Entry Level Highway Incident Response Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 currently seeking a dedicated professional to join the Northwest Region Incident Response Team (IRT), playing a vital role in keeping Washington's highways safe, reliable, and moving efficiently. In this position, you will support rapid and effective traffic incident response that enhances public safety, protects fellow responders, and helps restore the transportation system as quickly as possible. Your work will directly contribute to reducing congestion, improving mobility, and advancing WSDOT's mission while supporting nationally recognized Traffic Incident Management best practices.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by serving the traveling public and fostering a workplace built on safety, respect, collaboration, and inclusion. What to Expect This position works primarily outdoors year-round in all weather conditions, during both day and night shifts, and in environments that include high-speed traffic, bodies of water, confined spaces, elevated heights, and both stationery and moving work platforms. The role requires frequent operation of heavy vehicles and equipment, extended standing and walking, traversing uneven terrain, climbing and moving materials up to 50 pounds, and performing physically demanding tasks that require balance, agility, and manual dexterity.

The position is regularly exposed to hazards common in highway maintenance and incident response environments, including severe weather, loud noise, dust, fumes, exhaust, limited visibility, hazardous chemicals and materials, hot asphalt, and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other biological or chemical waste. Strict adherence to safety procedures and the use of personal protective equipment are essential. Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, these Incident Response - Highway Maintenance Worker 2's will: Conduct routine patrols, respond to incidents and emergency callouts, and restore safe, efficient traffic flow on state highways.

Serve as a first responder by assisting disabled motorists, removing roadway hazards and debris, performing minor vehicle repairs, providing First Aid/CPR when needed, and coordinating towing services when necessary. Respond to collisions, spills, and other roadway emergencies, coordinating with the Washington State Patrol, Traffic Management Center (TMC), fire agencies, and other emergency responders to support safe, quick incident clearance. Establish and maintain emergency traffic control by performing flagging operations, placing traffic control devices, and implementing lane closures, road closures, and detours in accordance with WSDOT procedures and MUTCD standards.

Monitor roadway conditions, identify safety hazards, infrastructure deficiencies, and pavement damage, and coordinate appropriate maintenance responses for emergency repairs. Plan and conduct roving patrols for special events and other anticipated traffic impacts to improve mobility and incident response. Operate and maintain required communications systems, prepare daily activity reports, and accurately document incident information using statewide tracking systems (WITS).

Obtain and maintain required certifications, including Flagging and First Aid/CPR, and perform Incident Response Team (IRT) duties in compliance with WSDOT policies, safety requirements, and operational standards. Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required: Highway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated skill in emergency response, debris removal, and emergency roadside operations, including tire changes, fuel assistance, jump starts, and deployment of appropriate traffic control devices. Technical Expertise & Field Operations: Working knowledge of roadway maintenance, construction practices, heavy equipment operation, truck driving, traffic control, timber operations, or landscaping.

Licensing: Possession of a valid Washington State Driver License with the ability to operate a state-owned vehicle. Traffic Control & Work Zone Operations: Knowledge of traffic control practices in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the ability to safely implement work zones using flagging, signs, cones, and other traffic control devices. Safety & Risk Management: Ability to work safely and independently in high-traffic and hazardous environments while applying safety protocols, situational awareness, and emergency response principles.

Communication & Coordination: Ability to communicate effectively using radio systems, electronic devices, and computer-based tools to coordinate incident response and provide timely information to internal and external partners. Technical & Administrative Proficiency: Proficiency using computer applications, electronic systems, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, email, and electronic timekeeping or inventory management systems. Professionalism & Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with coworkers, partner agencies, and the public while fostering a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

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: Incident Response Certification: Completion of National Incident Management System (NIMS) training, including FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800.

Traffic Control Certification: Possession of a valid Traffic Control/Flagging certification. First Aid & CPR Certification: Possession of a valid First Aid/CPR certification. Safety Compliance: Knowledge of workplace safety practices, including confined space entry, fall protection, hazardous material handling, and participation in Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP).

Leadership: Ability to provide field leadership, make sound decisions, and lead a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3. Important Notes This recruitment will be used to fill four permanent positions within the Northwest Region. This recruitment may also be used to fill additional vacant positions.

This position is not eligible for remote work. The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. 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 (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 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 a 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. 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 at Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-12266em-1 in the subject line.