Traffic Control Assistant Jobs in Steilacoom, WA

Salary : $62,880.00 - $76,608.00 Annually
Location : Spokane County - Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 26DOT-ER-61377
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Eastern Region
Opening Date: 08/18/2026
Closing Date: 9/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
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 seeking to fill a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 - Lead vacancy for the Area 1 Work Zone Traffic Control Team. Under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor, this position will serve a member of the regional maintenance organization, operate a wide variety of highway equipment and tools and set up and remove all types of traffic control required for maintenance and emergency operations. This position will be responsible for leading a crew of Highway Maintenance Workers and regularly performing skilled highway maintenance tasks on State Highways within an assigned area. This position will ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce through timely roadway preservation, emergency response, and daily operational support, and may assume supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Highway Maintenance Supervisor.
What to Expect
This position performs work that is often physical in nature and performed primarily outdoors and often next to high-volume, high-speed traffic that may require standing for extended periods of time. A typical schedule is Monday through Thursday, 40 hours per week, for 4, 10-hour days. Days, nights, weekends and holidays may be required to respond to non-scheduled or call-out emergencies. Rotational night shift is required.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 3 will:

• Coordinate the use of equipment and personnel with fellow Highway Maintenance Crew Leaders.
• Prepare and complete Third-Party Damage estimates and document work completion.
• Enter all maintenance activities into computerized systems such as Highway Activity Tracking System (HATS), Work Zone Data base (WZDB), Traffic Sign Management System (TSMS); review computerized records to ensure accuracy.
• Provide traffic control for and assist in repairing and maintaining asphalt and concrete pavement; apply concrete, asphalt, and synthetic materials.
• Perform drainage maintenance including catch basins, sedimentation facilities, ditches, erosion and slide repair; sign maintenance and repair; guardrail, fence, and impact attenuator installation and repair.
• Serve as the traffic control lead and assists crews in setting up and performing traffic control during emergency operations and maintenance work activities.
• Lead and perform snow and ice control to include snow plowing and application of anti-icing compounds and abrasives to road surface with truck mounted equipment.
• Ensure crew members are adhering to Winter Operations Plan including Safety, Pre-Trip equipment inspections, Application Guidelines. and Treatment Level Goals.
• Serve as the traffic control lead and assist crews in setting up and performing traffic control during emergency operations and maintenance work activities.
• Design and set up traffic control for assigned operations including full road or bridge closures according to departmental and MUTCD standards.

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

• Safety Leadership: Demonstrated ability to consistently apply safe work practices, identify hazards, follow established safety procedures, and promote a culture of safety while working in high-risk environments.
• Leadership & Crew Coordination: Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate the work of others by assigning tasks, providing instruction, monitoring work progress, mentoring employees, and promoting teamwork while maintaining positive working relationships.
• Roadway Maintenance: Demonstrated ability to operate heavy equipment and perform roadway maintenance activities such as snow and ice control, traffic control, pavement repair, drainage maintenance, vegetation management, or closely related work such as construction excavation, logging, or farming.
• 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:

• A class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), endorsement N (Air Brake restriction removed), to include valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate.
• A valid Traffic Control/Flagging card, or ability to obtain within six (6) months.
• A valid First Aid Certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to respond to assigned duty station with 45 minutes of an afterhours callout.
• 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/have:

• Roadway Maintenance Expertise: Experience in performing roadway maintenance, traffic control, bridge maintenance/construction, and/or heavy equipment operation.
• Emergency Response: Experience responding to emergency roadway incidents, natural disasters, severe weather events, or other incidents requiring rapid decision-making and coordination with partner agencies.
• Computer Applications: Experience utilizing maintenance management or asset management systems such as HATS,WZDB, TSMS, Clear AI, Safetrac, or similar computerized maintenance systems.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• This position may be subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For more information, please go to
• 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 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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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 . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-ER-61377 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