Highway Maintenance Specialist - Denver (CDL Required)

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is hiring a Highway Maintenance Specialist in Denver, Colorado. This hands-on role helps keep Colorado roadways open and safe through maintenance, repair, traffic control, and emergency response. Work varies according to project needs, weather, environmental conditions, and road conditions. Specialists typically work as part of a maintenance team and are on-call on a rotating basis and as needed for weather and other emergencies. The position includes a 4-day, 10-hour schedule during the summer months, typically May through September, and a 40-hour work week with overtime opportunities during weather emergencies. The role involves working outdoors in variable weather and at elevations up to 12,000 feet, working near traffic, responding to emergencies outside regular hours, and potentially working weekends and holidays. Employees must be prepared to perform physically demanding work and use appropriate safety equipment. Base pay is stated as $2,074.62 biweekly ($53,940–$54,000 annually), with a $12,000 housing stipend and stated total annual compensation of $65,940. The annualized hourly rate is $25.93, with an overtime rate of $38.90 per hour. CDOT provides personal protective equipment, tools, training, and opportunities to learn new equipment and advance. Applicants must have at least two years of physical labor and/or heavy equipment operation experience and a valid Colorado Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License without an air-brake restriction, or be eligible to operate in Colorado with their CDL at hire.

Requirements

At least two years of physical labor and/or heavy equipment operation experience.
Must possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License Class A or B with no air-brake restriction that allows operation in Colorado. Applicants with a non-Colorado CDL must be eligible to drive in Colorado with that CDL at hire; those relocating to Colorado must transfer their CDL within 30 days of relocation.
Must pass pre-employment screening, which may include social security number trace, criminal records, public court records, educational records, and driving records checks.
May be required to pass a controlled substance test and a DOT physical.
Must be available for rotating on-call work and shift work.
Must report without delay or interruption when required to provide essential or emergency services.
May be required to live within 30 minutes' driving time in normal weather conditions to respond promptly when notified.
New employees must complete two weeks of maintenance training; veteran CDOT employees must complete one week of training each year.
Must be willing to obtain a Hazardous Materials endorsement within 6 months to 1 year if required as a condition of appointment.
Must be willing to respond to emergencies outside regular work hours and work overtime, including weekends and holidays.
Must provide a telephone number where a supervisor can reach them for emergency response.
Must be willing and physically able to work in extreme hot and cold temperatures, variable weather, and at varying elevations up to 12,000 feet for long periods.
Must use appropriate personal protective equipment and work with chemicals and cleaning products; some equipment requires respirator use.

Nice To Haves

Strong commitment to working safely.
Desire to learn.
Willingness to work outdoors and perform physically demanding work.
Pride in doing a job well.
Ability to adapt efficiently to changing conditions and priorities.
Ability to work effectively in a team and look out for team members.
Effective communication, especially in safety-critical situations.
Strong commitment to good customer service.
Problem-solving skills and interest in improving how work is done.
Experience operating equipment such as single- and tandem-axle dump trucks, front-end loaders, bulldozers, and backhoes.
Experience using hand tools.
Basic computer skills and ability to learn new software and equipment.
State service experience related to the position’s duties.

Responsibilities

Plow snow.
Operate heavy equipment, such as tandem dump trucks, loaders, and tractor mowers.
Mow grass and weeds.
Remove roadway debris, including rocks, mud, and deceased animals.
Remove debris from culverts, tunnels, and similar structures.
Shovel gravel, sand, concrete, and asphalt.
Dig ditches.
Install and repair guardrails, highway markers and signs, warning signs, and lighting.
Fill potholes and roadway cracks.
Set out signs and cones for traffic control.
Remove and cover graffiti.
Install pavement markings and striping.
Stop or slow traffic in emergency situations.
Maintain equipment and perform minor repairs.
Follow safety guidance and wear appropriate safety equipment.
Respond to weather and other emergencies on a rotating on-call basis and as needed.

Benefits

Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Life and disability insurance.
Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
PERA retirement and optional PERA plans such as 401(k).
Paid time off, including annual, sick, and holiday leave.
Career growth opportunities.
Tuition reimbursement and professional development.
Colorado Employee Assistance Program counseling.
Wellness resources.
Credit union membership.
Employee discount program.
Personal protective equipment, including uniforms, boots, hard hats, gloves, safety vest, respirator, and tools.
Full payment for a CDL physical after the first year with CDOT.
Partial reimbursement of up to 50% for CDL renewal after the first year with CDOT.
CPR and first-aid training.
Career training opportunities.
Opportunities to learn new equipment and advance.
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.