Winter Highway Maintenance Worker | Spokane, Colfax, Davenport & Colville Areas - State of Washington

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 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 (HMW1) or Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (HMW2) level depending on qualifications. The hourly wages for each level are:

• Highway Maintenance Worker 1 ($22.47 – $27.24 Hourly) 
• Highway Maintenance Worker 2 ($25.34 – $30.86 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. Typical schedule is 40-hours per week. Winter schedule may include weekends, nights, and early morning schedules. Weekends and holidays may be required to respond to non-scheduled call-out emergencies. Work alternates and emergency shifts as situations dictate. Respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
 
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 at the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 level, the following are required:

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B, without airbrake restrictions. 
• One (1) year experience in highway engineering, or highway maintenance work, or driving a truck (26,000GVW or over) or operating heavy equipment while performing working such as landscaping farming, forestry, construction, or related experience.

 
To be considered for this opportunity at the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level, the following are required:

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A, with endorsement N and without airbrake restrictions.
• Two (2) years of experience in highway maintenance work, road construction, or related experience.

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

• 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 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:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience performing roadway maintenance, or heavy equipment operation. 
• Possession of a valid Traffic Control/ Flagging Card.

 
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 multiple areas throughout the Eastern Region which includes Adams, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman counties and surrounding areas. (Specific locations are listed in the supplemental questions). 
• The recruiting efforts for these positions may be extended beyond the displayed closing date until all available positions have been filled.  
• Applications will be evaluated weekly throughout this recruitment process, with the first review date on 9/16/24. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer positions at any time thereafter.  It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
• These positions are 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 
 

• 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 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.
 
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-ER-WinterTemps in the subject line.