Highway Engineer Jobs in Washington

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 world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a skilled and motivated Highway Maintenance Worker to join our team in Forks, WA. As a journey-level member of the regional maintenance organization, you will play a vital role in keeping Washington’s transportation system safe, reliable, and accessible. Working under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor, you will operate a variety of specialized equipment and tools to maintain and repair highways, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure that support the movement of people and commerce throughout the region.

This hands-on position offers the opportunity to perform a wide range of skilled maintenance activities while contributing directly to the safety and mobility of the traveling public. In addition to carrying out critical maintenance and repair work, you may occasionally provide crew leadership in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3. Safety is at the core of everything we do, and this position plays an essential role in ensuring the well-being of motorists, coworkers, and the communities we serve.

What to Expect

Work is generally performed Monday–Thursday on four 10-hour shifts; however, weekends, holidays, night work, and extended hours may be required for emergency response and non-scheduled callouts. The position requires the ability to report to the duty station within 60 minutes, respond in all weather conditions, and participate in rotational night, standby, and call-back assignments.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker will:
- Operate Class A, B and C highway equipment.
- Conduct asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair; apply concrete, asphalt, and synthetic materials.
- Guardrail, fence, and impact attenuator installation and repair.
- Perform drainage maintenance.
- Complete erosion and slide repair.
- Tree removal; vegetation management, including pesticide application; establish, maintain, and repair landscaped areas.
- Transport heavy equipment and materials.
- Remove litter on state right-of-way; remove dead animals and debris from roadways.
- Track, document, and report daily work activities into computerized systems.
- Prepare and complete third-party damage estimates (i.e., K3) through computerized systems.
- Utilize email and other personal computer applications, such as Microsoft Office programs.
- Actively participate in the development and implementation of Pre Activity Safety Plans (PASP).
- Adhere and strictly follow all current and future safety protocols and policies and maintain diligence in promoting a safe work environment and performing work in a safe manner.
- Attend monthly organization safety meetings to ensure safe work practices and compliance with new regulations including confined space, fall restraint, and traffic control.
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for each task.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Highway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated skills in highway maintenance practices, 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.
- Licensing: Possession of an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement to legally operate vehicles in Washington State; or obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.
- Equipment Operation: Ability to operate and maintain various Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles following WSDOT standards. Ability to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites.
- Traffic Control & Work Zone Operations: Knowledge of traffic control practices following the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Ability to plan and implement safe work zones, including flagging, signage, and the use of cones/barrels.
- Certifications: The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire. The ability to obtain within 6 months of hire and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification. Possession of Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License; or obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.
- 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: Skilled in the use of electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating (e.g., HATS, WZDB, TSMS). Proficient in standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office and email communication.
- Teamwork & Leadership: 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.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required:
- Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
- Ability to respond to assigned duty station with 60 minutes of an afterhours callout.
- Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Traffic Control Operations: Demonstrated knowledge of traffic control principles, practices, and procedures, including the ability to safely plan, establish, maintain, and remove traffic control zones in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and agency standards.
- Computer and Technology Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize computers, mobile technology, and software applications to complete work assignments, access and maintain records, communicate information, and perform daily operational tasks.
- Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally with diverse audiences through both verbal and written communication, including the ability to convey information, provide direction, coordinate activities, and maintain positive working relationships.
- Safety Compliance and Work Practices: Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety through consistent application of safety policies, procedures, and best practices, including the ability to identify hazards, mitigate risks, and perform work safely in a dynamic transportation environment.

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 the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
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.
To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
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 (FMCSA). 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 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.

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, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Highway Maintenance Worker 2 #30371 in the subject line.