Highway Maintenance Worker 3

Highway Maintenance Worker 3

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 to join the Olympic Region Highway Maintenance Program. Under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor, this position leads entry- and journey-level maintenance workers while operating a variety of equipment and performing skilled maintenance activities to ensure the safety, reliability, and functionality of state highways and transportation infrastructure. This role may also oversee maintenance crews in the absence of a supervisor and support emergency response efforts during severe weather events, natural disasters, and other roadway emergencies. This position plays a vital role in maintaining safe and efficient transportation systems while promoting workplace safety, environmental stewardship, and a respectful and inclusive work environment.

You may work near high-volume, high-speed traffic, stand for extended periods, and navigate rough, steep, or uneven terrain. Some work may occur at heights or over land or water.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 3 will:

• Lead, plan, schedule, and coordinate daily highway maintenance activities, including assigning personnel, organizing equipment and resources, and overseeing crew operations to ensure safe and efficient completion of work.
• Train and guide maintenance personnel in equipment operation, safety procedures, and highway maintenance practices while promoting compliance with safety regulations, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and established work zone standards.
• Perform skilled highway maintenance and repair activities, including pavement repairs, drainage maintenance, erosion control, vegetation management, sign replacement, guardrail repairs, and debris removal to maintain safe roadway conditions.
• Operate and transport a variety of highway maintenance vehicles, heavy equipment, and tools to support roadway maintenance, construction, and emergency response activities.
• Lead and perform winter maintenance operations, including snow and ice removal, application of anti-icing materials, equipment loading, and maintenance of material stockpile sites to ensure roadways remain open for travel.
• Respond to roadway emergencies, traffic incidents, hazardous spills, and severe weather events by coordinating emergency operations, establishing traffic control, and implementing lane closures, detours, and road closures in accordance with established safety standards.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, personnel, equipment, materials, and expenditures using designated tracking systems while assisting with project estimates, inventory management, and safety reporting.
• Inspect, maintain, and perform minor repairs on equipment, tools, and facilities; assist with unlawful dwelling cleanup and removal in coordination with appropriate agencies; and provide crew leadership in the absence of the Highway Maintenance Supervisor.

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

• Crew Leadership & Development: Demonstrated skills to lead multiple Highway Maintenance Workers across duty stations and shifts. Establishes clear expectations, ensures compliance with safety and operational standards, and promotes accountability, teamwork, and employee development through effective communication and coaching.
• Collaborative Partnership & Customer Focus: Proven ability to build, cultivate, and sustain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance agency goals and deliver effective service outcomes.
• Safety & Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of workplace safety standards, construction industry practices, and heavy equipment operations applicable to highway maintenance and transportation infrastructure work.
• Communication: Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to convey technical and non-technical information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, ensuring mutual understanding and respect.
• Technical & Digital Proficiency: Proficiency in operating Windows-based systems and business software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint), cloud-based platforms, virtual meeting tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams), and agency databases used for project tracking, asset management, and information systems.

• 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:

• Licensing & Certification:
  • Class A CDL with N endorsement, or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
  • The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
  • The ability to obtain a valid First Aid/CPR Certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to work at heights exceeding 25 feet over land or water.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended hours, alternate shifts, standby assignments, rotational day and night shifts, and emergency callouts as needed.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions and report to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes when called back after hours.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Highway Maintenance Experience: Highway and/or roadway maintenance experience.
• Snow and Ice Control: Experience in winter snow and ice control operations.
• Equipment Operation and Transport: Experience operating and transporting equipment.
• Traffic Control: Experience in traffic control per MUTCD, including planning, setting signs, and flagging.
• Local Area Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of the surrounding area.
• Maintenance Equipment Knowledge: Understanding of equipment utilized in highway maintenance, preservation, or construction.

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. This position is not eligible for remote work.

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

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.