Highway Maintenance Specialist (CDL Required)- Loveland Pass

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is hiring a Highway Maintenance Specialist in Dillon, Colorado. This hands-on role helps keep Colorado roadways open and safe. Work varies according to project needs, weather, the environment, and road conditions. Specialists typically work as part of a team at a maintenance patrol location and are on call on a rotating basis, with additional emergency call-outs as needed. The position includes a 40-hour work week, with the opportunity for overtime during weather emergencies. During the summer months, typically May through September, the schedule is four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday. Employees must be prepared to work outdoors in extreme temperatures, variable weather, and elevations up to 12,000 feet, and to respond to emergencies outside regular work hours, including weekends and holidays. The position is designated as an essential service, and employees may need to live within 30 minutes' driving time of the work location in normal weather conditions. CDOT provides personal protective equipment, tools, maintenance training, and opportunities to learn new equipment and advance. Compensation is listed as $53,940 base pay annually, plus a $24,000 annual housing stipend, for total annual compensation of $77,940. The posting also gives an annualized hourly rate of $25.93 and an overtime rate of $38.90. CDOT describes its mission as providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public while keeping them safe. It emphasizes a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees have the opportunity to thrive.

Requirements

At least two years of physical labor and/or heavy equipment operation experience.
Possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) 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 at hire; those relocating to Colorado must transfer their CDL within 30 days of relocation.
Pass pre-employment screening, which may include social security number trace, criminal and public court records, educational records, and driving records checks.
May be required to pass a controlled substance test and a DOT physical through CDOT’s medical provider.
Be available for rotating on-call work and shift work, and be willing to respond to emergencies and work overtime, including weekends and holidays.
Be willing and physically able to work in extreme heat and cold, variable weather, and at elevations up to 12,000 feet for extended periods.
Provide a telephone number where a supervisor can reach the employee for emergency response.
Complete required maintenance training: two weeks for new employees, or one week each year for veteran CDOT employees.
May be required to obtain a Hazardous Materials endorsement within 6 months to 1 year as a condition of appointment.
May be required to live within 30 minutes' driving time of the work location in normal weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Strong commitment to working safely.
Desire to learn.
Interest in outdoor and 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 finding better ways to do things.
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, including tandem dump trucks, loaders, and tractor mowers.
Mow grass and weeds.
Remove debris from roadways, including rock, mud, and deceased animals.
Remove debris from culverts, tunnels, and similar areas.
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.
Stop or slow traffic in emergency situations.
Install pavement markings and striping.
Maintain equipment and perform minor repairs.
Follow safety guidance and wear appropriate safety equipment.
Respond to emergencies outside regular work hours when called.

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, holiday, and other leave.
Tuition reimbursement and professional development.
Career growth and advancement opportunities.
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, 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.
Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.