Salary: $51,384.00 – $62,568.00 Annually
Location : Kittitas County – Ellensburg, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Job Number: 23DOT-SCR-50632
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: South Central Region
Opening Date: 07/06/2023
Closing Date: 7/24/2023 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 currently seeking to fill a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 position in Ellensburg, WA. This Maintenance operations position supports the moving of traffic across I90 and the State of Washington. Performs a multitude of maintenance tasks on the highway to provide a safe travel way by maintaining State highways, roadside, infrastructure and right of way. Performs a variety of highway and right of way maintenance work to ensure the safe, efficient movement of goods, services, and people. This opportunity is perfect for someone who enjoys working with their hands and enjoys working outdoors.
What to Expect
These positions require lifting and transporting up to 50 lbs., bending, stooping, standing, climbing, and walking on uneven terrain. Travel is regularly required within the maintenance area to conduct work activities, attend meetings, or training. Hazards include traffic, adverse weather conditions, debris, hot surfaces, animals, exposure to chemicals and pesticides.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 will:
- Operate 32,000 to 60,000 GVW dump truck with plow and sander units for snow and ice control on both interstate and secondary highways.
- Perform loader operation on/along roadways and with stockpile sites during winter operations.
- Establish temporary work zones, mobile work operations, traffic control devices, including Road warriors, portable electronic signs, flagging for all maintenance operations and roadway accidents.
- Maintain drainage facilities including ditching, channels, and culverts, cross drains, manholes, and catch basins.
- Perform accident scene clean up; assist in repair of damage such as guardrail, fence, signs, directional markers, delineation, and the removal of graffiti from structures and other highway facilities; road repair and patching operations.
- Operate equipment such as front-end loaders, dump trucks, truck/trailer combos, sweepers, mowers, vactors, excavators, pickups, and other misc. hand tools.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- A Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class B with endorsement N and without air brakes restriction and able to obtain Class A within the first year of employment.
- Must maintain a CDL medical card.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of heavy equipment used for road maintenance.
- Command the skills to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- One (1) year highway maintenance, roadway construction, or related experience, or one (1) year as a Highway Maintenance Worker 1.
- Skills to enter data on computer as this position is required to capture work completion and associated labor tracking via a PC or iPad.
- Must have temperament to deal with the general public on a daily basis and must be able to maintain a positive working relationship with supervisor, coworkers, and customers.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- High school diploma, GED certificate or the equivalent.
- One (1) year of experience performing maintenance activities in a related field of work.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- The work schedules are typically Monday-Thursday from 6:00am to 4:30pm summer scheduling, with winter schedules varying 4/10’s to accommodate required 24/7 coverage.
- 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 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 via email.
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-SCR-50632in 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
How many years of experience do you have performing highway maintenance, roadway construction, or related experience (such as farming, logging, excavation, traffic control, or heavy equipment operations)?
- I do not have this experience.
- Less than 1 year of this experience.
- 1 – 2 years of this experience.
- 2 – 3 years of this experience.
- 3 – 4 years of this experience.
- 4 – 5 years of this experience
- 5 – 6 years of this experience.
- More than 6 years of this experience.
02
How many years of experience do you have as a Highway Maintenance Worker 1?
- I do not have this experience.
- Less than 1 year of this experience.
- 1 – 2 years of this experience.
- 2 – 3 years of this experience.
- 3 – 4 years of this experience.
- 4 – 5 years of this experience.
- 5 – 6 years of this experience.
- More than 6 years of this experience.
03
Please describe your experience performing highway maintenance, roadway construction, or related experience. Please also include where you gained this experience and any equipment you have operated.
04
Please select the type of driver’s license you currently have.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Learners Permit
- Standard Driver’s License
- None of the above
05
Do you have an N (cargo/tanker) endorsement without airbrakes restrictions?
- Yes
- No
06
Are you willing and able to maintain a CDL medical card?
- Yes
- No
07
Are you able to relocate tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 50lbs from one location to another in safe manner?
- Yes
- No
08
Are you willing and able to bend, stoop, climb and traverse uneven and steep terrain adjacent to traffic and heavy equipment in adverse weather conditions?
- Yes
- No
09
Are willing and able to travel within the maintenance area to conduct work activities, attend meetings, or training?
- Yes
- No
10
Do you have a Highschool Diploma or GED?
- Yes
- No
11
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
- Indeed
- 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)
12
If you selected ‘Other’ on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question