Highway Maintenance Worker (In-Training)

Salary: $3,558.00 – $5,013.00 Monthly

Location : Kittitas County – Cle Elum, WA

Job Type: Full Time – Permanent

Job Number: 23DOT-SCR-Highway Maintenance

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: South Central Region

Opening Date: 06/05/2023

Closing Date: 6/26/2023 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 enthusiastic, career-minded individuals to join our dynamic Highway Maintenance teams who support the vast infrastructure across Washington State. WSDOT has coordinated with local Career and Technical Education (CTE) partners to blaze a career path for recent high school graduates looking to enter the workforce full-time. With “High School to Highways,” selected candidates are hired as an entry-level Highway Maintenance Worker (HMW), provided a formal on-the-job training plan, and paired with a mentor to coach and support them toward obtaining the experience and credentials needed to advance their career in Transportation. Successful completion of the training plan will result in a promotion to the next level within the job class series, and a minimum 5% pay increase!

This opportunity is perfect for someone who loves working outdoors, enjoys operating equipment, wants the challenge of maintaining or fixing huge public infrastructure, and can stand up to the rigors of working on roadways and roadsides in a variety of weather conditions. These team members will assist with the maintenance and operations of the state highways, and adjacent right of ways to assure they remain in a condition that promotes the movement of traffic, and safety to the motoring public.

What to Expect
Working in the maintenance area will require responsible, safety-minded individuals to accomplish assigned tasks and may require operating trucks as well as other heavy equipment. Additionally, these positions require a quick response time to job sites. Highway maintenance crews are ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

Maintain roadways including pavement repair, drainage maintenance.
Repair and replace guardrails and signs.
Assist in removing unauthorized encampments of unsheltered people.
Assist in layout and set-up of traffic control, including setting up signage, manually flagging traffic, and operating attenuator/buffer truck.
Removal of snow and ice during winter season.
Maintain the property and roadside adjacent to the road.
Maintain storm drainage.

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

High school diploma or GED.
Basic computer skills to communicate and retrieve information.
The ability to obtain Flagger Certificate within six (6) months of hire.
The ability to respond to emergency call outs, work different and/or extended shifts on short notice (days, nights, and weekends), and perform standby duty.
The ability to manipulate and transport up to 50 pounds.
Communicate effectively with diverse groups utilizing oral, written, and electronic communication methods.
A valid driver’s license.

Selected candidates must be at least 18 years old on or before August 31, 2023.

It is preferredthat qualified candidates also have:

Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.
Backflow Prevention Tester Certification, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.
Possession of a Washington Class A Commercial Driver’s License, with N endorsement without airbrake restrictions within twelve (12) months or hire.

Important Notes

This recruitment will be used to fill multiple positions in the South Central Region, Cle Elum.
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.
These positions are not eligible for remote work.
These positions may subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). For more information, please go to
In accordance with our collective bargaining agreements, employees in represented positions must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
These are in-training positions that offer a career path, hands-on learning, and mentorship. This opportunity will 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: $42,696 – $51,888
Highway Maintenance Worker 2: $49,404 – $60,153

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 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.

To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

One (or both) of the following:
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation from professional contacts who can speak to your character, work ethic, and readiness for this career opportunity. Professional contacts may include previous employers, teachers, coaches, or other non-relatives in similar roles. AND/OR
- 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 via email.

Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, S. Fields at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-SCR-Highway Maintenance Workers In-Training 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

Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all WSDOT employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position. Are you willing to accept and comply with this condition of employment?

Please briefly describe how your skills and experience make you a competitive candidate for this position.

Why do you want to work for WSDOT?

Please select the response that best describes your high school completion:

I have received a high school diploma or equivalent within the last two (2) years.
I will have a high school diploma or equivalent by July 1, 2023.
None of the above

What type of Driver’s License do you currently possess?

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

If you have a current CDL, please list the Class (A, B, or C) and any other endorsements and/or restrictions. If you do not have a CDL, please type N/A.

Please select which certifications that you currently possess: (Select all that apply)

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

Are you able and willing to respond to emergency call outs, work different and/or extended shifts on short notice (days, nights, weekends) and perform standby duty?

Are you able and willing to manipulate and transport up to 50 pounds of various material?

Are you able and willing to traverse uneven and steep terrain adjacent to traffic and heavy equipment in all weather conditions?

Will you be at least 18 years old on or before August 31, 2023?

Did you include in your application two (2) Letters of Recommendation from professional contacts? (These items are *strongly encouraged* as part of your application):

Yes, I have attached the required documents.
No, I have not attached the required documents.

| How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

Indeed
LinkedIn
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)

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