Maintenance Specialist 5

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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Maintenance Specialist 5 to join the Olympic Region maintenance organization. Reporting to the Region Wide Superintendent, this position leads the maintenance and repair of over 650 bridge structures to preserve their safety, functionality, and longevity. The role directs Bridge Maintenance Specialists, operates a wide range of maintenance equipment, and prioritizes public and employee safety in all activities. A strong candidate combines technical expertise in bridge and highway systems with proven leadership skills, commitment to WSDOT safety and stewardship standards, and a dedication to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and professional work environment.

What to Expect
Duties are physical and performed outdoors in all weather, often near traffic or at elevated heights, and may include operating machinery, climbing ladders, maneuvering in tight spaces, and lifting equipment weighing 50 pounds or more. The typical schedule is Monday through Thursday (four 10-hour days), with the ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, emergency shifts, and respond to non-scheduled call-outs as needed.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Maintenance Specialist 5 will:

• Serve as the agency expert for the maintenance, repair, and reconstruction of over 650 bridge structures in WSDOT’s Olympic Region, ensuring safety compliance and adherence to specifications.
• Plan, assign, and supervise Bridge Maintenance Specialists and crews, coordinating trades, equipment, materials, and schedules to complete projects efficiently.
• Train personnel in maintenance activities, equipment use, safety procedures, and public relations while monitoring performance and assigning necessary development.
• Perform structural repairs, including concrete work, protective painting, and tasks at heights or in confined spaces.
• Collaborate with internal and external programs to review plans, ensure regulatory compliance, and support bridge maintenance and emergency operations.
• Manage snow and ice control operations, stockpile sites, anti-icing applications, and equipment inventory.
• Maintain bridge logs, inspection reports, maintenance activity records, and project cost estimates according to WSDOT standards.
• Perform other assigned duties, including acting in the Superintendent’s absence and assisting with maintenance and operations tasks outside the bridge program.

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

• Bridge & Highway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated experience performing or overseeing bridge and highway maintenance, repair, and reconstruction activities.
• Leadership & Supervision: Demonstrated experience leading or supervising a diverse workforce with demonstrated leadership abilities to work across boundaries, build and maintain effective teams, coach, mentor, train, and encourage employee engagement.
• Communication & Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, both orally and in writing, including in emergent or high-stress situations, while remaining professional and composed, and to cultivate collaborative partnerships with internal and external customers to support the accomplishment of agency goals.
• Planning & Work Management: Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize workload, and manage multiple assignments.
• Safety & Technical Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of safety standards, construction industry standards, and heavy equipment operation.
• Technology & Documentation: Proficient in operating Windows based computers and software, such as Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, SharePoint, and Outlook), cloud-based applications, virtual meeting platforms (e.g. MS Teams) and system databases utilized for project tracking, information, and asset management.
• Respectful Workplace: The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following are also required:

• Possession of an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement with the ability to operate a state-owned vehicle.
• Possession of a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card with experience performing traffic control per MUTCD including planning, setting signs and cones or barrels, and flagging; or obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification within 3 months of employment.
• Ability to work alternate and emergency shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and respond to non-scheduled callouts and emergency situations.
• Ability to report in service to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call.
• Ability to move and manipulate various types of equipment weighing up to 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to work at elevated heights, above 100 feet over land or water.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Foundational Education: High school graduation or possession of a GED certificate.
• Bridge Systems & Technical Proficiency: Experience reading and understanding bridge construction plans for trouble shooting, to include electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.
• Structural Knowledge: Strong knowledge and understanding of structural systems such as concrete, steel, and wood.

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.
• Travel within the region is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis. Overnight travel may be required.
• 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 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 Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference 25DOT-OR-30531e in the subject line.