Highway Maintenance Worker

Otter Tail County is accepting applications for Highway Maintenance Workers and to create an eligibility list for future hires. The purpose of the position is to perform highway and bridge resurfacing, maintenance, snow removal, ice control and other repair tasks; snowmobile and bike trail maintenance; flood control structure maintenance and adjustment; building maintenance and repair tasks; equipment maintenance, modification and improvement tasks;

and management of roadside vegetation.

Otter Tail County has a current opening at the New York Mills location. The Final date to receive applications is March 4, 2026.

• Operates snowplow and sanding/salting truck to remove ice and snow from roads, which require early morning starts, extended hours and weekend duty including holidays. Includes changing cutting edges on snow removal equipment.
• Operates pay loader, patrol, dump truck, tractor, mower, front end loader, back hoe in the performance of maintenance and repair operations.
• Operates crack routing and sealing equipment as part of road maintenance.
• Operates skid steer, skyjack and forklift while performing building and grounds maintenance.
• Operates other equipment and machinery drill press, welder, common hand and power tools, welder/cutting torch, chain saw, weed trimmer, hydraulic jacks, shovel, ax, rakes, brooms and forks.
• Repairs complex equipment and machinery.
• Performs routine equipment maintenance/repair tasks such as changing vehicle fluids, fueling, greasing, painting, etc.
• Designs and performs unique metal fabrication tasks related to the repair, modification and improvement of County Highway Department Equipment.
• Patrols roads for hazards, snow/ice conditions and maintenance/repair needs. Reports and/or mediates hazards, patches holes and cracks. Mows roadside vegetation, cuts brush and trees, repairs/replaces/insures visibility of signs and posts, sprays weeds and brush with herbicides, sweeps intersections, removes dead animals and picks up litter/trash.
• Handles and applies hazardous and high temperature bituminous, road oils and explosive gases.
• Maintains and adjusts water control structures in high water areas.
• Paints pedestrian crosswalks and stop ahead warnings on roadways.
• Performs bridge maintenance including upkeep of decks, walkways and guardrails.
• Loads and hauls bituminous, sand and gravel in a dump truck.
• Documents the transfer of salt and sand materials to Townships.
• Flags traffic.
• Installs and cleans culverts. Fills road washouts. Cleans storm drains.
• Maintains snowmobile and bike trails.
• Ship and receive culverts and other highway maintenance materials.
• Provides emergency road services for EMS in emergency situations.
• Provides weather spotting information to County dispatcher.
• Organize/coordinate work in the absence of team leader.
• Inspects equipment on regularly scheduled basis. Complies with safety precautions.
• Follows all safety rules, polices and regulations.
• Performs other tasks within public works as directed by the Group Leader, Maintenance Supervisor or Division Manager/Highway Engineer.
• May assist with duties and responsibilities as outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan.

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent
  and responsible related work experience with preference given to candidates with experience in snow and ice control operations and general highway maintenance work.
• Candidates with a Minnesota Commercial Class B license will be considered and must obtain a Class A license within twelve months of employment. Assistance is available for the training and costs associated with obtaining the Class A license.
• Ability to obtain a Herbicide Applicator's Spray License within six months of hire.
• Ability to obtain Forklift Certification
• Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR
• Upon employment offer, must pass background check, pre-employment medical examination, and drug screening.

This position is full time, 40 hours per week. During the winter months, this position involves early morning shifts, extended hours, and weekend duty including holidays. The 2025 starting hourly…