About WSDOT - 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! The Opportunity. WSDOT is currently seeking a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 to support the safe and efficient operation of the state highway system within the Southwest Region. Under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor, this position performs skilled highway maintenance work, operates a variety of heavy equipment and tools, and helps maintain highways and highway structures in good working condition. Responsibilities include responding to weather events, emergencies, construction impacts, and other operational needs to help ensure the safe movement of people and commerce throughout the region. This position also provides leadership and guidance to lower-level maintenance workers and may occasionally supervise a crew in the absence of a supervisor. The successful candidate will play a key role in fostering a respectful, safety-focused, and collaborative work environment. What to Expect. Typical work hours are four 10-hour shifts per week. This position requires the ability to report to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours emergency call-out and may require working alternate shifts, weekends, holidays, standby assignments, and extended hours based on operational needs. The incumbent must be available to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions, independently or as part of a team, at any time of day or night. Occasional night work and call-back assignments may be required. Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 3 will:Lead and coordinate highway maintenance crews in the daily performance of maintenance and operations activities throughout State Highways. Plan, schedule, document, and track maintenance activities, equipment usage, inventory, and project costs using computerized systems and maintenance records. Train and support maintenance personnel in equipment operation, safety practices, highway maintenance procedures, and public relations. Perform roadway maintenance and repair activities including pavement repair, drainage maintenance, vegetation management, sign and guardrail repair, erosion control, and litter and debris removal. Operate and maintain a variety of highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles to support roadway operations and emergency response activities. Lead and perform snow and ice operations, including applying anti-icing materials, hauling maintenance materials, and maintaining stockpile sites. Design, set up, and perform traffic control operations for roadway maintenance, emergency response, lane closures, detours, and full road or bridge closures in accordance with departmental and MUTCD standards. Respond to emergency situations and support maintenance facility upkeep, equipment maintenance, unlawful dwelling cleanup efforts, and other assigned maintenance and operations activities. Qualifications. To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:Highway Maintenance: Practical knowledge of highway maintenance practices, including pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal. Ability to assess maintenance needs and perform repairs to highway structures, roadside features, and landscapes. Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating and maintaining a variety of Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles in accordance with WSDOT standards. Demonstrated ability to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites. Traffic Control & Work Zone: Working knowledge of traffic control practices following the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Ability to plan and implement safe work zones, including flagging, signage, and the use of cones/barrels. The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/ Flagging card within six (6) months of hire. Safety Awareness & Compliance: Strong understanding of workplace safety procedures and commitment to following safety policies, including confined space entry, fall protection, and hazardous material handling. Ability to participate in the creation and implementation of Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP) and attend regular safety training. Technical & Administrative Proficiency: Skilled in the use of electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating (e.g., HATS, WZDB, TSMS). Proficient in standard computer applications including Microsoft Office and email communication. Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently in the field. Capable of leading a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor, demonstrating sound decision-making and leadership skills. Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others. In addition to the above, the following are also required: A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles. Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement. Ability to obtain and maintain valid First Aid/ CPR Certification. Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing 50 pounds or more. Ability to respond to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours callout. Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work at elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water. It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:Snow and Ice Control Operations: Skills and experience performing snow removal and anti-icing operations, including safe and efficient operation of plow trucks and application of de-icing materials to maintain safe driving conditions during storms. In addition to the above, the following are also preferred: Knowledge of the surrounding area. High school graduation or GED - Important Notes This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. This position is not eligible for remote work. In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026. Work is performed primarily outdoors and frequently adjacent to live traffic in a variety of weather conditions. Duties may require working at heights over 25 feet above land or water, assisting in confined spaces, traversing rough or steep terrain, and performing work at or near ground level. The position involves exposure to roadway hazards, construction environments, chemicals and materials such as herbicides, fuels, solvents, oils, lubricants, paints, cleaners, and hot asphalt, as well as potential exposure to biohazards and discarded sharps. Responsibilities include relocating tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds and performing both stationary and mobile traffic control operations. This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing. 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. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). 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 State Benefits for more information. Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT? 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. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit Contact Us. For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Yasmin. Munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26 DOT-SWR-41619 in the subject line.