What are the responsibilities and job description for the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 – Rest Area Attendant position at State of Washington?
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 seeking to fill a Highway Maintenance Worker 1 vacancy located in Cle Elum, WA. This position will support the WSDOT mission by providing year-round operational support and maintenance of the Indian John Rest Area on Interstate 90. In this role, you will perform Rest Area Maintenance work such as cleaning restrooms, garbage removal, general site cleanup/upkeep, vegetation management, and clearing snow and ice from sidewalks. In this essential role, you will also be responsible for the maintenance of the buildings and grounds, perform a variety of janitorial work, make small repairs, and aid the traveling public to journey safely & efficiently over state highways. This position requires a self-directed individual who takes independent action to resolve maintenance problems as they occur. Our top candidate will possess a willingness to work any shift, including weekends and holidays as the Rest Areas are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
What to Expect
This position performs work that is often physical in nature and performed outdoors and inside rest area buildings. Work may include negotiating uneven terrain, working low to the ground, at ground level, or at elevated heights above the head, assisting others and/or working in confirmed spaces, and inclement weather.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 1 will:
- Perform a variety of janitorial services at highway safety rest area, including but not limited to cleaning, disinfecting, replenishing supplies, sweeping, and mopping floors in facilities.
- Collect garbage bags and pick up litter and debris in and around rest areas.
- Remove snow and ice from sidewalks and entrances.
- Inspect restrooms and perform minor repairs needed to stalls, plumbing, lighting, and paper dispensers.
- Operate tools, equipment and machinery including but not limited to weed cutters, hedge trimmer, and other various hand and electric powered tools.
- Maintain landscaped areas by mowing (riding and push mowers) trimming and pruning trees and shrubbery, weeding flower and shrub beds.
- Maintain inventory of supplies and vehicle records.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- 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 and attend regular safety training. Ability to interpret Material Safety Data Sheets for the proper mixing and handling of chemicals.
- Effective Communication Skills: Demonstrates appropriate and professional behavior when interacting with internal and external customers. Communicates clearly and effectively with transportation system users and partners to support safe and coordinated operations.
- Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently in the field. Capable of working independently or with a team.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
In addition to the above competencies, the following are also required:
- At least 18 years old on or before February 10, 2026.
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
- Ability to obtain/maintain required safety certifications (e.g., First Aid) within six (6) months of hire.
- Ability and willingness to work varying shifts, including weekends, holidays, and respond to emergency callouts 27 hours a day/7 days a week.
- Ability to work in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and ability to traverse uneven terrain.
- Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Facilities Maintenance & Janitorial Skills: Demonstrated ability to perform maintenance and cleaning tasks in buildings and facilities, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality results.
- Tool and Equipment Proficiency: Skilled in the safe use of basic hand tools and power equipment for maintenance, repair, and cleaning tasks.
- Chemical Safety & Application: Ability to interpret and follow Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to properly handle, mix, and apply cleaning chemicals in accordance with safety standards.
- Attention to Detail & Cleanliness Standards: Ability to maintain cleanliness, order, and functionality of facilities by adhering to established procedures and quality expectations.
- Workplace Safety & Awareness: Solid understanding and experience applying safe work practices to protect self, coworkers, and facility users during maintenance and janitorial activities.
Important Notes
- Travel is regularly required and may be up to 150 miles a day between the Maintenance Site/Duty Station and Rest Area Facilities.
- This position is 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 may be 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
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 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.
- 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. NOTE: This information may 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 Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SCR-50899 in the subject line.
Salary : $51,840 - $63,252