Winter Highway Maintenance Worker 2 | Bingen & Goldendale

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 world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking to fill multiple non-permanent Highway Maintenance Worker positions for the winter maintenance season in Southwest Region in Bingen and Goldendale. Under the direction of Highway Maintenance Worker 3, this journey-level position is a member of the regional maintenance organization. Operating a wide variety of highway equipment and tools, this position is responsible for maintenance and repair of highways and highway structures to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce. This position performs a variety of skilled maintenance tasks and may occasionally lead a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3. This position is critical in fostering a respectful, and healthy work environment with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.

What to Expect
This work is primarily performed outdoors in all weather conditions, often around live traffic, at elevated heights, in confined spaces, and on rough or steep terrain. Employees may be exposed to chemicals, hazardous materials, waste, needles, and hot asphalt and may lift and move tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds. The typical schedule is four 10-hour days, Monday through Friday, with required rotational night shifts, occasional weekends and holidays, and emergency call-outs. Employees must be available to respond to emergencies 24/7, including after-hours calls, and report to their assigned duty station within 45 minutes when required.

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

• Perform day-to-day highway maintenance operations, including asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair, drainage maintenance, erosion and slide repair, and application of concrete, asphalt, and synthetic materials.
• Install, maintain, and repair highway infrastructure, including signs, guardrails, fences, impact attenuators, and landscaped areas; perform vegetation management, pesticide application, and danger tree removal.
• Haul and place materials such as rip rap, hot and cold asphalt, sand, gravel, and other maintenance materials; maintain stockpile sites and account for inventory.
• Remove litter, dead animals, and debris from state right-of-way and roadways; perform snow and ice control to maintain roadways for open travel.
• Construct appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs) when needed and perform other maintenance work as requested by internal and external customers.
• Track, document, and report daily work activities and highway section inventories.
• Design and set up traffic control for maintenance operations, including lane closures, detours, and full road or bridge closures in accordance with departmental standards and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
• Respond to accidents, spills, and other emergencies; perform manual, stationary, and moving traffic control, coordinate responses with external agencies, and communicate status and resource needs to supervisors and internal customers.

Qualifications
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.
• Licensing: Possession of an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.
• 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.
• 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: Demonstrates a willingness to take 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 up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to respond to assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call.
• 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:

• Snow and Ice Control: Skills and experience performing snow removal and anti-icing operations, including safe and efficient operation of plow trucks and application of de-icing materials to maintain safe driving conditions during storms.
• Local Area Knowledge: Knowledge of the surrounding area, including roadways, routes, and geographic conditions that support effective highway maintenance operations.
• Maintenance Experience: Well-rounded experience across multiple highway maintenance-related disciplines.

Important Notes

• This recruitment will be used to fill positions in multiple areas throughout Southwest Region. Locations are Bingen and Goldendale.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• These are non-permanent positions with an expected duration of 8 - 9 months through the winter maintenance season.
• Applications will be evaluated weekly throughout this recruitment process, with the first review date on 9/29/2026. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer positions at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
• The recruiting efforts for these positions may be extended beyond the displayed closing date until all available positions have been filled.
• These positions are 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.
• 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

• Seasonal Work – Great for those who are looking for winter seasonal work, with the potential of coming back next year.
• Career Possibilities – Great way to get your foot in the door and see if a career in Highway Maintenance/State Service is something you would enjoy.
• Holiday Pay – Winter is also holiday season! This opportunity provides up to 5 paid holidays within this non-perm duration.
• Utilize Expertise – Share your knowledge and experience with others.
• Build Your Resume – Learn new transferable skills to add to your resume.
• Benefits – Some positions may be eligible for medical and retirement benefits. 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, at Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-41230nm - Winter 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 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