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Highway Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER

Carson City, NV · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

The Professional Engineer is responsible for managing projects related to statewide highway operations, ITS Programs, and ITS planning efforts as well as for the development and implementation of ...

Diesel Mechanic

Ayer, MA · On-site

$28 - $37/hr

Operate vehicles for snow removal and sanding during winter, plowing, and perform emergency highway operations as needed. * Ensure safe practices in vehicle servicing, maintain a daily log of ...

Operations Support Representative FLSA Status: Non-exempt Location: Onsite, Dallas, TX Reports to ... Highway is the fastest-growing freight tech provider in North America. We are two years old and ...

Showing results 21-40

Highway Operations information

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$9

$24

$49

How much do highway operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for highway operations in the United States is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is highway operations?

Highway operations refer to the management, maintenance, and monitoring of roadways to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow. This includes activities such as traffic control, incident response, road maintenance, signage, and weather-related operations. Professionals in highway operations work to minimize traffic disruptions, maintain roadway infrastructure, and enhance safety for motorists. They may also use technology to monitor traffic conditions and coordinate with emergency services during incidents. Overall, their goal is to keep highways functioning smoothly and safely for all users.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in highway operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Highway Operations, you need strong knowledge of roadway maintenance, traffic management, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant on-the-job training. Familiarity with specialized equipment like snow plows, traffic control devices, and GIS or asset management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for responding to emergencies and coordinating with crews. These skills are crucial to ensure roadway safety, efficient traffic flow, and rapid response to incidents or adverse conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in highway operations, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Professionals in Highway Operations often encounter challenges such as responding to emergencies, managing traffic flow during construction, and ensuring roadway safety despite unpredictable weather or traffic incidents. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong communication and coordination with law enforcement, maintenance crews, and traffic engineers. Proactive planning, regular training, and the use of modern traffic management technologies can help teams anticipate issues and respond quickly, ensuring public safety and minimal disruption to road users.

What is the difference between Highway Operations vs Highway Maintenance?

AspectHighway OperationsHighway Maintenance
Primary FocusManaging traffic flow, safety, and incident response on highwaysRepairing, inspecting, and maintaining roadway infrastructure
Required CertificationsDriver's license, traffic management certificationsEquipment operation, safety certifications, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraffic management centers, on-road traffic controlRoadside, construction sites, maintenance yards
Employer & Industry UsageTransportation departments, public agenciesConstruction firms, government maintenance divisions

Highway Operations focuses on managing traffic and safety on highways, while Highway Maintenance involves physical repair and upkeep of roadway infrastructure. Both roles are essential for highway functionality but differ in daily tasks and skill requirements.

What cities are hiring for Highway Operations jobs?

Cities with the most Highway Operations job openings:

Infographic showing various Highway Operations job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Highway Maintenance Worker 2 | Seasonal

Olympia, WA

State of Washington
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$4.8K - $5.9K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate highway equipment and tools to perform roadway and structure maintenance, repairs, and snow and ice control.

  • Assist in hauling materials, maintaining stockpile sites, and performing pavement, drainage, sign, guardrail, and vegetation maintenance tasks.

  • Participate in emergency response activities, including snow removal, debris clearance, and performing minor mechanical repairs on equipment.


State Of Washington rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 50 rated states


Job description

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 looking for a motivated Seasonal Highway Maintenance Worker 2 to join our team at Steven Pass, WA. This is a hands-on opportunity to put your skills to work maintaining Washington's highways and keeping people, goods, and communities moving safely. Working alongside experienced maintenance professionals, you'll operate a variety of highway equipment and tools while tackling everything from roadway and structure maintenance to repairs and other essential highway operations.

If you enjoy working outdoors, staying active, operating equipment, and seeing the results of your work at the end of the day, this could be the perfect seasonal opportunity for you. 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 45 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 2 will: Perform snow and ice control; load trucks while operating a front-end loader from stockpiles or pits; Operate snowplow and chemical deicer attachments for the application of anti-icing compounds and sand to road surfaces. Work together in a crew setting to effectively remove snow and ice from highways, work on mountain pass, avalanche/slide debris removal. Haul materials such as sand, gravel, and other items.

Maintain stockpile sites. Pavement maintenance and repair; apply concrete, asphalt, synthetic materials. Drainage maintenance including catch basins, sedimentation facilities, culvert maintenance and repair, and roadside ditching; erosion and slide repair; sign maintenance and repair; guardrail and impact attenuator installation & repair; fence installation & repair.

Danger tree removal, brush control, and vegetation management; establish, maintain, and repair landscaped areas. Perform minor preventative maintenance and minor mechanical repairs on equipment. Perform encampment clean-up and disposal.

Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required: Licensing & Certification: Possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with N endorsement and without airbrakes restriction. Washington State Flagging Card (or ability to obtain within two (2) months of appointment). First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment).

Valid CDL Medical card. Highway and Roadway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated experience performing routine and emergency maintenance on highways, roadways, and related infrastructure 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.

Heavy Equipment Operations: Skilled in operating and maintaining heavy equipment (e.g.front-end loaders, tractor mowers, sweepers, flushers, truck-mounted attenuators, backhoe, vactor, 32,000 60,000 GVW Dump truck with snowplow and chemical deicer attachments) 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: Ability to use electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating

Proficient in standard computer applications including Microsoft Office and email communication. Teamwork: 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. The following qualifications are also required: Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. 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: Highway Maintenance Operations: Demonstrated ability to perform a variety of skilled highway maintenance activities, including operating maintenance equipment, conducting snow and ice control operations, implementing traffic control, and performing roadway, drainage, roadside, and highway structure repairs.

Safety, Policies & Procedures: Demonstrated ability to interpret, understand, and consistently apply plans, policies, procedures, and safety requirements to daily highway maintenance operations, including snow and ice control, traffic control, and roadway safety. Commercial Driver's License: Possession of a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with an N endorsement and no air-brake restriction, with the ability to maintain the required license and endorsements. Important Notes This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

This position is not eligible for remote work. 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. 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 357-28of 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 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 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 amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference Seasonal Highway Maintenance Worker 2 #2S016 in the subject line.


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About State of Washington

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Washington is not a traditional company, but a governmental organization that is tasked with managing the various state-run services and enterprises in Washington. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA, the organization is responsible for the overall administration of the state's agencies and public services. Since the admission of Washington into the Union on November 11, 1890, the state government has aimed to provide a high quality of life for its residents through effective and efficient public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1889