Rest Area Crew Lead - Highway Maintenance Worker 3

Rest Area Crew Lead - Highway Maintenance Worker 3

Salary

$65,828.00 - $80,216.00 Annually

Location

Whatcom County - Bellingham, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

26DOT-NWR-11231

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Northwest Region

Opening Date

10/26/2026

Closing Date

11/9/2026 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 Highway Maintenance Crew Leader to lead crews responsible for maintaining and repairing Area 1's safety rest areas. This position plays a vital role in keeping these facilities safe, clean, and operational for the traveling public while supporting the safe and reliable movement of people and commerce. Through hands-on leadership, this position promotes efficient maintenance operations, safe work practices, and a positive, inclusive team environment. Join WSDOT and help ensure our safety rest areas remain dependable and welcoming resources for travelers across Washington.

What to Expect

This position works outdoors in all weather conditions, during day and night, and may encounter high-traffic areas, uneven terrain, heights, confined spaces, hot asphalt, and hazardous materials. The schedule is typically four 10-hour shifts, with possible overtime, weekends, holidays, and emergency callouts requiring a 60-minute response. Local travel is required, with occasional regional or statewide travel. Duties include operating maintenance vehicles, heavy equipment, tools, and electronic devices while wearing appropriate PPE and communicating with WSDOT staff, partner agencies, contractors, and the traveling public.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 3 Lead will:

• Lead a crew responsible for cleaning and maintaining four safety rest areas, and/or an area-wide crew that performs highway, roadside, infrastructure, and right-of-way maintenance and repair tasks.
• Prioritize, plan, schedule, and budget highway maintenance activities; lead and coordinate personnel, equipment, and resources to complete work safely and efficiently.
• Maintain, inspect, and repair state highways and roadway features, including pavement, drainage systems, signs, guardrails, fences, impact attenuators, vegetation, landscaped areas, and erosion or slide damage; remove litter, dead animals, and debris from roadways and rights-of-way.
• Maintain roadways for open travel by leading and performing snow and ice control, applying anti-icing compounds, hauling materials, operating spreader boxes, and maintaining stockpile sites.
• Respond to emergencies, accidents, spills, hazardous conditions, and other incidents; coordinate with internal staff and external agencies, establish traffic control and road closures in accordance with departmental standards and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and recommend additional resources as needed.
• Operate designated highway maintenance equipment; perform daily equipment inspections, minor repairs, tool maintenance, and facility cleaning. Arrange for repair or replacement parts and rental or lease of privately owned equipment.
• Train personnel in equipment operation, safety, highway maintenance, and public relations; lead safety meetings and Pre-Activity Safety Plans, establish safe work zones, and ensure compliance with safety policies and hazardous-material handling requirements.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, inventories, and computerized reports, including HATS, WZDB, TSMS, MAPS, and SIIRS; document work activities, equipment and material usage, hazardous conditions, injuries, equipment damage, and required reimbursement paperwork (K's) and LEMO project estimates.
• Coordinate the safe cleanup and removal of unlawful dwellings with appropriate law enforcement and Department of Corrections contacts; perform other related duties as assigned and may act in the absence of the Highway Maintenance Supervisor.

Qualifications

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

• 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, and safely maneuvering and transporting up to 50 pounds.
• 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.
• Physical Ability: Must be able to transport 50 pounds in a safe manner.
• Required Licenses & Certifications:
• Washington State Class A Commercial Driver's License with N endorsement, no air brake restrictions, and no transmission restrictions.
• Valid Traffic Control/Flagging card or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Pesticide license within one (1) year of hire.
• 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:

• 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.
• Advanced Equipment Operation & Technical Knowledge: Experience operating, transporting, and maintaining TEF highway maintenance equipment, including cranes, and commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or greater.
• Incident, Emergency & Traffic Control Operations: Experience serving as a traffic control lead during emergency and planned operations.
• Possession of specialized certifications: Washington State Pesticide Applicator's License, Backflow Prevention Tester Certification, and Crane Certification.
• Local Area & Operational Familiarity: Knowledge of the surrounding geographic area, roadway network, traffic patterns, and maintenance features to support efficient routing, emergency response, and coordination with local partners.

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 (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 www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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 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 Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference #11231 Lead 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 valid Washington State Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with an N endorsement, no air brake restrictions, and no transmission restrictions?

• Yes, I possess a valid Washington State Class A CDL with all specified endorsements and no listed restrictions.
• No, I do not possess a license that meets all the stated requirements.

02

Which statement best describes your Traffic Control/Flagging card status?

• I possess a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card.
• I do not currently possess a valid card but can obtain one within six months of hire.
• I cannot obtain a valid card within six months of hire.

03

Are you able to obtain the required pesticide license within one year of hire?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have experience maintaining domestic or commercial septic systems?

• Yes
• No

05

Please describe your experience maintaining facilities?

06

Do you have the ability to transport objects up to or excess of 50lbs in a safe manner?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have any grounds maintenance experience?

• Yes
• No

08

Which option best describes your experience maintaining operational records and using computerized systems to document work activities?

• I have maintained, reviewed, and verified maintenance records, equipment and material usage, inventory, and work activity reports using computerized systems.
• I have independently completed and maintained work reports, inventory records, and equipment or material usage documentation in computerized systems.
• I have regularly entered work activities, inventory, or equipment information into computerized systems and checked entries for accuracy.
• I have assisted with collecting information or entering basic records under direction.
• I have no direct experience maintaining work records or using computerized systems for operational documentation.

09

Which option best describes your experience of leading employees or coordinating work activities?

• I have supervised or led a crew, assigned and prioritized work, coordinated personnel and equipment, monitored safety and performance, and adjusted plans as conditions changed.
• I have served as a crew lead, provided work direction, coordinated resources, and resolved routine operational issues.
• I have coordinated daily tasks or provided guidance to coworkers on specific assignments.
• I have occasionally assisted with organizing tasks or supporting a team lead.
• I have no direct experience leading employees or coordinating work assignments.

10

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)

11

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