Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training) | Multiple Positions

State of Washington

King County, WA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$59,616–$80,205 Per Year
SKILLS
Administrative Skills, Aged Care, Business Operations, CDL Driver's License, CPR Certification, Childcare, Class A License, Class B License, Collective Bargaining, Compensation and Benefits, Computer Skills, Concrete, Construction, Cost Estimates, Crane, Diversity, Driver's License, Emergency Response, Employee Benefits, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Fast Food, First Aid, Flexible Spending Accounts, Government, Groundskeeping, Hazard Analysis, Hazardous Materials/Substances, Health Maintenance, Healthcare, Heavy Equipment/Vehicles, Industry Standards, Inventory Management, Inventory Reports, Landscaping, Leadership, Licensing, Maintain Compliance, Maintenance Services, Mentoring, Microsoft Office, Needs Assessment, Nonprofit, Operational Support, Operations Management, Operations Planning, Procedure Development, Public Works, Radio Advertising, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Safety Compliance, Safety Process, Safety Training, Safety/Work Safety, Student Loans, System Operations, Team Player, Technical Operations, Testing, Time Management Software, Transportation Planning, Truck Driver, Use Tax, Workforce Planning
LOCATION
King County, WA
POSTED
18 days ago

Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training) | Multiple Positions

Salary

$59,616.00 - $80,205.00 Annually

Location

King County - Multiple Locations, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

26DOT-NWR-A4DAYS

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Northwest Region

Opening Date

06/10/2026

Closing Date

6/29/2026 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 looking for multiple enthusiastic career-minded individuals who want to make a difference to join our dynamic team in the King County area, supporting the vast infrastructure of Northwest Washington. This is an in-training opportunity that offers a career path, hands-on learning, and mentorship and allows you to progress upward through the Highway Maintenance Worker series and achieve the goal class of a Highway Maintenance Worker 2. This opportunity is perfect for someone who loves working outdoors, doing manual labor, and operating a variety of equipment to complete tasks. As part of our maintenance team, you will assist with repairing and rebuilding of state highways, and adjacent right of ways to ensure they remain in a condition that promotes the movement of traffic, and safety to the motoring public. We encourage you to apply if you are dependable and looking for a career with growth potential!

Working in the maintenance area will require responsible, safety-minded individuals to accomplish assigned tasks and may require operating trucks as well as other heavy equipment. These positions require quick response time to job sites. Highway maintenance crews are ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By taking on this role, you are serving a key and vital function to the State of Washington.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 will:

  • Perform journey-level highway, roadside, infrastructure, and right-of-way maintenance and repair tasks.
  • Operate Class A, B, and/or C heavy equipment to maintain state roadways and highways.
  • Design and set up traffic control operations, as well as full road or bridge closures according to departmental and MUTCD standards.
  • Remove dangerous and hazardous debris from roadways.
  • Removal of snow and ice during winter season.

Qualifications

Thisis a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series 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.

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

  • 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.
  • Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating and maintaining a variety of Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles in accordance with WSDOT standards. Demonstrated ability to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites.
  • Licensing & Certification: Possession of a valid driver's license with the ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with N endorsement within twelve (12) months of hire. The ability to obtain a Washington State Pesticide Applicator's License within twelve (12) months of hire. The ability to obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification.
  • 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 use of cones/barrels. The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
  • 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: 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.

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 transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
  • Ability to respond to assigned duty station with 60 minutes of an afterhours callout.
  • 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 have:

  • Technical Operations and Safety Compliance: Knowledge of workplace safety practices, operational procedures, and regulatory requirements related to traffic control, equipment operation, and field maintenance activities. Ability to safely perform assigned duties, follow established protocols, and maintain compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency standards.
  • Specialized Equipment and Systems Expertise: Knowledge of specialized equipment, systems, and operational practices related to crane operations, backflow prevention, vegetation management, and other maintenance functions. Ability to inspect, test, operate, maintain, and document work activities in accordance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Certifications and Professional Development: Demonstrated ability to obtain, maintain, and apply required licenses, certifications, and specialized training necessary to perform assigned duties safely and effectively. Commitment to ongoing professional development and compliance with certification requirements.

Preferred Licenses and Certifications

  • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Washington State Traffic Control/Flagging Card.
  • Washington State Pesticide Applicators License.
  • Backflow Prevention Tester Certification.
  • Crane Certification.

Important Notes

  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

  • This position is not eligible for remote work.

  • The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County and 10% Group C Assignment Pay.

  • In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026, upon legislative approval.

  • Obtaining your Commercial Driver's License is made easier with WSDOT! We provide on the job training and partial financial assistance for positions requiring CDLs.

  • This is a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series 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: $65,839 - $80,205

  • Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $59,616 - $72,739

  • 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 (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 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 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, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Highway Maintenance Worker 2 #A4Days 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

Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?

