Highway Maintenance Worker 3

About the role

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!

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate highway maintenance crews in the planning, scheduling, and completion of roadway maintenance and operational activities.
• Operate a variety of highway maintenance equipment and vehicles to support roadway preservation, repair, and emergency response efforts.
• Train and mentor maintenance staff on equipment operation, safety practices, maintenance procedures, and customer service expectations.
• Perform roadway maintenance activities including pavement repair, drainage maintenance, vegetation management, traffic barrier repair, sign installation, and right-of-way upkeep.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, inventories, project estimates, and maintenance activity documentation using computerized systems.
• Establish and oversee safe work zones, implement safety procedures, and support compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations.
• Respond to emergencies by providing traffic control, coordinating incident response activities, assisting with debris and spill removal, and supporting roadway closures and detours.
• Inspect, maintain, and perform minor repairs on equipment, tools, facilities, and highway assets to ensure safe and effective operations.

Qualifications

• Highway Maintenance Operations Skills, knowledge, and experience performing highway maintenance and operations activities on state highways, including roadway, drainage, vegetation, sign, and right-of-way maintenance in active traffic environments.
• Traffic Control & Work Zone Safety Ability to establish, implement, and lead traffic control operations in accordance with MUTCD and departmental standards.
• Equipment Operation & Physical Abilities Ability and experience operating highway maintenance equipment and commercial vehicles, performing physically demanding work in all weather conditions.
• Communication, Customer Service & Coordination Skills communicating effectively with crews, supervisors, internal partners, external agencies, and the public; providing professional customer service; and coordinating work activities and emergency responses.
• Work Documentation & Technology Ability and experience maintaining accurate records, tracking inventory and maintenance activities, and using computerized systems and mobile devices to complete reports and documentation.
• Growth Mindset & Service-Oriented Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth; takes action to meet the needs of others.

Supervisory & Decision-Making Leadership

Experience leading and/or supervising highway maintenance crews, providing clear direction, coordinating work activities, and exercising sound judgment and decision-making in dynamic and high-stress operational and emergency environments.

Benefits

This position is not eligible for remote work. The typical schedule for this position is four 10-hour shifts per week (40 hours total). Weekend, holiday, alternate shift, and emergency response work may be required to support operational needs and respond to unscheduled events. Employees must be able to report to their assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call. This position responds to emergencies in all weather conditions, at any time of day or night, working independently or as part of a team. Overtime and work beyond 40 hours per week may be required based on operational demands.

Pay

The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026. The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.

Schedule

The typical schedule for this position is four 10-hour shifts per week (40 hours total). Weekend, holiday, alternate shift, and emergency response work may be required to support operational needs and respond to unscheduled events. Employees must be able to report to their assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours callout. This position responds to emergencies in all weather conditions, at any time of day or night, working independently or as part of a team. Overtime and work beyond 40 hours per week may be required based on operational demands.