Transportation Maintainer 3 (Skilled Tree Climber)

State of Connecticut•Cornwall, CT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is hiring a Transportation Maintainer 3 (Skilled Tree Climber) in the Bureau of Highway Operations at the Winchester and Cornwall Maintenance Garages. The position performs tree and roadside maintenance in District 4 to support safe travel and maintain clear travel zones. Work includes removing hazardous trees, trimming limbs and brush to improve visibility, assessing tree hazards, and operating chainsaws, bucket trucks, and climbing gear. The role may also support snow and ice removal, storm cleanup, pothole patching, guardrail repairs, and traffic-incident response. This class performs skilled work below the journeyperson level in construction, maintenance, and repair of state roadsides, roadways, bridges, airports, and other departmental facilities. Employees may operate and maintain complex mechanical equipment and perform work in maintenance trades. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, first shift (7:30 AM–4:00 PM), and is performed onsite. Employees must be willing to take emergency assignments, including mandatory winter overtime from November 1 through April 30. During storms, employees may be required to remain at work for as long as several days, including weekends and holidays. A 30-mile residency requirement applies from the posted job location. Candidates must be current CTDOT employees with at least six months of full-time or equivalent service, meet the minimum qualifications, and hold a current CDL Class A or B with tank endorsement and a valid Medical Examiner’s Card. Before interview and the skills practicum, candidates must be Department-certified in aerial bucket truck operation and fall protection, including use of a safety harness and trauma strap. The hiring process includes an interview and a practicum assessing job-related skills.

Requirements

Be a current Connecticut Department of Transportation employee with at least six months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, subject to applicable collective bargaining language.
Have two years of experience in construction, landscaping, commercial driving, snow plowing, maintenance and repair of roadsides, roadways, bridges, or airports involving mechanical equipment, or in a recognized maintenance trade; graduation from a vocational or technical school with a diploma in a maintenance trade may substitute.
Possess and maintain a current CDL Class A or B with tank endorsement.
Possess a valid Medical Examiner’s Card (MEC).
Be certified through the Department in aerial bucket truck operation and fall protection, including use of a safety harness and trauma strap, before interview and the skills practicum.
Be willing to accept emergency duties, including snow and ice removal, whenever needed.
Accept mandatory winter overtime from November 1 through April 30 and possible extended work during storms, including weekends and holidays.
Meet the 30-mile residency requirement from the posted job location.
Complete an interview before participating in the skills evaluation practicum.
Bring a completed Employment of Relatives Form, Acknowledgement of Ethics Receipt, valid CDL Class A or B with tank endorsement, and valid MEC to the interview if invited.
Have the physical strength, stamina, agility, visual acuity, and auditory acuity needed to perform the work and maintain the required physical fitness; a physical examination is required.
Be able to work amid extreme weather, frequent heavy lifting, dangerous road and traffic conditions, heights, poison ivy, insect bites, allergy irritants, and loud or potentially dangerous machinery.
Be able to understand and follow written and oral instructions, communicate orally and in writing, use computer software, operate and make ordinary repairs to complex mechanical equipment, and keep shop records and prepare reports.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing tree-related maintenance.
Experience climbing trees using ropes, harnesses, and other climbing equipment.
Experience identifying tree species and assessing tree hazards.

Responsibilities

Perform tree and roadside maintenance to ensure safety and maintain clear travel zones in District 4.
Remove hazardous trees and trim limbs and brush for visibility.
Assess tree hazards.
Operate equipment such as chainsaws, bucket trucks, and climbing gear.
Support snow and ice removal, storm cleanup, pothole patching, guardrail repairs, and traffic-incident response as needed.
Perform skilled construction, maintenance, and repair tasks involving state roadsides, roadways, bridges, airports, and other departmental facilities.
Operate and maintain complex mechanical equipment.
Accept emergency assignments, including snow and ice removal, and remain at work during storm events when required.
Perform other related duties as required.