Temp Snowplow Driver/Hwy Maintenance Tech-Ryegate

State of Montana • Ryegate, MT

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Department of Transportation is recruiting a temporary, on-call snowplow driver in Ryegate to perform winter road maintenance. The season typically runs from mid-November through April, depending on weather, and employment may last up to six months. The role includes snow removal, right-of-way cleanup, guardrail repair, fence, sign, and luminaire repair, traffic control, and salt brine production. The employee must be available during emergency weather conditions and may need to work weekends and holidays.

The position requires working in extreme weather and remaining focused and seated for extended periods. It also involves moderate physical activity, including lifting, carrying, and operating tools and equipment. Applicants must live or relocate within 45 road miles of the work headquarters and have a telephone or otherwise be reasonably accessible to section headquarters.

Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be invited to a practical test and behavioral-based interview. Placement up to Maintenance Technician Level III may be available for applicants with documented relevant road-maintenance experience from a city, county, or state highway road department; experience determines level placement and wage. The applicant’s driving record will be verified, and a release authorizing access to permanent driving records is required. A negative pre-employment drug screen is required, and Maintenance Technicians are also subject to random drug testing under federal law. The position is represented by the AFSME bargaining unit. Effective May 26, 2026, MDT will use E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

Requirements

• One year of experience driving a heavy truck or operating construction equipment.
• Knowledge of highway maintenance and equipment operation, including basic diesel/gasoline vehicle maintenance.
• Basic math, record-keeping, and computer skills, and the ability to estimate materials needed.
• A valid Montana Commercial Operators License (Class A, Type II) without restrictions, a tank endorsement, and a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC). Applicants with a learner’s permit or Class B CDL have 30 days to obtain the required Montana Commercial Operators License.
• Must live or relocate within 45 road miles of the work headquarters and have a telephone or be reasonably accessible to section headquarters.
• Must be available for emergency weather conditions and able to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to work in extreme weather, remain focused and seated for extended periods, and perform moderate physical activity, including lifting, carrying, and operating tools and equipment.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen; regular random drug testing also applies.
• Must authorize verification of permanent driving records.

Nice To Haves

• Documented relevant road-maintenance experience with a city, county, or state highway road department may qualify the applicant for placement up to Maintenance Technician Level III.

Responsibilities

• Remove snow and maintain roads during winter weather.
• Clean the right of way.
• Repair guardrails, fences, signs, and luminaires.
• Provide traffic control.
• Produce salt brine.
• Operate heavy trucks, construction equipment, tools, and equipment for highway maintenance.
• Perform basic diesel or gasoline vehicle maintenance.
• Estimate materials needed and maintain records.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed