Highway Maintenance Specialist - Ouray

Department Information

CDOT has a vacancy for a Highway Maintenance Specialist in Ouray, CO. Applications will be considered from residents and non‑residents of Colorado.

Position compensation
:
Total annual compensation $59,934 ($53,934 base pay and $6,000 housing stipend). Base pay $2,074.39 biweekly ($53,934–$54,000 annually). Additional $500/month housing stipend. Annualized hourly rate $25.93/hour, overtime $38.89/hour.

CDOT employees make a difference by providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public, while also keeping them safe. The State of Colorado offers competitive medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Benefits also include PERA retirement, 401K, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, professional development, CSEAP counseling, wellness, credit union membership and employee discount program.

Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

No two days are exactly the same. You will be on‑call on a rotating basis and may respond to emergencies. You will work in a team with at least one lead specialist. Main activities include:

• Plowing snow
• Operating heavy equipment such as tandem dump truck, loader, tractor mower, etc.
• Mowing grass and weeds
• Removing debris from roadways and culverts, tunnels, etc.
• Shoveling gravel, sand, concrete, asphalt
• Digging ditches
• Installing and repairing guardrail, highway markers, signs, warning signs, 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 safety equipment

Keeping Colorado’s roadways open and safe, positively impacting quality of life for all Coloradans and visitors, and supporting the economy.

• Personal protective equipment (uniforms, boots, hard hats, gloves, safety vest, respirator, tools)
• Full payment for CDL physical after first year with CDOT
• Partial reimbursement (up to 50%) for CDL renewal after first year
• CPR and first‑aid training
• Variety of career training opportunities
• 40‑hour work weeks, with overtime during weather emergencies
• 4‑day work schedule (10‑hour days Monday–Thursday) during May–September
• Opportunities to learn new equipment and advance

• Exposure to loud noise, fumes, odors, gases, dusts
• Use of personal protective equipment and chemicals
• Use of ladders and scissor lifts (10–20 ft)
• Driving CDOT vehicles
• Responding to emergencies outside regular hours, weekends, holidays
• Physical work in extreme temperatures and at elevations up to 12,000 ft

• At least two (2) years of physical labor and/or heavy equipment operation experience.
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License Class A or B with no restriction on air brakes.

• Commitment to working safely.
• Desire to learn.
• Wants to work outdoors.
• Enjoys physically demanding work.
• Takes pride in a job well done.
• Adapts efficiently to changing conditions and priorities.
• Works effectively in a team and looks out for teammates.
• Communicates effectively, especially in safety‑critical situations.
• Commitment to providing good customer service.
• Problem‑solving skills.
• Experience operating equipment (dump trucks, loaders, bulldozers, backhoes).
• Experience using hand tools.
• Basic computer skills.
• Years of State service experience related to duties of this position.

• Must maintain valid CDL Class A or B, transferable if relocating.
• Must pass pre‑employment screening (social security trace, criminal records, etc.).
• May be required to pass drug test and DOT physical.
• On‑call work rotating, shift work, essential services designation.
• May need to live within 30 minutes driving time of station.
• Will receive maintenance training (2 weeks for new, 1 week annual for veterans).
• May require Hazardous Materials endorsement within 6 months‑1 year.
• Willingness to respond to emergencies outside regular hours, work overtime weekends/holidays.
• Provide emergency contact number.

CDOT’s commitment to diversity: “CDOT’s strength is our people, and our commitment to our people is to shape, support, and sustain the employee experience and ultimately create a supportive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other identity, has the opportunity to thrive.”