Highway Worker

Highway Worker

Serves as Highway Worker for the Highway Department, responsible for operating various trucks and heavy equipment to maintain County roads and rights-of-way. Performs routine, standardized daily assignments with moderate supervision, requiring care and skill to prevent damage to tools, equipment, and public and private property, and prevent injury to self and others. The incumbent in this position has been designated as an Essential Employee.

(Refer to Section 3.1 Employment Categories)

Operates various trucks and equipment in clearing and maintaining County roads, ditches and rights-of-way, such as grader, gradall, paver, front-end loader, backhoe, dump truck, snow plow, compaction roller, tractor, jack hammer, skid steer, dirt loader, water pump, air compressor, etc. Hauls, shovels and spreads road materials as assigned, such as stone, gravel, asphalt, dirt, hot patch, salt, and sand; signs, receives and submits related load tickets.

Removes trash and dead animals from roads and rights-of-way, and operates various equipment and power tools in removing weeds, brush and storm-damaged trees from rights-of-way as assigned, such as chain saws, mowers, bush hog, weed trimmer, pruner, rake, and brush chipper. Delivers equipment to work sites and assists in collecting/loading necessary tools and equipment for daily work projects as assigned.

Secures material loads for safe transport. Assists in excavating/cleaning ditch/drainage sites and installing and repairing guardrails, signs, bridges, tile and culverts as assigned, including occasionally excavating and grading project sites, brush clearing, bridge washing/sealing, lifting, carrying pipes, pouring and forming. Installs temporary signs as needed before work begins, such as warnings for work in progress and high water. Wears proper personal protective equipment and reflective apparel while performing work.

Answers questions and provides information to the public at work sites as directed. Periodically assists with flagging/traffic control at work sites as assigned. Periodically assists in cleaning and maintaining vehicles and equipment as assigned, such as washing, lubricating, checking fluid levels, changing oil and tires, and replacing snow blades. Operates various trucks and equipment in delivering equipment to work sites and clearing and maintaining county roads and rights-of-way, such as dump truck, snow plow, compaction roller, tractor, jack hammer, water pump, and air compressor on as needed basis.

May perform various manual work functions associated with mechanical projects or road construction projects, which may include transporting/hauling materials and equipment, cutting steel, mowing grass, replacing road signs, lifting/moving heavy materials, etc. Periodically performs duties of crew leader as assigned. Serves on 24-hour call for emergency situations as assigned. Performs other related duties as assigned.

High school diploma or GED. Working knowledge of and ability to make practical application of department and OSHA safety policies and procedures, and ability to properly operate a variety of heavy equipment, trucks and tools as assigned, including backhoe, dump truck, snow plow, front-end loader, paver, bush hog, chipper, grader, gradall, compaction roller, riding and push mowers, tractor, jack hammer, skid steer, dirt loader, chain saw and other power saws, manual post hole digger, post driver, shovel, hedge trimmer, pruner, welder, grinder, cutting torches or other equipment used for highway construction and maintenance.

Ability to physically perform assigned duties, including driving for long periods, far vision, depth perception, hearing, communicating, handling, grasping/fingering objects, standing, walking for long periods, walking on uneven terrain, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying objects weighing more than 50 pounds, reaching, bending, and crouching, kneeling. Working knowledge of local geography and ability to read and interpret local maps. Ability to work alone and with others in a team environment, and maintain appropriate, respectful interrelationships with co-workers.

Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions/directions, and appropriately respond to constructive criticism. Ability to comply with all employer/department personnel policies and work rules, including attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct. Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities. Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate and hostile persons.

Ability to occasionally work extended, weekend and/or evening hours. Ability to regularly serve on 24-hour call and respond swiftly, rationally and decisively to emergency situations. Possession of a valid Indiana Class B, with air brakes endorsement minimum, commercial driver's…