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SO
State of Washington Dept. of Transportation
Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (In-Training)
Career Insights for Maintenance Helper / Assistant
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What they do
A Maintenance Helper or Assistant assists maintenance mechanics. Repairs and maintains equipment and machines, such as cars or heating systems. May assemble or adjust machines as directed by a head mechanic.
$46,080 / year median in Washington
+8% projected growth
Job Description
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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the 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 two Highway Maintenance Worker 2 positions in our South-Central Region! These positions are located in Ellensburg, WA. These positions are required to perform highway and roadside maintenance work. The persons in these positions are responsible for their own personal safety and safety of other crew members, while performing maintenance work. By accomplishing assigned tasks, such as snow & ice control, repairing damage to guardrail and signs, patching potholes, clearing brush and trees, maintaining highway drainage, and performing traffic control, the person in this position contributes to the ability of the traveling public to travel safely and efficiently over state highways. What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will perform a wide variety of day-to-day maintenance operations: Section Patrol operating various vehicles/trucks & equipment Pavement maintenance and repair; apply concrete, asphalt, and synthetic materials. Drainage maintenance includes catch basins, sedimentation facilities, culvert maintenance and repair, and roadside ditching; erosion and slide repair; sign maintenance and repair: guardrail and impact attenuator installation and repair, fence installation and repair. Danger tree removal, brush control, and vegetation management: establish, maintain and repair landscaped areas, including planting and remediating sites. Haul materials such as rip rap, and hot and cold asphalt. Remove litter on state right-of-way; remove animals remains and debris from roadways. Perform minor preventative maintenance and minor mechanical repairs on equipment. Illegal encampment clean-up and disposal. Training and certification may be given to operate other highway equipment such as tractor mowers, sweepers, rollers, and flusher trucks. Track, document, and report daily work activities. Account for inventory and perform inventory of highway section. Perform snow and ice control on State Highways. Operate snowplow and chemical deicer attachments for the application of anti-icing compounds and sand to road surfaces. Maintain stockpile sites. Qualifications This is a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 (HMW2) position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate 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 the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 level:
Highway and Roadway Maintenance Expertise:
Demonstrated experience performing routine and emergency maintenance on highways, roadways, and related infrastructure including pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal. Ability to assess maintenance needs and perform repairs to highway structures, roadside features, and landscapes.Heavy Equipment Operations:
Skilled in operating and maintaining heavy equipment (e.g. front-end loaders, tractor mowers, sweepers, flushers, truck-mounted attenuators, backhoe, vactor, 32,000-60,000 GVW Dump truck with snowplow and chemical deicer attachments)Licensing & Certification:
Possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with N endorsement and without airbrakes restriction, and ability to obtain Class A within 12 months of hire. Valid CDL Medical card.Teamwork:
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently in the field. Capable of leading a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3, demonstrating sound decision-making and leadership skills. To be considered for the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 level:Licensing & Certification:
Possession of a valid Driver's License and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles. Washington State Flagging Card (or ability to obtain within two (2) months of appointment). First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment).Basic Highway Maintenance Skills :
Basic understanding of highway maintenance tasks such as pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal. Basic understanding and knowledge of hand tools, power equipment, and other tools and equipment required to perform job tasks.Safety Awareness & Compliance:
Strong understanding of workplace safety procedures and commitment to following safety policies, including confined space entry, fall protection, and hazardous material handling. Ability to participate in the creation and implementation of Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP) and attend regular safety training.Technical & Administrative Proficiency:
Ability to use electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating. Proficient in standard computer applications including Microsoft Office and email communication. In addition to one of the above, the following are also required (at both levels):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:Operational Procedures & Roadway Safety Compliance:
Ability to interpret, comprehend, and implement plans, policies, and procedures in daily operations, including snow and ice control, traffic control, and roadway safety. Commercial Driver's License (CDL)Certification:
Possession of a valid Class A CDL with N endorsement without airbrake restriction.Highway Maintenance Operations & Equipment Proficiency:
Demonstrated ability to perform highway maintenance activities, including skilled tasks such as operating equipment, conducting snow and ice control, implementing traffic control, and performing roadway, drainage, and roadside repair. Scope of experience will be evaluated in determining placement at the HMW1 or HMW2 level. Important Notes 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. Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and often near moving traffic and heavy equipment, requiring heightened situational awareness and strict adherence to safety practices. The role involves physically demanding tasks, including deploying traffic control devices, flagging, and operating maintenance vehicles and equipment, with extended periods of standing and walking. Employees must wear appropriate PPE at all times. These positions are 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, please visit www.uscis.gov This is a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan. The base salaries for each level are: Highway Maintenance Worker 2: $58,392- $71,136 Highway Maintenance Worker 1: $52,872
- $64, 512 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 individual's lifestyle. Employees in this position enjoy a standard daytime schedule, working Monday-Thursday, with three-day weekends. Paid Leave
- In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year! Plan For Your Future
- WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options.