Striping Crew Lead (HMW3)

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 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 a motivated and skilled Striping Crew Lead (Highway Maintenance Worker 3) to join our team in Yakima, WA. In this key leadership role, you will oversee a four-person striping crew responsible for pavement marking and striping operations throughout the South Central Region. Combining hands-on fieldwork with crew leadership, you will coordinate daily operations, schedule projects, mentor team members, and ensure work is completed efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with state and federal standards.

As the Striping Crew Lead, you will foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement while working in dynamic roadway environments. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the visibility and effectiveness of roadway markings that guide millions of travelers each year. Through your leadership and technical expertise, you will help ensure Washington's transportation system remains safe, reliable, and accessible for the movement of people, goods, and services across the state.

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 3 will:

Establish, implement, and maintain pavement marking and striping operations for all South Central Region (SCR) work activities.
Lead and ensure the layout, application, and removal of temporary and permanent pavement markings for lane lines, edge lines, crosswalks, symbols, legends, and other roadway delineation on two-lane and multi-lane highways.
Operate and maintain striping equipment and vehicles, including paint trucks, thermoplastic applicators, bead dispensers, grinders, and support vehicles.
Ensure proper calibration, material handling, and equipment setup to achieve accurate, durable, and high-visibility markings.
Perform both mobile and stationary striping operations while working in active traffic environments, utilizing appropriate traffic control measures to protect crew members and the traveling public.
Support emergency and priority response activities by installing temporary pavement markings, removing damaged markings, or modifying existing striping patterns to accommodate traffic revisions, construction activities, or roadway incidents.
Perform snow and ice control operations from assigned WSDOT Maintenance Facilities during the winter season.
Respond to emergencies, on-call, and after-hours events such as severe weather, roadway incidents, closures, and other unplanned maintenance needs.
Transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Work in all weather conditions, including some night shifts and long hours. Occasional standby and call-back duties may be necessary, and rotational night shifts are a requirement for the position.

Qualifications

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

Highway and Roadway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated advanced knowledge and 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, 26,000 -56,000 GVW Dump truck with snowplow and chemical deicer attachments)
Leadership in Adverse Conditions: Proven ability to supervise personnel engaged in snow and ice removal operations, ensuring safe and effective performance in adverse weather conditions during both day and nighttime hours.
Licensing & Certification: Possession of a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement without airbrakes restriction, Valid CDL Medical card. o Washington State Flagging Card (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment), First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment).
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.
Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It Is Preferred That Qualified Candidates Also Demonstrate

Winter Operations Planning and Execution: Demonstrated knowledge of snow and ice control plans with the ability to interpret, apply, and lead crews in implementing winter maintenance procedures. Ability to make operational decisions in dynamic conditions to ensure safe and effective winter roadway operations.
Traffic Control and Work Zone Safety Implementation: Proficiency in interpreting and applying the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and related work zone traffic control standards. Ability to establish, implement, and monitor safe traffic control setups to protect workers and the traveling public in active roadway environments.
Heavy Equipment Operation and Field Versatility: Demonstrated ability to safely operate a wide range of highway maintenance equipment to support roadway, winter, and emergency maintenance operations. Ability to adapt equipment use to varying field conditions and operational needs while maintaining safety and efficiency standards.

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.
To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
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.
In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026, upon legislative approval.
This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 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 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.

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at ***email_hidden***. Please be sure to reference Highway Maintenance Worker 3 #50435 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 employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Which statement best describes your experience performing highway and roadway maintenance activities (e.g., pavement repair, drainage, erosion control, vegetation management, sign/guardrail installation, debris removal)?

I have advanced/journey-level experience independently performing and coordinating a wide range of highway and roadway maintenance activities, including assessing conditions, prioritizing repairs, and leading or directing corrective work in both routine and emergency situations.
I have extensive experience performing a broad range of highway and roadway maintenance activities with minimal supervision and can independently assess maintenance needs and complete repairs.
I have experience performing routine highway and roadway maintenance tasks under general supervision.
I have assisted with highway and roadway maintenance activities but do not independently perform or assess work.
I have no experience performing highway or roadway maintenance work.

Which statement best describes your experience operating and maintaining heavy highway maintenance equipment?

I have extensive experience independently operating and maintaining a wide variety of heavy equipment (e.g., loaders, backhoes, sweepers, Vactor, snowplow-equipped dump trucks) in both routine and emergency highway operations, including adverse weather conditions.
I have experience safely operating multiple types of heavy equipment in highway or construction environments with minimal supervision.
I have experience operating heavy equipment under supervision or in limited operational settings.
I have assisted with equipment operation but have limited hands-on operating experience.
I have no experience operating heavy equipment.

Do you have a current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A with endorsement N and without air brakes restriction and no transmission restrictions?

Please list any and all endorsements on your driver's license. If your driver's license does not have any endorsements, please type "N/A."

Do you currently possess a Washington State Flagging Card?

Do you currently possess a valid First Aid Certification?

Which statement best describes your experience applying workplace safety standards in maintenance or construction environments?

I have extensive experience leading and enforcing safety programs, including development and implementation of Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP), confined space procedures, fall protection, hazardous materials handling, and conducting safety briefings and inspections.
I consistently apply workplace safety procedures, participate in safety planning, and ensure compliance with multiple safety standards in field operations.
I follow established safety procedures and regularly participate in required safety training.
I have limited experience working under formal safety programs or procedures.
I have no experience working under structured safety requirements.

Which statement best describes your experience using technology and administrative systems in a maintenance or operational environment?

I independently use and may train others on multiple systems including maintenance tracking, timekeeping, inventory systems, cost estimating tools, and produce reports or documentation using Microsoft Office and related applications.
I regularly use electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost documentation with minimal assistance.
I use basic computer systems such as email, Microsoft Office, and timekeeping systems to complete assigned tasks.
I have limited experience using electronic systems for maintenance or administrative work.
I have no experience using electronic or computerized systems in a work setting.

Which statement best describes your experience implementing snow and ice control plans and winter maintenance operations?

I have led crews in interpreting, implementing, and adjusting snow and ice control plans, making real-time operational decisions to ensure safe and effective winter roadway conditions in high-pressure environments.
I have independently implemented winter maintenance procedures and supported decision-making during snow and ice events.
I have participated in winter operations and followed established snow and ice control procedures under supervision.
I have limited exposure to winter maintenance operations.
I have no experience with winter operations.

Which statement best describes your experience applying MUTCD standards and establishing work zone traffic control setups?

I have extensive experience designing, implementing, and overseeing work zone traffic control setups in accordance with MUTCD standards, including leading crews and ensuring compliance in high-traffic or high-risk environments.
I have independently installed and maintained traffic control setups and ensured compliance with MUTCD standards.
I have assisted in establishing work zone traffic control under supervision.
I have limited experience with traffic control setup or MUTCD application.
I have no experience with traffic control or MUTCD standards.

Are you able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and emergency callouts?

Are you able to safely work in adverse weather and traffic environments?

Are you willing and able to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds?

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

Indeed
LinkedIn
Direct Email Notification
WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
Career Fair
Monster
WorkSource
"NOW HIRING" banner/sign
Radio advertisement
WSDOT Employment Site
Careers.wa.gov
governmentjobs.com
Other (specify below)

If You Selected 'Other' On The Previous Question, Please Specify How You Learned Of This Employment Opportunity In The Space Provided

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