Highway Maintenance Worker 4 | Lakewood

Highway Maintenance Worker 4 | Lakewood

Salary

$66,072.00 - $80,496.00 Annually

Location

Pierce County - Lakewood, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

26DOT-OR-32827e

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Olympic Region

Opening Date

11/05/2026

Closing Date

11/22/2026 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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a dedicated and collaborative professional to coordinate and oversee key highway maintenance programs in the Olympic Region, Area 1. In this role, you will help ensure highways, roadways, and bike paths remain safe, functional, and well-maintained through asphalt program coordination, right-of-way restoration, and other critical maintenance activities. Your work will support timely responses to roadway impacts and help maintain safe, reliable transportation for the traveling public. Join a team committed to environmental stewardship, public safety, and the long-term resilience of Washington's transportation system.

What to Expect

Highway maintenance work is physically demanding and performed outdoors year-round, during day or night shifts and in all weather conditions, often near high-speed traffic, bodies of water, confined spaces, and elevated heights. Duties require operating and entering heavy equipment, standing and walking for extended periods, traversing uneven terrain, climbing, lifting and handling materials weighing up to 50 pounds or more, and performing repetitive physical movements in tight spaces. The position involves exposure to traffic, severe weather, noise, dust, fumes, limited visibility, hazardous chemicals, hot asphalt, and biological and other waste materials. This is a full-time position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week, with a standard schedule of four 10-hour shifts, Monday through Thursday.

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

• Coordinate and oversee the Asphalt Program, Homeless Encampment Cleanup, Third-Party Damage, and Right-of-Way Restoration activities for highways, roadways, and bike paths, ensuring compliance with applicable permits, regulations, laws, policies, procedures, state standards, and specifications.
• Plan, prioritize, schedule, and monitor maintenance projects, personnel, equipment, materials, budgets, and work schedules; prepare labor, equipment, materials, and other (LEMO) cost estimates; review completed work, expenditures, daily records, and reports for accuracy.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners, including supervisors, leads, law enforcement, local jurisdictions, state agencies, design and construction teams, and community organizations; review highway location and construction plans, attend project review meetings and preconstruction conferences, and address maintenance concerns.
• Maintain and analyze maintenance records and data using department databases, including HATS, WZDB, and TSMS; research roadway information, prepare reports and presentations, manage program inventories and purchasing activities, and recommend operational improvements.
• Conduct field inspections for right-of-way encroachments, highway safety, signing, and maintenance needs; identify hazards, ensure safe work zones and proper handling of hazardous materials, maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE), and report injuries and accidents in SafeTrak.
• Assist the Highway Maintenance Supervisor (HMS) with recruitment, employee performance management, personnel recommendations, training, coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluations; review and approve employee timesheets as delegated and promote compliance with safety practices and applicable regulations.
• Perform day-to-day highway maintenance operations, including pavement and drainage repair, erosion and slide remediation, sign and roadside hardware maintenance, vegetation management, litter and debris removal, and operation and transport of highway maintenance equipment.
• Assist with the Area's snow and ice program by managing stockpile inventories, accessing department databases for fleet and equipment scheduling, and leading and performing snow and ice control activities, including anti-icing applications, loading and hauling materials, and operating snow and ice equipment.

Qualifications

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

• Leadership: Demonstrated skills to lead multiple Highway Maintenance Workers. Ensures compliance with safety and operational standards, and promotes accountability, teamwork, and employee development through effective communication and coaching.

• Collaborative Partnership & Customer Focus: Proven ability to build, cultivate, and sustain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance agency goals and deliver effective service outcomes.

• Safety & Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of workplace safety standards, construction industry practices, and heavy equipment operations applicable to highway maintenance and transportation infrastructure work.

• Communication: Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to convey technical and non-technical information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, ensuring mutual understanding and respect.

• Conflict Resolution: Ability to address and manage confrontational situations with composure, ensuring workplace challenges are resolved professionally and respectfully. Proficiency in de-escalation strategies to diffuse tense interactions.

• Technical & Digital Proficiency: Proficiency in operating Windows-based systems and business software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint), cloud-based platforms, virtual meeting tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams), and agency databases used for project tracking, asset management, and information systems.

• Licensing & Certification:

• Possession of an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement to legally operate vehicles in Washington State

• The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.

• Obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification.

• 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 demonstrate:

• Highway and Roadway Maintenance: Experience in highway and roadway maintenance, preservation, and/or construction activities.
• Snow and Ice Control Operations: Experience performing winter maintenance, including snow and ice control operations.
• Equipment Operation and Transportation: Experience operating, transporting, and understanding equipment used in highway maintenance and preservation or construction.
• Geographic Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of the surrounding area, including local roadways and highway systems.
• Traffic Control Operations: Experience implementing traffic control in accordance with published highway standards, including the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), placement of signs, cones, and barrels, and flagging.
• Computer and Technology Proficiency: Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, internal WSDOT applications, and internet-based tools.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Safety Compliance and Work Practices: Demonstrated ability to follow safety policies, procedures, and established work practices to maintain a safe work environment.

