Highway Maintenance Worker 4

Salary : $66,072.00 - $80,496.00 Annually
Location : Skagit County - Mt. Vernon, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 26DOT-NWR-12918e
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Northwest Region
Opening Date: 09/09/2026
Closing Date: 9/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


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 a Highway Maintenance Worker 4 in Mount Vernon, WA to coordinate and oversee critical highway maintenance, drainage, and environmental compliance activities for Northwest Region Area 2. This position manages programs and activities related to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Adopt-A-Highway, drainage maintenance, environmental compliance, inventories, construction support, and permit reviews. The person selected for this role will also provide operational leadership and may serve in a supervisory capacity to support safe, functional, and environmentally responsible transportation infrastructure.
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Coordinate worker operations with lane closures, construction projects, special events, snow and ice, seasonal paving, and other roadway maintenance activities.
• Conduct field inspections, identify, analyze, evaluate operational deficiencies.
• Set project objectives, goals and deadlines for drainage feature maintenance and repair work, inspect work in progress.
• Design and set up traffic control for all operations and monitor worker and work zone safety.
• Operate various Highway maintenance equipment.
• Provide drainage feature expertise and plan review for area and construction activities in permit and franchise applications.
• Monitor and track inventory usage.
• Calibrate spray equipment for herbicide application.
• Ensure appropriate data is collected and properly entered.
• Coordinate and oversee the Adopt-a-Highway program within assigned area, including acting as the primary contact for participating volunteer groups.

Qualifications

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

• Highway Maintenance Operations & Drainage Management: Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating, and overseeing highway maintenance or drainage system maintenance activities, including scheduling work, allocating resources, and ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently.
• Environmental Compliance & Technical Coordination: Demonstrated knowledge of environmental regulations, including NPDES permit requirements, Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM), herbicide applications practices, and applicable environmental compliance standards.
• Traffic Control & Safety: Demonstrated knowledge of work zone traffic control principles and Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards to develop and implement safe traffic control plans for roadway maintenance operations.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• A Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class A with N endorsement without air brake restriction.
• A CDL mandated medical examiner certificate.
• Washington State Flagging Card.
• Herbicide Applicators License.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather; negotiate steep, rough, and uneven terrain; and work at heights above 25 feet over land and water.
• Ability to take one (1) week of on-call in a five-week rotation.
• Ability to travel locally, regionally, and statewide as required.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading and coordinating work activities while fostering collaboration, accountability, and effective working relationships.
• Plans Reading: Successful completion of a plans reading course with demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and apply information contained in engineering and construction plans.
• Emergency Management: Completion of ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 training with demonstrated understanding of incident command and emergency management principles.
• Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Road Maintenance, Construction, and Asphalt Paving: Demonstrated experience performing or overseeing road maintenance and construction activities, including asphalt paving operations and related practices.

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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• 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
• 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

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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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 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
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-12918e 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 (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 (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 , 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

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


Please select the response that best describes your experience planning, coordinating, and overseeing highway maintenance or drainage system maintenance activities.

• Advanced: I independently oversee complex highway maintenance or drainage programs, balancing competing priorities, workforce and equipment resources, schedules, and operational needs while ensuring safe, efficient, and effective delivery of maintenance activities.
• Intermediate: I regularly plan and coordinate highway maintenance or drainage activities, allocate resources, adjust schedules, and monitor work to ensure it is completed safely, efficiently, and according to established standards.
• Basic: I have experience supporting routine highway maintenance or drainage activities, including coordinating work assignments, schedules, equipment, or materials with guidance.
• Limited: I have limited exposure to highway maintenance or drainage activities and have primarily assisted others with scheduling, coordination, or field work.
• No Experience: I have no experience planning, coordinating, and overseeing highway maintenance or drainage system maintenance activities.

02


Please briefly describe how you gained your experience planning, coordinating, and overseeing highway maintenance or drainage system maintenance activities. Be sure to include you experience scheduling work, allocating resources, and ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
03


Please select the response that best describes your experience applying environmental regulations and requirements to highway maintenance or related activities, including National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements, Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM), herbicide applications, and other environmental compliance standards.

• Advanced: I have extensive knowledge and experience managing environmental compliance for highway maintenance operations, interpreting applicable requirements, coordinating technical resources or regulatory agencies, and identifying and resolving complex compliance issues.
• Intermediate: I regularly apply environmental regulations and requirements to maintenance activities, including NPDES, IRVM, herbicide application practices, and other applicable standards, and coordinate with appropriate staff or agencies to address compliance issues.
• Basic: I have a foundational understanding of environmental requirements and have applied established procedures related to NPDES, roadside vegetation management, herbicide applications, or similar activities with guidance.
• Limited: I have limited exposure to environmental regulations or compliance requirements and have primarily followed established procedures under the direction of others.
• No Experience: I have no experience applying environmental regulations and requirements to highway maintenance or related activities.

04


Please select the response that best describes your experience applying work zone traffic control principles and Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards to roadway maintenance operations.

• Advanced: I independently develop and oversee complex traffic control strategies for highway maintenance operations, apply MUTCD standards to changing or high-risk conditions, and ensure traffic control plans effectively protect workers, motorists, and the traveling public.
• Intermediate: I regularly develop, review, or implement traffic control measures for roadway maintenance operations and apply MUTCD requirements to address changing work zone conditions and safety needs.
• Basic: I have experience following established traffic control procedures and MUTCD requirements for routine roadway maintenance activities with guidance.
• Limited: I have limited exposure to work zone traffic control and MUTCD requirements and have primarily worked under the direction of qualified traffic control personnel.
• No Experience: I have no experience applying work zone traffic control principles and MUTCD standards to roadway maintenance operations.

05


Do you currently possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you currently possess a Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL)?

• Yes
• No

07


Please provide your CDL number, list your endorsements, and any restrictions. If you do not have a Class A CDL, enter N/A.
08


Please select the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) certification(s) you have completed. (Please select all that apply).

• ICS 100
• ICS 200
• ICS 700
• ICS 800
• None of the above

09


Please select all the following you currently possess:

• A CDL-Mandated Medical Examiner Certificate
• A Valid Washington State Flagging Card
• Herbicide Applicators License
• None of the above

10


Are you willing and able to work outdoors in inclement weather; negotiate steep, rough, and uneven terrain; and work at heights above 25 feet over land and water?

• Yes
• No

11


Are you willing and able to take one (1) week of on-call work in a five-week rotation?

• Yes
• No

12


Are you willing and able to travel locally, regionally, and statewide as required by the position?

• Yes
• No

13


How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

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

14


If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question