State of Washington - Washington Department of Transportation

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 a skilled and safety-focused Maintenance Specialist 3 to join the Olympic Region’s Maintenance & Operations team. In this role, you will lead and perform the maintenance, repair, and installation of highway signage while mentoring and training other maintenance staff. This position plays a vital role in keeping Washington’s highways safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible by responding to weather events, natural disasters, and other roadway emergencies. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to teamwork, safety, and environmental stewardship. This work directly supports WSDOT’s strategic goals in workforce development, diversity and inclusion, and long-term system resilience.

What to Expect

Typical schedule: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week (4 days of 10 hours each). Must be ready for weekend and holiday emergencies, reporting to duty within 60 minutes for after-hours calls. Work includes alternating emergency shifts in all weather, 24/7, both independently and as part of a team. Long hours and occasional night shifts, standby duty, or call-backs may be required.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Maintenance Specialist 3 will:

• Lead and perform maintenance, repair, and installation of highway signage, including overhead signs, posts, and components, ensuring work meets safety and quality standards.
• Plan and schedule sign maintenance activities, interpret plans and blueprints, and coordinate personnel, equipment, and materials to complete assigned work efficiently.
• Fabricate and prepare highway signs by cutting, painting, and applying reflective sheeting to create durable and visible signage.
• Operate Class A, B, and C highway equipment and specialized tools such as ladder and boom trucks, augers, and striping machines to complete sign and roadway maintenance tasks.
• Maintain accurate records of daily activities, materials, and equipment usage using computerized systems such as HATS, WZDB, and TSMS.
• Perform general highway maintenance and repair, including pavement, drainage, vegetation control, and snow and ice removal to ensure safe and open roadways.
• Respond to emergencies by providing traffic control, incident response, and cleanup of debris, spills, and unlawful encampments in coordination with other agencies.
• Promote and enforce safety practices by developing Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP), maintaining PPE, and ensuring safe work zones for crews and the traveling public.

Qualifications

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

• Highway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated experience performing highway maintenance or sign fabrication work, applying technical knowledge to maintain, repair, and construct transportation infrastructure safely and efficiently.
• Commercial Driving Proficiency: Possesses an unrestricted Class A CDL with “N” endorsement, enabling legal operation of heavy vehicles and equipment in Washington State.
• Equipment Operation & Certification: Holds or can obtain within six (6) months an NCCCO Digger Derrick Operator Certification and a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card to perform safe and compliant traffic control operations per MUTCD standards.
• Communication & Customer Service: Experience communicating with diverse audiences, both orally and in writing, and provides excellent customer service when coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Independent Work & Prioritization: Ability to manage workload independently, prioritizing multiple assignments and adapting to changing priorities while maintaining efficiency and accuracy.
• Safety Commitment: Ability to adhere to established safety policies and procedures, maintaining vigilance in promoting a safe work environment for self, coworkers, and the traveling public.
• Technology Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency using Windows-based computers and software applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Outlook, and cloud computing tools to complete daily documentation and reporting tasks.
• Respect and Equity: Demonstrates the ability to contribute to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.

In addition to the above, the following is also required:

• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 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 the assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours callout.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work at elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Educational Foundation: Possession of a high school diploma, GED certificate, or equivalent education.
• Maintenance Leadership Experience: Demonstrated experience as a Highway Maintenance Worker 2, Bridge Maintenance Technician 2, or Maintenance Specialist 2, demonstrating progressively responsible maintenance and operational expertise.
• Equipment Operation & Transport: Experience operating and transporting heavy equipment and vehicles weighing 26,000 GVW or more.
• Crew Leadership & Decision-Making: Experience leading or supervising maintenance crews, providing clear direction, and making effective decisions under pressure.
• Technical Equipment Knowledge: Understanding of Transportation Equipment Fund (TEF) equipment.
• Plans Reading Knowledge: Possession of a Plans Reading Certification demonstrating the ability to interpret and apply technical plans and drawings.
• Local Area Familiarity: Knowledge of the surrounding area, including roadway systems, geography, and environmental factors affecting maintenance operations.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• Duties involve physical tasks outdoors in various weather conditions, including high winds, both day and night, often near high-speed traffic. Responsibilities include manual labor, machinery operation, and working in confined spaces. There is exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, and environmental conditions, including hot asphalt and potential waste hazards.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 at yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-OR-30818e 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025

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