Highway Maintenance Worker 2 | Colfax

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 a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 to join our regional maintenance team. Under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3, this journey-level position performs a variety of skilled highway maintenance and repair activities to help ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce. The successful candidate will operate a wide range of highway maintenance equipment and tools while maintaining highways and related infrastructure. This position may also provide leadership to a maintenance crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3.

What to Expect

The typical schedule is Monday through Thursday, with four 10-hour shifts (40 hours per week). This position requires participation in a rotational night shift and may require working nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, standby, and call-back to respond to emergencies or operational needs. Employees must be able to report to the assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call and respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, independently or as part of a team.

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

• Perform skilled highway maintenance activities, including asphalt and concrete pavement repairs, drainage system maintenance, erosion control, and repair of signs, guardrails, fences, and impact attenuators.
• Maintain roadside areas by removing danger trees, managing vegetation, applying pesticides, establishing landscaped areas, and removing litter, debris, and deceased animals from state rights-of-way.
• Operate highway maintenance equipment and haul materials such as asphalt, riprap, sand, and gravel to support maintenance and construction activities.
• Support winter operations by performing snow and ice control, maintaining stockpile sites, loading materials, and operating snow and ice removal equipment.
• Lead maintenance crews in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 by planning work, assigning tasks, and providing equipment instruction and on-the-job training.
• Assist with the safe cleanup and removal of unlawful dwellings by coordinating with partner agencies and following procedures for handling hazardous materials and potential bloodborne pathogens.
• Respond to emergency incidents by establishing traffic control, supporting road and bridge closures, assisting at accident and spill scenes, and coordinating with internal and external partners to restore safe travel.
• Document daily work activities, maintain inventory records, care for assigned facilities, tools, and equipment, and complete required training and other assigned operational duties.

Qualifications

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

• Heavy Equipment & Maintenance: Proficient in safety-focused use of road maintenance heavy equipment or equivalent relevant experience in logging, farming, mining, road construction, and/or excavation.

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

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

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.  
• Possession of a Class A CDL, endorsement N (Air Brake restriction removed), to include a current valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Possession of a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card, or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Possession of First Aid Certification, or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain. 
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to report in service to the assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call.
• This position requires participation in emergency response, including nights, weekends, holidays, standby, and call-back as needed.
  
  

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

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

• Possession of a current Class A CDL, endorsement N 
• Current and valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate 
• Possession of a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card 
• Possession of First Aid Certification

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• Work is performed primarily outdoors and frequently adjacent to live traffic in all weather conditions. This position may require working at heights over 25 feet, in confined spaces, on rough or steep terrain, and at or below ground level. Duties involve exposure to roadway maintenance materials and chemicals, including herbicides, fuels, solvents, oils, lubricants, paint, cleaners, and hot asphalt, as well as potential exposure to hazardous materials and waste. Employees perform both stationary and mobile traffic control operations while working independently or as part of a team.
• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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 Yasmin.Munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-ER-60231 in the subject line. 

Salary : $58,392 - $71,136