Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training)

Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training)

Salary

$52,872.00 - $71,136.00 Annually

Location

Kittitas County - Ellensburg, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

26DOT-SCR-50327m

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

South Central Region

Opening Date

08/10/2026

Closing Date

8/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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 manages the worlds longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking to fill two Highway Maintenance Worker 2 positions in our South-Central Region! These positions are located in Ellensburg, WA. These positions are required to perform highway and roadside maintenance work. The persons in these positions are responsible for their own personal safety and safety of other crew members, while performing maintenance work. By accomplishing assigned tasks, such as snow & ice control, repairing damage to guardrail and signs, patching potholes, clearing brush and trees, maintaining highway drainage, and performing traffic control, the person in this position contributes to the ability of the traveling public to travel safely and efficiently over state highways.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will perform a wide variety of day-to-day maintenance operations:

• Section Patrol operating various vehicles/trucks & equipment
• Pavement maintenance and repair; apply concrete, asphalt, and synthetic materials.
• Drainage maintenance includes catch basins, sedimentation facilities, culvert maintenance and repair, and roadside ditching; erosion and slide repair; sign maintenance and repair: guardrail and impact attenuator installation and repair, fence installation and repair.
• Danger tree removal, brush control, and vegetation management: establish, maintain and repair landscaped areas, including planting and remediating sites.
• Haul materials such as rip rap, and hot and cold asphalt.
• Remove litter on state right-of-way; remove animals remains and debris from roadways.
• Perform minor preventative maintenance and minor mechanical repairs on equipment.
• Illegal encampment clean-up and disposal.
• Training and certification may be given to operate other highway equipment such as tractor mowers, sweepers, rollers, and flusher trucks. Track, document, and report daily work activities.
• Account for inventory and perform inventory of highway section.
• Perform snow and ice control on State Highways.
• Operate snowplow and chemical deicer attachments for the application of anti-icing compounds and sand to road surfaces. Maintain stockpile sites.

Qualifications

This is a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (HMW2) position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan.

To be considered for the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level:

• Highway and Roadway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated experience performing routine and emergency maintenance on highways, roadways, and related infrastructure 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.
• Heavy Equipment Operations: Skilled in operating and maintaining heavy equipment (e.g. front-end loaders, tractor mowers, sweepers, flushers, truck-mounted attenuators, backhoe, vactor, 32,000-60,000 GVW Dump truck with snowplow and chemical deicer attachments)
• Licensing & Certification: Possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with N endorsement and without airbrakes restriction, and ability to obtain Class A within 12 months of hire. Valid CDL Medical card.
• 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 Worker 3, demonstrating sound decision-making and leadership skills.

To be considered for the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 level:

• Licensing & Certification: Possession of a valid Driver's License and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles. Washington State Flagging Card (or ability to obtain within two (2) months of appointment). First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment).
• Basic Highway Maintenance Skills: Basic understanding of highway maintenance tasks such as pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal. Basic understanding and knowledge of hand tools, power equipment, and other tools and equipment required to perform job tasks.
• 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: Ability to use electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating. Proficient in standard computer applications including Microsoft Office and email communication.

In addition to one of the above, the following are also required (at both levels):

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Operational Procedures & Roadway Safety Compliance: Ability to interpret, comprehend, and implement plans, policies, and procedures in daily operations, including snow and ice control, traffic control, and roadway safety.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Certification: Possession of a valid Class A CDL with N endorsement without airbrake restriction.
• Highway Maintenance Operations & Equipment Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to perform highway maintenance activities, including skilled tasks such as operating equipment, conducting snow and ice control, implementing traffic control, and performing roadway, drainage, and roadside repair. Scope of experience will be evaluated in determining placement at the HMW1 or HMW2 level.

