What are the responsibilities and job description for the Maintenance Specialist 3 position at State of Washington?
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 skilled Maintenance Specialist 3 to support the Southwest Region Maintenance organization by leading sign installation, repair, and maintenance efforts that keep our highways safe and operational. In this role, you will guide a team responsible for servicing signs and impact attenuators, including responding to and documenting third-party damage. The position manages sign logs, completes TSMS data entry, prepares repair estimates, and operates specialized equipment to perform essential maintenance tasks. You will also train team members in proper installation, servicing techniques, and general roadway, bridge, and right-of-way maintenance. This role is vital in promoting a respectful, safe, and productive work environment for staff and the traveling public.
What to Expect
Typical schedule: Monday-Thursday, 40 hours per week, 4 ten-hour days. May require weekends and holidays for emergencies. Respond to emergencies in all weather, 24/7, alone or in a team. Long hours and occasional night work expected, plus standby and call-back as needed. Rotational night shift required.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Maintenance Specialist 3 will:
- Lead and coordinate regionwide sign maintenance activities, including scheduling, assigning tasks, and guiding Highway Maintenance Workers.
- Assemble and install signs, posts, and components using hand tools, power equipment, bucket trucks, cranes, rigging, and concrete mixing techniques.
- Inspect and wash signs in all weather and lighting conditions to ensure visibility, safety, and compliance with standards.
- Perform routine and minor equipment maintenance, including cleaning vehicles, greasing equipment, and ensuring tools are in proper working order.
- Train staff in sign maintenance, equipment operation, safety practices, and compliance with regulations and standard plans.
- Maintain accurate records, plans, and schedules by updating TSMS, third-party damage reports, crew calendars, databases, and documentation of completed work and expenditures.
- Conduct day-to-day highway maintenance activities such as pavement repair, drainage work, vegetation removal, impact attenuator repair, debris removal, and BMP construction.
- Support regional maintenance needs by performing traffic control, hauling materials, assisting other maintenance teams, and complying with all safety standards.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Roadway Maintenance & Equipment Operation: Demonstrated experience in safely performing roadway maintenance, heavy equipment operation, or related experience such as farming, timber operations, or construction.
- Safety Compliance: Proven experience following safety policies and procedures, including correct use of personal protective equipment.
- Leadership & Decision-Making: Experience leading and/or supervising crews, providing clear direction and making sound decisions in stressful conditions.
- Independent Work & Prioritization: Demonstrated capability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize multiple assignments.
- Basic Computer Proficiency: Ability to use basic computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- 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:
- CDL Class A with N endorsement without air brake restrictions; with a current medical examiner’s certificate to be obtained within 12 months of hire.
- Possession of a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card. (Required within twelve months of hire).
- Digger Derrick certification, or ability to obtain within 6 months.
- Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by. Must be able to report in service to the assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call.
- Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
- Ability to work at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water.
- Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Traffic Control Experience: Experience performing traffic control per MUTCD standards, including planning and placing signs, cones, barrels, and performing flagging.
- Highway Maintenance Background: Experience as a Highway Maintenance Worker 1 or comparable roadway maintenance experience.
- Best Management Practices Knowledge: Experience and/or training in applicable Best Management Practices (BMPs).
- Regional Area Knowledge: Understanding of the local geographical area and associated roadway conditions.
- Multi-Discipline Maintenance Skills: Well-rounded experience across a variety of maintenance-related disciplines.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position is not eligible for remote work.
- This work is physically demanding and performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions, often near high-speed traffic. Duties involve standing for long periods, working at heights over 25 feet or in confined spaces, and performing tasks at or near ground level. Employees may work around hazardous materials such as fuels, solvents, lubricants, paints, herbicides, hot asphalt, and may encounter exposure to debris or potentially hazardous materials. Traffic control duties are performed from both stationary and moving platforms, during both daytime and nighttime operations.
- 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.
- 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 25DOT-SWR-40401e in the subject line.
Salary : $61,644 - $71,472