  • Yes
  • No

02

Please list the highest level of education you have completed, as well as any other academic and/or professional development course you have completed.

03

What type of Drivers License do you currently possess?

  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Learners Permit
  • Personal Drivers License (Standard Drivers License)
  • None of the above

04

If you have a current Commercial Drivers License (CDL), please list the Class and any other endorsements and/or restrictions. If you do not have a CDL, please type N/A.

05

Please select which certifications that you currently possess:

  • Washington State Traffic Control/Flagging Card
  • Washington State Pesticide Applicators License
  • Backflow Prevention Tester Certification
  • Crane Certificate
  • None of the above

06

Which statement best describes your experience performing highway maintenance activities?

  • I have independently planned, coordinated, and performed a full range of highway maintenance activities, including pavement repair, drainage maintenance, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, roadway inspections, and emergency response activities.
  • I have independently performed multiple highway maintenance functions, including roadway repairs, vegetation management, drainage maintenance, or installation and repair of roadside features.
  • I have assisted with highway maintenance activities under the direction of experienced maintenance personnel.
  • I have related construction, landscaping, public works, or maintenance experience but limited highway maintenance experience.
  • I have no experience in this area.

07

Please describe your highway maintenance, logging, farming, construction, landscape, excavation, or heavy equipment experience. Please reference where you have gained said experience. If you do not have said experience, please type N/A. Note: Be sure to share any experience such as vegetation management, guardrail repair, snow and ice control, pavement operations for concrete or asphalt, drainage inspections and repair, providing traffic control, operating a TMA and truck driving, etc.

08

Which statement best describes your experience operating highway maintenance equipment and vehicles?

  • I have extensive experience independently operating and maintaining a variety of Class A, B, and C equipment, including transporting heavy equipment and materials using commercial vehicles and trailers.
  • I have independently operated and maintained several types of highway maintenance equipment and vehicles as part of routine work assignments.
  • I have limited experience operating maintenance equipment or vehicles under supervision.
  • I have experience operating basic equipment or vehicles but limited experience with highway maintenance equipment.
  • I have no experience operating maintenance equipment.

09

Please briefly describe your experience operating highway maintenance equipment and vehicles. If you do not have this experience, please note 'N/A'.

10

Which statement best describes your experience implementing traffic control and work zone safety practices?

  • I have independently planned, implemented, and monitored complex work zones in accordance with MUTCD standards, including traffic control plans, flagging operations, and work zone safety requirements.
  • I have independently set up and maintained traffic control devices, flagging operations, and work zones in accordance with established procedures.
  • I have assisted with traffic control and work zone operations under supervision.
  • I have received training or have limited exposure to traffic control practices.
  • I have no experience in this area.

11

Which statement best describes your experience applying workplace safety procedures and participating in safety programs?

  • I have led or actively participated in safety planning activities, including developing Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP), conducting safety briefings, identifying hazards, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
  • I regularly follow established safety procedures, participate in safety meetings, and apply safety requirements related to hazardous materials, traffic control, fall protection, or confined space work.
  • I have worked in environments requiring adherence to workplace safety procedures but have limited involvement in safety planning.
  • I have basic knowledge of workplace safety practices.
  • I have no experience in this area.

12

Which statement best describes your experience using computer systems and electronic recordkeeping applications?

  • I have extensive experience using maintenance management systems, inventory tracking systems, timekeeping software, cost estimating tools, and Microsoft Office applications to support operational activities.
  • I have independently used electronic systems for work tracking, reporting, inventory management, timekeeping, or related administrative functions.
  • I have basic experience entering data and using computer applications such as Microsoft Office and email.
  • I have limited experience using electronic systems for work-related activities.
  • I have no experience using computer systems in a professional setting.

13

This position requires the ability to transport up to 50lbs with or without reasonable accommodation. Are you able and willing to perform this essential job function?

  • Yes
  • No

14

This position requires the ability to traverse steep, rough and uneven terrain; work at heights above 25ft over land or water; work in heat and around hot asphalt. Are you able and willing to perform this essential job function?

  • Yes
  • No

15

This position requires the ability to climb in and out of equipment, work in all weather conditions, confined spaces, uneven terrain, and next to fast high volume highway traffic. Are you able and willing to perform this essential job function?

  • Yes
  • No

16

This position requires the ability to respond to emergency call outs, work other scheduled shifts, and/or extended shifts on short notice (days, nights, and weekends), and perform standby duty. Are you able and willing to perform this essential job function?

  • Yes
  • No

17

This position requires ability to report in service to assigned duty station for an after-hours call. Are you able and willing to perform this essential job function?

  • Yes
  • No

18

Please select the location for which you would like to be considered for:

  • Kent
  • Auburn
  • Enumclaw
  • Renton
  • Either
  • None of the above

19

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

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

20

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

About the Company

S

State of Washington