Highway Maintenance Worker - Lead

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!

WSDOT is seeking a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 to join the Northwest Region Maintenance organization in Bellevue, WA. As a member of the regional maintenance team, this role operates a wide variety of highway equipment and tools while leading entry- and journey-level Highway Maintenance Workers and performing skilled maintenance work on WSDOT roadways and highway structures. This position may occasionally supervise a crew in the absence of the Highway Maintenance Supervisor.

The work performed in this role supports WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options that improve communities and economic vitality for people and businesses. A strong candidate will demonstrate technical expertise, sound judgment, leadership by example, and a commitment to safety and teamwork.

This position performs work that is often physical in nature and performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions, and often next to high-volume, high-speed traffic that may require standing for extended periods of time. The schedule is Tuesday through Thursday, 40-hours per week, for 4, 10-hour shifts. Days, nights, weekends and holidays may be required to respond to non-scheduled or call‑out emergencies.

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

• Lead Highway Maintenance crews in the daily performance of all maintenance and operations tasks throughout State highways.
• Prioritize, plan, schedule, and budget maintenance activities, while coordinating equipment and personnel.
• Maintain and submit daily records and reports of maintenance activities and enter data into computerized systems (e.g., Highway Activity Tracking System (HATS), Work Zone Database (WZDB), Traffic Sign Management System (TSMS, etc.); while ensuring accuracy.
• Train personnel in equipment usage, safety, highway maintenance, and public relations.
• Operate Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and heavy equipment such as dump truck with plow and sander units, front end loaders, truck/trailer combos, sweepers, mowers, and pickups.
• Assist in assembling, installing and replacing signs and sign posts using a variety of equipment and tools.
• Perform asphalt, concrete, drainage, vegetation, and roadside maintenance, including repairs and installation of safety features such as guardrail and impact attenuators.
• Lead and perform snow and ice control operations, including applying anti-icing compounds and loading trucks.
• Act as traffic control lead during emergency operations and assist crews with traffic control setup and response.
• Assist in the safe cleanup and removal of unlawful dwellings.

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

• Highway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrates advanced-level proficiency 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.
• Operational Decision-Making: Applies sound judgment in dynamic field conditions, making timely decisions that support safety, operational continuity, and agency standards.
• Customer Service Excellence: Provides responsive, respectful, and solution-oriented service to internal and external customers, representing the agency with professionalism.
• Independent Work & Prioritization: Manages workload effectively with minimal supervision, prioritizing…