Highway Maintenance Lead Worker

Salary : $63,914.00 – $77,880.00 Annually

Location : Snohomish County – Everett, WA

Job Type: Full Time – Permanent

Job Number: 23DOT-NWR-12584-1

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Northwest Region

Opening Date: 07/13/2023

Closing Date: 7/30/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world’s widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity
WSDOT is looking for a highway maintenance professional to entrust with the responsibilities of the Highway Maintenance Lead Worker in Everett, WA. This position will provide direction and support to safely coordinate work activities for their team as part of WSDOT’s Northwest Region (NWR) Restoration and Plant Establishment crew. This experienced technician leads by example and has a personal commitment to safety while working actively with their crew to perform required maintenance in wetlands and restoration projects, often in close proximity to high-volume, high-speed traffic. Along with the proven ability to fill in as the supervisor during the Maintenance Supervisor’s absence, we need someone to take ownership and use experience with technology for completing daily reports of events that occur.

Due to the nature of this work, the Highway Maintenance Lead must also be able to perform hard, physical labor such as moving and transporting heavy objects, negotiating rough and steep terrain, operating heavy equipment, and working in extreme weather conditions. By taking on this role, you are serving a key and vital function to the State of Washington.

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

• Direct a region-wide mitigation crew responsible for landscape and roadside maintenance and repair tasks.
• Perform skilled and semi-skilled landscape maintenance on roadside and mitigation sites such as but not limited to: pesticide and fertilizer applications, vegetation planting and transplanting, stream restoration and stabilization, fencing, irrigation setup and operation; tree and brush cutting/removal; pruning; mowing; grading, wildlife habitat structure construction, erosion control, grounds care and other related tasks.
• Be proficient on the latest ESA and Best Management Practices and their implementation for all aspects of work.
• Assist in planning and prioritizing work for section needs.
• Determine how work is to be safely performed with minimal impact to traveling public.
• Document and report performance issues.
• Train employees in the safe and efficient operation of equipment, tools, and routine maintenance operations.
• Work closely with crew in job orientation ensure safe working conditions and encourage input from crew members.
• Act on the supervisor’s behalf in their absence.
• Operate class A, B, and/or C equipment, power tools, and performs manual labor to complete activities such as: asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair including cold, hot, and synthetic mix applications; drainage maintenance and repair, including catch basins, culverts, pipes, ponds, sedimentation facilities, swales, ditches and other features; erosion and slide repair; guardrail, impact attenuator, concrete barrier, and/or fence installation, maintenance, and repair; danger tree removal; landscape and vegetation installation, maintenance and repair, including mowing, applying pesticide, planting, clearing of vegetation, and remediating sites; material handling and hauling, including rip rap, hot and cold asphalt, wood, litter, dead animals, and roadway debris; and, section and highway feature inspection and patrol.
• Assist in assembling, installing, and replacing signs, sign components, and signposts, using a variety of equipment and tools.
• Act as a first responder on accident and emergency scenes.
• Complete fall protection and confined space permits, and other maintenance documentation.
• Review permits and checks contractors work and progress.
• Design and set up traffic control for all operations, including full road or bridge closures according to Department and MUTCS standards.

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

• High school graduation, or possession of a GED certificate.
• Two (2) years of experience as a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 or equivalent.
• Valid CDL Class A license with endorsement N, manual transmission, and without air brake restrictions.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Washington State Traffic Control/Flagging Card (a current card will be required within one month of employment).
• Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License (will need to obtain within 6 months- Aquatic endorsement)
• Backflow Prevention Tester Certification.
• Crane Certificate

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• An additional assignment pay of 10% is included.
• 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 (FMSCA). For more information, please go to
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 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 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.

Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at Please be sure to reference Highway Maintenance Lead Worker #12584 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, are entitled to three (3) 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 12-31-2022

01

Please select the response that best describes your highest level of education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Associate’s or Technical (2-year) degree
• Some college, no degree
• Other technical or vocational degree
• High School Diploma / GED
• None of the above

02

Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience as a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 or equivalent experience such as highway maintenance, logging, farming, landscaping, excavation, or heavy equipment experience:

• I have four (4) or more years of this experience
• I have 3 – 4 years of this experience
• I have 2 – 3 years of this experience
• I have less than two (2) years of this experience
• I do not have this experience

03

Please briefly describe your experience as a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 or equivalent experience such as highway maintenance, logging, farming, landscaping, excavation, or heavy equipment experience. If you do not have this experience, please note ‘N/A’.

04

Do you have a valid CDL Class A license with endorsement N, manual transmission, and without air brake restrictions?

• Yes
• No

05

If you have a current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), please list the Class and any other endorsements and/or restrictions. If you do not have a CDL, please type N/A.

06

This position requires the ability to respond to emergency call outs, work nights, work different and/or extended shifts on short notice (days, nights, and weekends), and perform standby duty. Are you able and willing to perform this essential job function?

• Yes
• No

07

This position requires the ability to lift and transport up to 50lbs of material and equipment with or without reasonable accommodation. Are you able and willing to perform this essential job function?

• Yes
• No

08

This position requires the ability to work at heights up to or more than 25ft. over land or water. Are you able and willing to perform this essential job function?

• Yes
• No

09

This position requires the ability to work in all weather conditions including confined spaces, uneven terrain, and next to fast high volume highway traffic. Are you able and willing to perform this essential job function?

• Yes
• No

10

Please select the certifications you currently have (select all that apply):

• Washington State Traffic Control/Flagging Card
• Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License
• Backflow Prevention Tester Certification
• Crane Certificate
• None of the above

11

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

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

12

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

Required Question