Hwy Construction Technician I/II - Columbus

State of Nebraska•Columbus, NE

14d•$20•Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Transportation is hiring a dedicated team member to help build and maintain a safe, convenient, and innovative statewide transportation system. The position supports inspection and related work on highway construction projects. Candidates receive training under direct supervision and may advance from Construction Technician I to Construction Technician II after obtaining required certifications and demonstrating the necessary skills. The stated hourly rate is $20.390 for Technician I, with promotion to Technician II at $23.454 per hour after meeting the requirements. Additional hourly differentials are available to employees who hold a CDL and regularly perform CDL functions: $1 after one year of continuous service, another $1 after three years, and another $1 after five years. The role involves outdoor work on highway construction projects with hours that vary according to contractor schedules and may include nights, evenings, and weekends. Overnight travel may be required, and employees must be able to report outside scheduled hours for snow and other highway emergencies. The department provides training, materials, equipment, and safety apparel needed for assigned duties.

Requirements

For Highway Construction Technician I: be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
For Highway Construction Technician II: have experience performing construction-related activities such as surveying, materials testing, or field inspections; or coursework or training in construction surveying, materials testing, or inspection practices and use of associated instruments and equipment.
For Highway Construction Technician II, pass the NDOT Math, Highway Plan Reading, and Bridge Plan Reading courses, or have an associate’s degree in civil engineering technology or a related field that may substitute for those courses.
Possess or be able to obtain a Class A or B CDL within 90 days of hire through the in-house training program.
Communicate orally and in writing; read and interpret plans and specifications; and perform mathematical calculations.
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; climb, bend, or stoop; work in outdoor temperature extremes; and work around high-speed traffic.
Have strong organizational and math skills and be able to multitask.
Work and communicate as part of a team; work with minimal supervision; be self-motivated, trainable, and demonstrate integrity.
Be willing to learn and adapt to new technology and processes, perform duties with a quality- and results-oriented sense of urgency, and follow safe and reliable practices.
Interact positively and respectfully with coworkers and supervisors, work to resolve conflicts, and use sound judgment.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and be able to report outside scheduled work hours for snow and other highway emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Experience in surveying, road construction, materials testing, record keeping, trigonometry, or geometry.
Experience operating heavy equipment or snow removal equipment.
Computer experience, including word processing, spreadsheets, SiteManager, GEOPAK, and MicroStation software.

Responsibilities

Perform inspection duties on highway construction projects after training.
Perform preliminary and construction surveying and right-of-way staking.
Sample and test construction materials as assigned.
Document contractors’ daily work related to highway construction.
Learn and apply mathematical skills to read and interpret construction and bridge plans.
Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License through the department’s training program.
Operate snow removal equipment and perform snow removal activities as needed.
Perform survey duties and/or materials testing as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

State-matched retirement contribution of 156%.
13 paid holidays.
Generous leave accruals beginning immediately.
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% of premiums paid by the employer.
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 pay differentials for eligible employees who regularly perform CDL functions: $1 per hour after one year of continuous service, an additional $1 per hour after three years, and an additional $1 per hour after five years.
Department-paid cost of obtaining the CDL permit.