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 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 (FMCSA). 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 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 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 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.

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 www.uscis.gov.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Sidra.Fields@wasdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32837e 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

Do you possess a current, unrestricted Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with an N endorsement that is valid for operating vehicles in Washington State?

• Yes - I possess a current, unrestricted Class A CDL with an N endorsement.
• No - I do not currently possess the required license and endorsement.

02

Are you able to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six months of hire?

• Yes - I am able to obtain the required card within six months of hire.
• No - I am unable to obtain the required card within six months of hire.

03

Are you able to obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR certification as required for this position? Response options:

• Yes - I currently hold valid First Aid/CPR certification and can maintain it.
• Yes - I do not currently hold valid First Aid/CPR certification but can obtain and maintain it as required.
• No - I am unable to obtain and maintain the required certification.

04

Which option best describes your experience leading or coordinating the work of multiple Highway Maintenance Workers or other employees?

• Extensive experience leading multiple employees, assigning and monitoring work, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards, addressing performance concerns, and coaching employees to improve performance and develop skills.
• Substantial experience leading multiple employees, coordinating daily assignments, monitoring work quality and safety, and providing direction and feedback.
• Experience serving as a lead worker or acting supervisor, providing task-level direction and monitoring work performed by other employees.
• Limited experience assisting with coordinating coworkers' activities or providing task-specific guidance, without formal lead responsibilities.
• No direct experience leading or coordinating the work of other employees.

05

In detail, please describe where and when you gained experience leading or coordinating the work of multiple Highway Maintenance Workers or other employees. If you do not have this experience, please up N/A

06

Which option best describes your experience performing highway or roadway maintenance and operating or transporting equipment used in maintenance, preservation, or construction?

• Extensive experience performing multiple highway maintenance functions and independently operating and transporting a variety of heavy vehicles and equipment in support of maintenance, preservation, or construction activities.
• Substantial experience performing several highway maintenance functions and operating or transporting multiple types of maintenance or construction equipment.
• Direct experience performing highway or roadway maintenance and operating at least one type of relevant vehicle or equipment.
• Limited related experience, such as assisting with maintenance activities or supporting equipment operators.
• No direct experience in highway or roadway maintenance or related equipment operation.

07

In detail, please describe where and when you gained experience performing highway or roadway maintenance and operating or transporting equipment used in maintenance, preservation, or construction. If you do not have this experience, please up N/A

08

Which option best describes your experience applying workplace safety requirements and implementing traffic control for highway maintenance or construction work?

• Extensive experience applying safety standards, identifying and correcting hazards, and planning or implementing traffic control in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and applicable standards, including sign and device placement and flagging.
• Substantial experience following safety standards and independently setting up or maintaining traffic control zones, including signs, cones, barrels, or flagging.
• Direct experience following workplace safety procedures and assisting with traffic control setup or flagging under established procedures or supervision.
• General workplace safety experience but limited direct experience with highway work zones or traffic control.
• No direct experience applying workplace safety procedures or implementing traffic control in a work environment.

09

Which option best describes your experience working with internal or external stakeholders and resolving service concerns or confrontational situations?

• Extensive experience managing complex stakeholder concerns, de-escalating confrontational situations, resolving conflicts, and coordinating solutions across multiple groups while maintaining productive working relationships.
• Substantial experience resolving customer or partner concerns, managing disagreements professionally, and coordinating solutions with multiple stakeholders.
• Direct experience responding to routine customer or partner concerns, communicating respectfully, and referring or escalating issues when needed.
• Limited experience assisting with customer service or stakeholder communication, with little responsibility for resolving concerns independently.
• No direct experience handling customer or stakeholder concerns or workplace conflicts.

10

Which option best describes your experience communicating technical and non-technical information verbally and in writing to employees, supervisors, the public, or external partners?

• Extensive experience preparing and delivering written communications, technical reports, presentations, and verbal briefings to diverse audiences, adapting information to support understanding and decision-making.
• Substantial experience preparing written documentation and delivering verbal briefings or presentations to multiple audiences on operational, technical, or service-related topics.
• Direct experience communicating work instructions, documenting activities, preparing routine reports, and responding to questions from coworkers or customers.
• Limited experience preparing written communications or conveying information to others in a work setting.
• No direct work-related experience preparing written communications or communicating operational information to others.

11

Which option best describes your experience performing winter highway maintenance and your familiarity with local roadways and highway systems?

• Extensive experience independently performing snow and ice control operations, including anti-icing applications, material loading and hauling, equipment operation, and making operational decisions based on roadway and weather conditions; detailed knowledge of the local highway system.
• Substantial experience performing multiple snow and ice control activities and familiarity with local highways, routes, and roadway conditions.
• Direct experience assisting with snow and ice control activities or winter roadway maintenance and working knowledge of the surrounding area.
• Limited winter maintenance experience or general familiarity with the local road network, but no regular experience performing snow and ice control operations.
• No direct experience with snow and ice control operations and limited or no knowledge of the local highway system.

12

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)

13

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