Highway Maintenance Specialist - Kiowa

Job Summary

Highway Maintenance Specialist – Kiowa, Colorado

Anticipated start date: July 13th, 2026

Applications will be considered from residents and non‑residents of Colorado.

Base pay: $2,074.39 biweekly ($53,934 annually).
Annualized hourly rate: $25.93.
Overtime rate: $38.89 per hour.

CDOT employees keep Colorado’s roadways safe and operational. The agency offers competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance; life, disability, and optional retirement plans; paid leave; tuition reimbursement; and a range of employee benefits.

No two days are exactly the same. Duties vary with project needs, weather, and road conditions. The Specialist works on a rotating on‑call schedule and in a team environment.

• Plowing snow
• Operating heavy equipment (tandem dump truck, loader, tractor mower, etc.)
• Maintaining vegetation (mowing grass and weeds)
• Removing debris from roadways, culverts, and tunnels
• Shoveling gravel, sand, concrete, and asphalt
• Digging ditches
• Installing and repairing guardrails, highway markers, signs, warning signs, and lighting
• Filling potholes and roadway cracks
• Setting out signs and cones for traffic control
• Removing and covering graffiti
• Installing pavement markings/striping
• Stopping or slowing traffic in emergency situations
• Maintaining equipment and performing minor repairs
• Following safety guidance and wearing proper personal protective equipment

The Specialist’s work is critical to keeping Colorado’s roadways open and safe, improving quality of life for residents and visitors, and supporting the state economy.

• Personal protective equipment provided
• Full payment for CDL physical after first year; partial reimbursement (up to 50%) for CDL renewal after first year
• CPR and first‑aid training
• Career training opportunities
• 40‑hour work weeks with potential overtime during weather emergencies
• 4‑day work schedule (10‑hour days Monday‑Thursday) during May–September
• Opportunities to learn new equipment and advance career

• Exposure to loud noise, fumes, odors, gases, and dust
• Requirement to use personal protective equipment and work safely with chemicals
• Work near traffic, including high‑speed traffic, and on ladders or scissor lifts up to 20 feet
• Required to drive CDOT vehicles
• Frequent on‑call response outside regular hours, including weekends and holidays
• Ability to work in extreme temperatures, variable weather, and elevations up to 12,000 feet

• At least 2 years of physical labor and/or heavy equipment operation experience
• Current, valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A or B with no air‑brake restriction

• Strong commitment to safety and willingness to learn
• Enjoys outdoor, physically demanding work
• Team player who communicates effectively, especially in safety‑critical situations
• Customer‑service oriented and problem‑solving mindset
• Experience operating single or tandem‑axle dump trucks, loaders, bulldozers, backhoes, etc.
• Proficient with hand tools and basic computer skills
• Experience in state service related to duties of the position (preferred)

• Must possess and maintain a valid CDL Class A or B with no restriction on air brakes
• Must pass a pre‑employment screening that may include background checks, driving records, and a drug test
• On‑call work, shift work, and overtime may be required
• Required to live within 30 minutes of a response station in normal weather conditions (if applicable)
• May need to obtain a Hazardous Materials endorsement within 6–12 months
• Must be willing to respond to emergencies outside regular hours and provide a telephone number for emergency contact

CDOT is committed to creating a workspace inclusive of all, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, or socioeconomic status. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer.

CDOT will provide reasonable accommodations in the application process, interview, and essential job functions for individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. Contact Jaime Piriz at  for accommodations.