Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training) - Chehalis & Morton

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a 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 multiple Highway Maintenance Worker positions in Chehalis, WA and Morton, WA. The selected candidates will assist with the area's maintenance and repair of the state highways and highway structures to ensure the traveling public's safety. Some of the work includes asphalt and concrete maintenance, traffic control, repair and installation of guardrail and signs, as well as culvert and drainage maintenance. Working in the maintenance area requires responsible, safety-minded individuals to perform a variety of skilled labor tasks and operate highway equipment and tools. This opportunity is perfect for someone who enjoys working with their hands, knowing their work is done on roadways and in a variety of weather conditions.

What to Expect

A typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 40-hours per week, for 4, 10-hour days. Weekends and holidays may be required to respond to non-scheduled call-out emergencies. Highway Maintenance Workers may work alternate and emergency shifts as assigned and respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, alone or a part of a team as needed. Rotational night shift is required.

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

• Perform general roadway maintenance activities such as:

• Asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair.

• Drainage maintenance including catch basins, sedimentation facilities, and ditches.

• Erosion and slide repair.

• Sign maintenance and repair.

• Guardrail, fence, and impact attenuator installation and repair.

• Vegetation control, such as mowing or spraying.

• Highway debris removal, including danger tree removal.

• Safely operate Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A, B and C equipment including trucks up to 54,000 GVW equipped with various maintenance attachments.

• Perform winter snow and ice removal, which includes operating dump trucks and sanders, as well has hauling sand and gravel.

• Design and set-up of traffic control, which includes manually flagging traffic or signing for lane closures and operating attenuator/buffer truck.

• Perform maintenance and minor repair on equipment and hand tools which includes sharpening power saws and chains, washing vehicles, and greasing tools and equipment, etc.

• Lead and train others in the absence of the Highway Maintenance Worker 3.

• Effectively use radio, phone, computers, and electronic devices to communicate and document data.

• Negotiate rough and steep surfaces during the performance of job tasks.

• Respond to call out emergency's day, night, weekends and holidays as needed.

Qualifications

These are Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (HMW2) positions. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the positions at the lower level, Highway Maintenance Worker 1 (HMW1),  depending on 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 this opportunity, the following are required:

• One (1) year of experience performing roadway maintenance, heavy equipment operation or related experience such as farming, timber operations, or construction.

To be considered at the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level, the following is required:

• Two (2) years of experience performing roadway maintenance, heavy equipment operation or related experience such as the farming, timber operations, or construction.

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

• CDL Class A with N endorsement without air brake restrictions with a current medical examiner's certificate, or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.

• Possession of a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card (Required within twelve months of hire).

• Experience being committed to safety including proper use of personal protective equipment.

• Ability to report in service to assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call.

• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by.

• Ability to work at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water, as well as traverse in rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

• Ability to relocate tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds from one location to another.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• High school graduation, or possession of a GED certificate, or equivalent.

• Experience performing traffic control per MUTCD including planning, setting signs and cones or barrels, and flagging.

• Two years as a Highway Maintenance Worker 1 or comparable work experience.

• One year of snow removal and anti-icing operations with plow trucks.

• Knowledge of the surrounding area.

• Well-rounded experience in multiple disciplines.

Important Notes

• This recruitment is being used to fill one vacancy in Chehalis, WA and one vacancy in Morton, WA.

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

• These positions are not eligible for remote work.

• These positions have been approved for in-training. The hiring manager is looking to hire at the  Highway Maintenance Worker 2  level, however the in-training plan will allow candidates to be considered as a  Highway Maintenance Worker 1, if not qualified at the higher level.

• Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $45,552 - $55,224

• Highway Maintenance Worker 2: $51,384 - $62,568

• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 3% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2024.

• 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 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.

• 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 www.uscis.gov

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Daisha Jordan, at Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference 24DOT-SWR-40290em in the subject line.