Important Notes

• 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.
• Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and often near moving traffic and heavy equipment, requiring heightened situational awareness and strict adherence to safety practices. The role involves physically demanding tasks, including deploying traffic control devices, flagging, and operating maintenance vehicles and equipment, with extended periods of standing and walking. Employees must wear appropriate PPE at all times.
• These positions are subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.
• 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, please visit www.uscis.gov
• This is a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan. The base salaries for each level are:
• Highway Maintenance Worker 2: $58,392 - $71,136
• Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $52,872 - $64, 512

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 individual's lifestyle. Employees in this position enjoy a standard daytime schedule, working Monday-Thursday, with three-day weekends.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have a 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 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 recruiter listed.

Contact us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SCR-50327m 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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Please select the option that best describes your experience performing highway maintenance work. This includes pavement repairs, drainage and erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, debris removal, and assessing maintenance needs for highway structures and roadside features.

• No Experience: I have little to no experience performing highway maintenance activities or assessing maintenance needs.
• Basic Experience: I have limited experience assisting with highway maintenance tasks under close supervision, such as pavement repair, debris removal, vegetation control, or basic repairs. I follow instructions but do not independently assess maintenance needs.
• Intermediate Experience: I have experience performing a variety of highway maintenance activities with moderate supervision. I can complete routine repairs, support installation or replacement of signs and guardrails, and identify basic maintenance issues.
• Advanced Experience: I have significant experience independently performing highway maintenance work. I regularly assess maintenance needs, perform repairs to highway structures and roadside features, and apply appropriate practices for drainage, erosion control, and vegetation management.
• Expert Experience: I have extensive experience across highway maintenance disciplines. I am relied upon to assess complex maintenance needs, determine appropriate repair methods, resolve non-routine issues, and may guide or train others in maintenance practices.

02

Briefly describe how you gained experience performing highway maintenance work, including pavement repairs, drainage and erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, debris removal, and assessing maintenance needs for highway structures and roadside features. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.

03

Please select the option that best describes your experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment used for roadway or construction-related work.

• No Experience: No experience operating or maintaining heavy equipment.
• Limited Experience: Basic familiarity with heavy equipment; may have observed or assisted operators and performed limited equipment use under close supervision.
• Working Experience: Independently operate and perform basic maintenance on some types of heavy equipment such as loaders, tractor mowers, sweepers, dump trucks, or similar equipment.
• Advanced Experience: Regularly operate and maintain multiple types of heavy equipment (e.g., front-end loaders, tractor mowers, sweepers, flushers, truck-mounted attenuators, backhoes, vactors, or dump trucks with snowplow or deicer attachments) in support of roadway or construction operations.
• Expert Experience: Extensive experience operating and maintaining a wide variety of heavy equipment, including large GVW dump trucks with specialized attachments; highly skilled in safe operation, troubleshooting equipment issues, and guiding or training others.

04

Briefly describe how you gained your experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment used for roadway or construction-related work (e.g. front-end loaders, tractor mowers, sweepers, flushers, truck-mounted attenuators, backhoe, vactor, 32,000-60,000 GVW Dump truck with snowplow and chemical deicer attachments). If you do not have this experience, type N/A.

05

Please describe your experience in snow and ice operations. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.

06

What type of Drivers License do you currently possess?

• Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class A
• Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class B
• Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Learners Permit
• Personal Drivers License (Standard Drivers License)
• None of the above

07

Please provide your drivers license number, list your endorsements, and any restrictions:

08

A typical schedule is Monday through Thursday, 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM for summer scheduling, with winter schedules varying four, 10-hour shifts to accommodate required 24/7 coverage that will include nights, weekends and holidays. Are you willing and able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have the ability to move, carry, and manipulate tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds (and occasionally heavier)?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have the ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain, as well as bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and maneuver into tight or low-clearance spaces?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you have the ability to work at ground level, in confined spaces, and at elevated heights (above 25 feet over land or water)?

• Yes
• No

12

Do you have the ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, individually or as part of a team?

• Yes
• No

13

Select all you have obtained:

• Washington State Pesticide Applicator's License
• Traffic Control/Flagging card
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• None of the above

14

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• 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

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov