Salary : $51,060.00 – $71,953.00 Annually
Location : King County – Kent, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Job Number: 23DOT-NWR-A4Day-1
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Opening Date: 06/13/2023
Closing Date: 7/11/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. However, the first review of applications will be conducted on June 27th, 2023. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure that 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 seeking to fill multiple Highway Maintenance Worker 2 vacancies in Kent and Renton, supporting the vast transportation infrastructure of Northwest Washington. These are in-training opportunities that offers a career path, hands-on learning, and mentorship and allows you to progress upward through the Highway Maintenance Worker series and achieve the goal class of a Highway Maintenance Worker 2. The selected candidate will assist with the area’s maintenance and repair of the state highways and highway structures to ensure the traveling public’s safety. Some of the work includes asphalt and concrete maintenance, traffic control, repair and installation of guardrail and signs, as well as culvert and drainage maintenance. Working in the maintenance area requires responsible, safety-minded individuals to perform a variety of journey-level labor tasks and operate highway equipment and tools. This opportunity is perfect for someone who enjoys working with their hands and enjoys working outdoors.
What to Expect
This position is required to respond to emergency callouts 24 hours a day/7 day a week. Work is often labor intensive in nature and performed primarily outdoors, traversing rough, steep, and uneven terrain, and near high-volume/high-speed traffic. This position works a 4/10 schedule, with opportunity for overtime.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 will:
- Perform journey-level highway, roadside, infrastructure, and right-of-way maintenance and repair tasks.
- Vegetation control, such as mowing or spraying.
- Highway debris removal, including danger tree removal.
- Perform snow and ice removal, which includes operating dump trucks and sanders, as well has hauling sand and gravel.
- Design and set-up of traffic control, which includes manually flagging traffic or signing for lane closures and operating attenuator/buffer truck.
- Perform maintenance and minor repair on equipment and hand tools which includes sharpening power saws and chains, washing vehicles, and greasing tools and equipment, etc.
- Operate Class A, B, or C equipment for maintenance operations.
- Act as a first responder to accident scene, spills, and other emergency situations.
- Lead and train others in the absence of the Highway Maintenance Worker 3.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity Highway Maintenance Worker 1 level, the following are required:
- One (1) year of experience performing maintenance activities or equivalent.
- Education from a trade school may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis.
To be considered for this opportunity Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level, the following are required:
- Two (2) years of highway maintenance, logging, farming, excavation, heavy equipment, or equivalent.
- Current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B
- (Must obtain CDL Class A within 12 months of employment)
Candidates at either level will have:
- 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.
- Ability to lift and transport up to 50lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to work in all weather conditions including confined spaces, uneven terrain, and next to fast high volume highway traffic.
- Ability to operate heavy equipment, and hand and power tools.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Washington State Traffic Control/Flagging Card (a current card will be required within one month of employment)
- Washington State Pesticides Applicator’s License.
- Crane Certificate.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) A with endorsement N and without air brakes restriction and no transmission
Important Notes
- WSDOT offers several professional development opportunities through our Maintenance Academy to include assistance with obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License.
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position is not eligible for remote work.
- The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County and 10% Assignment Pay premium.
- The salary range listed includes the legislative approved general wage increase of 4%, effective on July 1, 2023.
- 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 (FMSCA). For more information, please go to
- These are in-training positions that offer a career path, hands-on learning, and mentorship. These positions allow you to progress upward through the Highway Maintenance Worker series and achieve the goal class of a Highway Maintenance Worker 2. Candidates will be considered for a Highway Maintenance Worker 1 or Highway Maintenance Worker 2, depending on their qualifications. Annual salary levels for each position are:
- Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $51,060 – $62,059
- Highway Maintenance Worker 2: $59,092 – $71,953
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
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 11 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to for more information.
- 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.
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 details your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.
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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Contact us:
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-NWR-A4Day-1 in the subject line.
Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
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 the highest level of education you have completed.
- High School Diploma or GED
- Some college coursework
- Associates Degree
- Bachelors degree
- Some graduate level coursework
- Masters degree
- Other technical or vocational degree
02
Please list the highest level of education and field of study you have completed, as well as any other academic and/or professional development course you have completed.
03
What type of Driver’s License do you currently possess?
- Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class A
- Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class B
- Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Learners Permit
- Personal Driver’s License (Standard Driver’s License)
- None of the above
04
Please provide your Commercial Driver’s License Number, AND list any Endorsements, and/or Restrictions, i.e. tanker, doubles and triples, automatic transmission only, etc. (if you do not have a CDL, please type “N/A”).
05
Please select which certifications that you currently possess:
- Washington State Flagging Card
- Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License
- Backflow Prevention Tester Certification
- Crane Certificate
- None of the above
06
Please select the answer that best describes your years of experience performing highway maintenance, logging, farming, excavation, heavy equipment, or other related experience you have?
- More than 5 years of experience
- 4 – 5 years of experience
- 3 – 4 years of experience
- 2 – 3 years of experience
- Less than 2 years of experience.
- None of the above
07
Please describe your highway maintenance, logging, farming, excavation, heavy equipment, or other related experience. If you do not have said experience, please type N/A:
08
These positions may also require the ability to respond to emergency call outs, work other scheduled shifts, 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
09
These positions require the ability to manipulate up to 50lbs with or without reasonable accommodation. Are you able and willing to perform this essential job function?
- Yes
- No
10
These positions require the ability to climb ladders and 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
11
These positions require the ability to climb ladders, in and out of equipment, and work in confined spaces. Are you able and willing to perform this essential job function?
- Yes
- No
12
These positions require the ability to climb in and out of equipment, 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
13
Please select which location you would like to be considered for.
- Kent
- Renton
- Both
- None of the above
14
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
- Indeed
- Direct Email Notification
- Career Fair
- Monster
- WorkSource
- Handshake
- AASHTO
- NACTO
- COMTO
- APWA
- WSDOT Employment Site
- Careers.wa.gov
- governmentjobs.com
- Other (specify below)
15
If you selected ‘Other’ on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question