Highway Equipment Operator I

Calvert County Government

5d•$43,888 - $47,029

About The Position

The Highway Equipment Operator I performs a variety of maintenance and repair tasks related to county roads and highway infrastructure, including rights-of-way, drainage systems, road surfaces, signage, guardrails, and related structures. The role regularly uses maintenance equipment but does not primarily focus on equipment operation. Work is performed under the supervision of a crew leader or Highway Equipment Operator III. The position is based in the Department of Public Works, Highway Maintenance, and is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, nonexempt position. The pay rate is $21.10–$22.61 per hour, or $43,888–$47,029 annually. The position closing date is November 25, 2026.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Two years of relevant experience in road or highway maintenance or a related field; an acceptable combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be substituted on a full-time year-for-year basis.
Valid driver's license.
Must be 18 years of age.
Must possess or obtain within six months of employment a valid Class B commercial driver's license, a current Medical Examiner's Certificate in accordance with Federal Regulations, OSHA 10 certification, Trench Safety certification, Confined Space Entry certification, and Maryland Flagger certification.
Ability to perform varied road and highway maintenance tasks and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to interact professionally and effectively with the public and coworkers.
Skill in operating maintenance tools and equipment safely and efficiently and operating leveling instruments for grading.
Knowledge of road and highway maintenance practices.
Must be able to perform strenuous manual work involving walking over rough, uneven terrain; repeated bending, climbing, crouching, stooping, stretching, and reaching; and lifting objects up to 100 pounds.
Must be able to work outdoors with exposure to dirt, dust, noise, inclement weather, road-traffic hazards, and equipment hazards.
May be required to work extended hours, remain on-site during emergencies, or be called in for after-hours work.
May be subject to alcohol and drug testing.
Operation of a County-owned vehicle is required.

Responsibilities

Maintain roadsides by mowing, applying herbicides, clearing brush and debris, spreading mulch, and removing weeds and dead vegetation.
Maintain and repair road surfaces by patching potholes and reconditioning unpaved shoulders and ditches.
Excavate ditches and trenches, and cut, lay, and install pipe and concrete storm drains.
Fabricate, install, repair, and maintain roadway signs; apply lettering and maintain sign inventory records.
Operate maintenance tools and equipment, including mowing tractors, pickup trucks, paint machines, weed eaters, saws, chain saws, spray painters, gas-operated tree pruners, gas post-hole augers/drivers, and transit levels.
Operate Class V or Class B commercial vehicles and smaller equipment as required.
Assist with snow removal and other weather-related emergencies.
Paint road centerlines and edgelines.
Provide traffic control support during roadwork and emergencies.
Support special events by staging materials and equipment.
Perform janitorial or cleaning duties for County facilities as assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned.