Winter Highway Maintenance Worker | Area 2

Salary: $21.82 - $29.97 Hourly
Location : Multiple Locations - Eastern Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 23DOT-ER-WinterTemps-Area 2
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Eastern Region
Opening Date: 12/12/2023
Closing Date: 1/2/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking to fill multiple non-permanent Highway Maintenance Worker positions for winter maintenance season. We are looking for self-motivated individuals who are mechanically inclined and enjoy working outdoors. The successful candidates will perform a variety of skilled tasks including operating snow removal equipment, repairing roadways, maintaining culverts and catch basins, removing debris, and providing traffic control for these operations. If you are dedicated to protecting the public from driving hazards and enjoy working outdoors, consider applying to this position.
These positions may be filled at either the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 or Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level depending on qualifications. The hourly wages for each level are:

• Highway Maintenance Worker 1 ($21.82 - $26.45 Hourly)
• Highway Maintenance Worker 2 ($24.61 - $29.97 Hourly)

What to Expect
WSDOT maintenance personnel are expected to respond quickly to clear highways of hazards to ensure the public has safe and seamless access to travel.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker will:

• Proficiently operate a variety of heavy equipment to safely and efficiently apply anti-icing compounds, and remove snow and ice from road surfaces.
• Follow traffic control plans, and perform traffic control operations, which may require standing for long periods of time through work zones, and/or vehicle accidents.
• Repair and maintain drainage facilities and structures, roadway surfaces, roadside hardware, guardrails, fences, shoulders, and right-of-way.
• Report any encroachments or other irregularities on the highway; remove roadway obstructions.
• Complete minor preventative maintenance and mechanical repairs on equipment.
• Perform grounds keeping and shop care for maintenance facilities.
• Respond to emergency call outs and/or work overtime on short notice (days, nights, holidays, and weekends).
• Provide excellent customer service when interacting with the traveling public.

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

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A or Class B, without restrictions, and current medical card.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience performing Highway Maintenance, roadway construction, or related experience such as, landscaping, farming, forestry, construction, or heavy equipment operation.
• Effective communication skills with diverse groups utilizing oral, written, and electronic communication methods.
• Basic computer/electronic tablet skills with the ability to communicate, capture, and retrieve information.
• The ability to lift and transport materials and equipment up to 50 pounds.
• The ability to traverse uneven and steep winter terrain adjacent to traffic.
• The ability to operate heavy equipment in severe weather conditions, including snow and ice events.
• The ability to climb ladders and work at varying height levels.
• The ability to climb in and out of equipment, and work in confined spaces.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A with N (cargo/tanker) endorsement without airbrake restrictions and current medical card.
• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Two (2) years' experience performing Highway Maintenance, roadway construction, or related experience.
• Flagger Certification.
• First Aid Certification.

Important Notes

• These are non-permanent positions with an expected duration of 3-6 months through the winter maintenance season.
• This recruitment will be used to fill positions in Adams and Whitman counties. (Specific locations are listed in the supplemental questions).
• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• These positions are subject to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For more information, please go to
• 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

• Seasonal Work - Great for those who are looking for winter seasonal work, with the potential of coming back next year.
• Career Possibilities - Great way to get your foot in the door and see if a career in Highway Maintenance/State Service is something you would enjoy.
• Holiday Pay - Winter is also holiday season! This opportunity provides up to 5 paid holidays within this non-perm duration.
• Utilize Expertise - Share your knowledge and experience with others.
• Build Your Resume - Learn new transferable skills to add to your resume.
• Benefits - Some positions may be eligible for medical and retirement benefits. Go to for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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.

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, Daisha Jordan at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-ER-WinterTemps-Area 2 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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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, are entitled to...