Highway Maintenance Worker​/Senior - Kearney

Position: Highway Maintenance Worker/Senior - Kearney I-80
The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Transportation - Agency 27

Location:

Kearney, NE

Hiring Rate:

$21.470

Job Posting:

JR Highway Maintenance Worker/Senior - Kearney I-80 (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

03-18-2026

Job Description:

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is seeking a dedicated and hardworking team player to join us in our mission to enhance the quality of life for Nebraskans by building and maintaining a convenient, safe, and innovative statewide transportation system!

Pay rate of $19.941 per hour. Proficiency and certification in the operation of heavy highway maintenance equipment will result in eligibility for promotion to a Highway Maintenance Worker/Senior at $21.470 per hour.

Exciting Added Pay Differentials! In this classification, those who hold a CDL and are utilized to perform CDL functions on a regular basis shall receive a pay differential of:

$1/hour after 1 year of continuous service, an

additional

$1/hour after 3 years of continuous service, an

additional

$1/hour after 5 years of continuous service.

We are eager and excited to retain you here at NDOT!

We reward our employee's hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

* State-matched retirement contribution of 156%!

* 13 paid holidays

* Generous leave accruals that begin immediately

* A culture that embraces work-life balance

* Military leave

* Tuition reimbursement program

* Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges

* Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government

* 79% employer-paid health insurance plans

* Dental and vision insurance plans

* Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy

* Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State

* Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service

* Training and development based on your career aspirations

* Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship

* Employee Assistance Program

Please reach out to Todd in Talent Acquisition at  if you have questions or to learn more.

Job Duties:

* Operate trucks and other light equipment; drive trucks to transport crews or materials to work sites.

* Mow rights-of-ways and maintain shoulders and roadsides using power hand mowers and tractors with various attachments such as discs, harrows, seeders, cement mixers, and sprayers.

* Operate post drivers, install and move/remove signs, fences, guardrails, and snow fences.

* Remove and apply various surfacing materials including concrete and bituminous patching, crack filling, and sealants to maintain and repair roadways and other broad pavements; apply adhesives, paint, and other material to guardrails, posts, buildings, and other structures; perform manual labor as needed; and handle hazardous materials needed to perform this work.

* Control traffic through and around construction and maintenance projects according to established safety procedures; set signs and cones around work sites; relay road and weather conditions via two-way radio.

* Safely move, drag, lift, load, and unload various equipment, materials, supplies, and hazardous materials or objects from the roadway within weight restrictions; spread and tamp surfacing materials.

* Inspect, clean, maintain, and as needed, make routine repairs to assigned equipment; maintain grounds and buildings of maintenance yards.

* Operate snow removal equipment on an as-needed basis or during emergencies and labor shortages.

* Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Highway Maintenance Worker/ Senior:
Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license, and possession of a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with air brakes and tanker endorsements is required within 60 days of employment.

Highway Maintenance Worker:
Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience in the operation of heavy equipment.

* A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement.

* Commercial Pesticide applicator's license.

* Basic computer experience.

Other:

* A Valid Class "A" Commercial Driver's License with O Restriction and tanker endorsement is required within 90 days of hire through our in-house CDL training program.

* Costs to obtain the permit will be paid for by the Department.

* Must be able to be placed on-call and respond accordingly during non-scheduled work hours including holidays and weekends for emergencies and special events.

* Work is performed in adverse weather conditions and during traffic management activities and traffic safety incidents including snow removal, sanding, and de-icing.

* Regular and reliable attendance is also required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Must be able to safely move, drag, and lift 35 pounds frequently, up to 60…