely perform work in physically demanding environments, including working at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water, lifting and carrying materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and performing manual labor in varying weather and environmental conditions.
  • Respectful Workplace & Inclusion: Demonstrated ability to contribute to a professional, respectful, and inclusive work environment by treating others with dignity, fostering positive working relationships, and supporting equal opportunity in the workplace.
  • Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required:
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Ability to respond to assigned duty station with 45 minutes of an after-hours callout.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
  • Traffic Control & Work Zone Safety: Demonstrated knowledge of traffic control principles and work zone safety practices, including the ability to apply traffic control procedures in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Ability to assist with planning, setting up, maintaining, and removing traffic control devices to provide safe conditions for workers and the traveling public.
  • Maintenance Operations: Demonstrated experience performing maintenance activities in a transportation, construction, facilities, grounds, utilities, or related operational environment. Ability to inspect, maintain, repair, and improve infrastructure, equipment, facilities, or right-of-way assets while following established procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements.
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 salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
  • To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the "Contact Us" section of this posting.
  • 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.
  • 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
  • This is a non-permanent opportunity, expected to last 4-5 months.
  • 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 recruiter listed.
Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference Highway Maintenance Worker 1 #20151 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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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

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

Which statement best describes your experience applying workplace safety policies and procedures in a maintenance, construction, industrial, or operational environment?
  • I have extensive experience implementing and enforcing safety procedures, identifying hazards, conducting safety briefings, and working in high-risk environments involving confined spaces, fall protection, hazardous materials, or similar conditions.
  • I have regular experience following safety procedures, identifying hazards, utilizing PPE, and working in environments with elevated safety risks.
  • I have some experience following established safety policies and using PPE in a work environment.
  • I have limited experience working under formal safety programs but understand basic workplace safety practices.
  • I have no experience working under established workplace safety programs.

02

Do you have experience working in environments requiring the use of fall protection, confined space entry procedures, or hazardous material safety protocols?
  • Yes
  • No

03

Which statement best describes your experience participating in safety planning activities such as Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP), Job Hazard Analyses (JHA), or similar safety processes?
  • I have extensive experience developing, reviewing, and implementing safety plans and ensuring compliance among work crews.
  • I have regularly participated in developing and implementing safety plans for work activities.
  • I have participated in safety planning discussions and followed established safety plans.
  • I have attended safety briefings and followed safety plans developed by others.
  • I have no experience participating in formal safety planning activities.

04

Which statement best describes your experience handling, storing, or using chemicals or hazardous materials?
  • Which statement best describes your experience handling, storing, or using chemicals or hazardous materials?
  • I have regular experience using and handling hazardous materials and referencing SDS information.
  • I have some experience working with chemicals and following established handling procedures.
  • I have limited exposure to hazardous materials but understand basic safety requirements.
  • I have no experience handling hazardous materials.

05

Which statement best describes your experience communicating with coworkers, supervisors, customers, contractors, agencies, or the public?
  • I regularly communicate with diverse groups, resolve issues, provide information, and represent my organization in professional settings.
  • I frequently communicate with coworkers, supervisors, and customers to coordinate work and resolve routine issues.
  • I have some experience communicating in a professional work environment.
  • I have limited experience interacting with customers or the public in a work setting.
  • I have no relevant communication or customer service experience.

06

How would you rate your experience handling difficult customer interactions or resolving concerns from the public?
  • Extensive experience independently resolving complex or sensitive issues.
  • Moderate experience resolving routine concerns and questions.
  • Limited experience assisting with customer concerns.
  • Minimal experience interacting with customers or the public.
  • No experience.

07

Which statement best describes your experience performing traffic control in accordance with the MUTCD?
  • I have extensive experience planning, setting up, inspecting, modifying, and removing traffic control for complex work zones and have served in a lead role.
  • I have regular experience setting up and maintaining traffic control devices, including signs, cones, barrels, and flagging operations.
  • I have some experience assisting with traffic control setup and work zone operations.
  • I have limited exposure to traffic control activities.
  • I have no traffic control experience.

08

Do you have experience performing flagging duties or working within active traffic control zones?
  • Yes, extensive experience.
  • Yes, moderate experience.
  • Yes, limited experience.
  • No.

09

Which statement best describes your experience performing maintenance activities in a transportation, facilities, grounds, construction, utilities, or similar environment?
  • I have extensive experience independently performing a wide variety of maintenance, repair, and operational activities.
  • I have regular experience performing maintenance and repair work as part of my primary job duties.
  • I have some experience assisting with maintenance and repair activities.
  • I have limited maintenance experience.
  • I have no maintenance experience.

10

What types of maintenance work have you performed? (Select all that apply):
  • Highway maintenance
  • Grounds maintenance
  • Facility maintenance
  • Janitorial
  • Construction
  • Equipment operation
  • Utilities
  • Similar fields
  • None of the above

11

This position requires the ability to work at ground level, in confined spaces, and at elevated heights (above 25 feet above land or water), as well as the ability to traverse steep, rough, and uneven terrain. Are you able to meet these essential functions?
  • Yes
  • No

12

Do you have the ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing 50 pounds or more in a safe manner?
  • Yes
  • No

13

Do you have the ability to report in service to assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call, or be willing to relocate to meet the response time?
  • Yes
  • No

14

This role requires the ability to work varying shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed to respond to unscheduled work, call-outs, or emergencies. Are you willing and able to meet this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

15

What type of driver's license do you currently possess?
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B
  • Standard Driver's License
  • None of the above

16

Please select the certifications you have (select all that apply):
  • First Aid Certification
  • Flagging Card
  • None of the above

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
  • "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

About the Company

S

State of Washington