Hwy Maintenance Worker/Senior - Merriman

State of Nebraska•Valentine, NE

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Transportation is hiring a dedicated team player to help maintain a safe and convenient statewide transportation system. Under immediate supervision, the position performs a wide variety of semi-skilled manual tasks and operates trucks and other light equipment to maintain highways, shoulders, roadside areas, structures, pavement surfaces, and related markings and signs. Work is generally performed with other maintenance workers under the direction of a highway maintenance supervisor or crew chief, in a designated geographic area or specialized statewide unit, and in all types of weather. Snow-removal equipment is operated as needed, during emergencies, or during labor shortages. The posted hiring rate for the Senior classification is $21.953 per hour. The posting also lists $20.39 per hour for Highway Maintenance Worker, with eligibility for promotion to Senior at $21.953 after demonstrating proficiency and certification in heavy highway maintenance equipment operation. Employees who hold a CDL and regularly perform CDL functions may receive hourly differentials of $1 after one year of continuous service, an additional $1 after three years, and an additional $1 after five years. The role requires a valid driver's license and good driving record. Senior employees must have a Class A or B CDL with air-brake and tanker endorsements within 60 days of employment. The posting also states that a Class A CDL with O restriction and tanker endorsement is required within 90 days through the department's in-house training program; the department pays the cost of obtaining the permit. Employees must be available for on-call response during non-scheduled hours, including weekends and holidays, and be able to report for snow and other highway emergencies within 40 minutes under normal driving conditions. Some positions may require overnight travel. Work takes place outdoors in adverse weather and around high-speed traffic, including during traffic management and safety incidents such as snow removal, sanding, and de-icing. The position requires frequent lifting or moving of up to 35 pounds, occasional lifting of up to 60 pounds without assistance, and infrequent handling of 90 pounds or more with assistance, as well as climbing, bending, and stooping.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must possess a valid driver's license; a good driving record is required.
For the Highway Maintenance Worker/Senior classification, a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with air-brake and tanker endorsements is required within 60 days of employment.
A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with O restriction and tanker endorsement is required within 90 days of hire through the in-house CDL training program; the department pays the cost to obtain the permit.
Must be able to be placed on call and respond during non-scheduled work hours, including weekends and holidays, for emergencies and special events.
Must be able to report for snow and other highway emergencies within 40 minutes under normal driving conditions.
Must be able to work in adverse weather and around traffic, including during snow removal, sanding, de-icing, traffic management, and traffic safety incidents.
Must be able to safely move, drag, and lift 35 pounds frequently, up to 60 pounds occasionally without assistance, and 90 or more pounds infrequently with assistance; must be able to climb, bend, and stoop.
Must be able to read and communicate effectively, give and receive instructions, and follow directions with minimal supervision.
Basic computer and arithmetic skills.
Ability and willingness to learn and adjust to new technology and processes.
Ability to perform duties with a quality- and results-oriented sense of urgency.
Ability to work safely and demonstrate safe and reliable practices and behaviors.
Ability to interact positively, treat coworkers and supervisors with dignity and respect, work to resolve conflicts, and make sound decisions.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.
Loss of required license may result in termination of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating heavy equipment.
A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement.
Commercial pesticide applicator's license.
Basic computer experience.

Responsibilities

Operate trucks and other light equipment, and drive trucks to transport crews or materials to work sites.
Mow rights-of-way and maintain shoulders and roadsides using power hand mowers and tractors with attachments such as discs, harrows, seeders, cement mixers, and sprayers.
Operate post drivers and install, move, or remove signs, fences, guardrails, and snow fences.
Remove and apply surfacing materials, including concrete and bituminous patching, crack filling, and sealants, to maintain and repair roadways and other broad pavements.
Apply adhesives, paint, and other materials to guardrails, posts, buildings, and other structures; perform manual labor and handle hazardous materials as needed.
Control traffic around construction and maintenance projects according to safety procedures; set signs and cones around work sites; relay road and weather conditions by two-way radio.
Safely move, drag, lift, load, and unload equipment, supplies, materials, and hazardous materials or roadway objects within weight restrictions; spread and tamp surfacing materials.
Inspect, clean, maintain, and make routine repairs to assigned equipment as needed; maintain grounds and buildings at maintenance yards.
Operate snow-removal equipment as needed, during emergencies, or during labor shortages.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

State-matched retirement contribution of 156%.
13 paid holidays.
Generous leave accruals beginning immediately.
Culture that embraces work-life balance.
Military leave.
Tuition reimbursement program.
Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program through the federal government.
Health insurance plans with 79% employer-paid premiums.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy.
Career advancement opportunities.
Training and development based on career aspirations.
Employee Assistance Program.
CDL-related hourly pay differentials for eligible employees who regularly perform CDL functions.