Highway Maintenance Worker - Equipment Operator

Job Overview: Under direct supervision, this role assists in the performance of a wide variety of maintenance activities on the state highway system, including construction, repair, and preservation of roads and bridges. The incumbent may operate standard motorized equipment and manage the movement of materials and supplies for special projects such as drainage and vegetation crews.

• Operate standard motorized trucks (5‑yard dump truck, flatbed truck) and small equipment such as brush chopper, rollers (≤4 tons), broom sweepers, trailer‑mounted pipe washers, and a tractor‑mower (≤10 ft wide) for highway and bridge maintenance operations.
• Use standard dump truck with snowplow attachment and sand spreader or brine sprayer applicator for removal of snow and ice from highways and bridges.
• Perform manual labor tasks including clearing right‑of‑way; installing, repairing, and maintaining flat sheet signs, sign assemblies, and sign foundations; vegetation management to improve signage visibility; cleaning drainage ditches; repairing shoulders; patching potholes; making base repairs; and paving driveways.
• Flag traffic during road repairs to control flow and protect workers, the public, and equipment.
• Remove litter, debris, and dead animals from roadways and right‑of‑way.
• Assist in the operation of heavy equipment such as tandem‑axle dump trucks, front‑end loaders, belt loaders, tractor with ditcher, steel wheel rollers, specialized mowers, trailer‑mounted injection patcher, and backhoes, following formal or informal instruction.
• Conduct and document pre‑trip equipment/vehicle inspections in accordance with the Department’s current fleet safety rules, policies, and procedures.
• Operate and maintain electric and gas‑powered tools in various phases of roadway maintenance.
• Assist in emergency or inclement weather operations and support on‑call personnel, which may include extended hours or shift operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

There are no minimum training or experience requirements for this classification. A valid motor vehicle operator’s license is required. The incumbent must obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within six (6) months of placement in the position.

The essential functions of this position involve bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, grasping, and physically manipulating objects of varying size, shape, weight, and material. The worker must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, walk for extended periods, tread rough and uneven terrain, and work in close proximity to moving traffic and environmental hazards. Duties may require work outside the normal schedule, especially during inclement weather or emergencies.

The position involves frequent exposure to loud noise, oil, and grease, and requires working outdoors in all weather conditions.

South Carolina Department of Transportation is committed to a diverse workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.