Mary Beth Bothman was working as a Union Carpenter when she was recruited by her former Maintenance Supervisors to work for the WSDOT as a Maintenance Technician 1. Two years later she promoted to Maintenance Tech 2.

Mary Beth is assigned all of the typical duties of a MT 2, e.g. operating Class A highway equipment, cleaning debris from the roadways, repairing guardrail and guardrail posts, snow and ice control, cleaning culverts and ditches, etc.

She says one important task she takes pride in performing is “flagging.” She acknowledges that most employees find the task boring, but she says she likes to perform this duty because of its importance. Mary Beth expressed that not only is traffic control essential to the safety of her colleagues and the motoring public, it also can be the difference between a project going smoothly or being held up because of traffic control issues.

Mary is not afraid to try new things. Maintenance Superintendent Ernie Sims has high praise for her efforts in the workplace. He states:

“If help is needed in the office, she will answer the phones and even write permits. I asked Marty Beth to get her spray license and to take on getting the chemical inventory under control. She now has her license and the inventory is under control. I appreciate her winning attitude and her commitment to perform her duties well.”
“When asked what she likes best about her job, she quickly responded “working with her colleagues and serving the public.”

Mary Beth was born and raised in Whitman County. She and her husband own a farm, which keeps them both very busy. She serves as a Superintendent at the “Beef Barn”, home of the annual Palouse Empire Fair. She also serves as a Board member of the Fair.

Mary Beth enjoys Steelhead fishing in Lewiston, Idaho. She has five children and 14 grandchildren; she spends many enjoyable hours keeping up with all of their activities.

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