Highway Maintenance Worker 4 | Lakewood
Description
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 dedicated and collaborative professional to coordinate and oversee key highway maintenance programs in the Olympic Region, Area 1. In this role, you will help ensure highways, roadways, and bike paths remain safe, functional, and well-maintained through asphalt program coordination, right-of-way restoration, and other critical maintenance activities. Your work will support timely responses to roadway impacts and help maintain safe, reliable transportation for the traveling public. Join a team committed to environmental stewardship, public safety, and the long-term resilience of Washington’s transportation system.
What to Expect
Highway maintenance work is physically demanding and performed outdoors year-round, during day or night shifts and in all weather conditions, often near high-speed traffic, bodies of water, confined spaces, and elevated heights. Duties require operating and entering heavy equipment, standing and walking for extended periods, traversing uneven terrain, climbing, lifting and handling materials weighing up to 50 pounds or more, and performing repetitive physical movements in tight spaces. The position involves exposure to traffic, severe weather, noise, dust, fumes, limited visibility, hazardous chemicals, hot asphalt, and biological and other waste materials. This is a full-time position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week, with a standard schedule of four 10-hour shifts, Monday through Thursday.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:
- Coordinate and oversee the Asphalt Program, Homeless Encampment Cleanup, Third-Party Damage, and Right-of-Way Restoration activities for highways, roadways, and bike paths, ensuring compliance with applicable permits, regulations, laws, policies, procedures, state standards, and specifications.
- Plan, prioritize, schedule, and monitor maintenance projects, personnel, equipment, materials, budgets, and work schedules; prepare labor, equipment, materials, and other (LEMO) cost estimates; review completed work, expenditures, daily records, and reports for accuracy.
- Coordinate with internal and external partners, including supervisors, leads, law enforcement, local jurisdictions, state agencies, design and construction teams, and community organizations; review highway location and construction plans, attend project review meetings and preconstruction conferences, and address maintenance concerns.
- Maintain and analyze maintenance records and data using department databases, including HATS, WZDB, and TSMS; research roadway information, prepare reports and presentations, manage program inventories and purchasing activities, and recommend operational improvements.
- Conduct field inspections for right-of-way encroachments, highway safety, signing, and maintenance needs; identify hazards, ensure safe work zones and proper handling of hazardous materials, maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE), and report injuries and accidents in SafeTrak.
- Assist the Highway Maintenance Supervisor (HMS) with recruitment, employee performance management, personnel recommendations, training, coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluations; review and approve employee timesheets as delegated and promote compliance with safety practices and applicable regulations.
- Perform day-to-day highway maintenance operations, including pavement and drainage repair, erosion and slide remediation, sign and roadside hardware maintenance, vegetation management, litter and debris removal, and operation and transport of highway maintenance equipment.
- Assist with the Area’s snow and ice program by managing stockpile inventories, accessing department databases for fleet and equipment scheduling, and leading and performing snow and ice control activities, including anti-icing applications, loading and hauling materials, and operating snow and ice equipment.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:- Leadership: Demonstrated skills to lead multiple Highway Maintenance Workers. 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.
- Conflict Resolution: Ability to address and manage confrontational situations with composure, ensuring workplace challenges are resolved professionally and respectfully. Proficiency in de-escalation strategies to diffuse tense interactions.
- 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.
- Licensing & Certification:
- Possession of an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement to legally operate vehicles in Washington State
- The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
- Obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Highway and Roadway Maintenance: Experience in highway and roadway maintenance, preservation, and/or construction activities.
- Snow and Ice Control Operations: Experience performing winter maintenance, including snow and ice control operations.
- Equipment Operation and Transportation: Experience operating, transporting, and understanding equipment used in highway maintenance and preservation or construction.
- Geographic Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of the surrounding area, including local roadways and highway systems.
- Traffic Control Operations: Experience implementing traffic control in accordance with published highway standards, including the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), placement of signs, cones, and barrels, and flagging.
- Computer and Technology Proficiency: Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, internal WSDOT applications, and internet-based tools.
- Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
- Safety Compliance and Work Practices: Demonstrated ability to follow safety policies, procedures, and established work practices to maintain a safe work environment.
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 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 (FMCSA). 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 .
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 a 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 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.
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 Sidra.Fields@wasdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32837e in the subject line.