Highway Maintenance Operator

Highway Maintenance Operator

The Benton County Public Works/Highway Department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Highway Maintenance Operator. Hours of work:
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Seasonal summer hours are Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and Fridays, 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. Schedule may be subject to change based on the department's needs.

Interview process:
Initial interviews may be conducted by phone or in person. Dates and times are TBD. Please monitor your email for updates and scheduling information. Field skills test: A Field Skills Test may be required as part of the selection process. Dates and times are TBD. Candidates selected to participate will receive additional information and scheduling instructions. Please monitor your email for updates and scheduling information.

Final date to receive applications:
Monday, September 14, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Position summary:

Responsible for the maintenance and repair of Benton County roads, bridges, related structures, and highway maintenance equipment. Safely operates a variety of highway maintenance equipment and performs roadway maintenance activities to ensure safe, efficient, and accessible travel for the public.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

Maintain and inspect county roads, ditches, signs, and culverts, and perform related duties in all seasonal conditions. Haul and place gravel and bituminous on county highways and roads. Perform pavement maintenance and repair. Operate snowplows and other heavy equipment to remove snow, ice, and storm debris from County roadways and apply ice control materials. Maintain land and ditches, which may include cutting brush, grass, shaping and seeding slopes, spraying weeds, and applying herbicides, as needed.

Assist the Sheriff's Office with seasonal road restrictions. Maintain and repair culverts, ditches, bridges, right-of-way, etc., including brush and weed control and herbicide application. Operate light and heavy equipment. Install and remove snow equipment. Install and maintain traffic control devices and signage and conduct flagging operations. Perform minor to occasional major repairs, maintain maintenance equipment and vehicles, to ensure compliance with DOT safety regulations.

Communicate with the public regarding highway department operations and respond to questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner. Perform monthly inventory checks. Attend training as needed. Assist with building maintenance and repair. Assist Civil Engineering Technicians. Subject to emergency calls outside of normal work hours. Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum qualifications - training and experience required:
Completion of a two (2) year associate's diploma or degree program (or higher) in Equipment Operation or a closely related field; and Two (2) years of relevant experience in road or highway maintenance, construction, light or heavy equipment operation, or a closely related field; OR Equivalent combination of education/training/experience. Must possess a valid Minnesota Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and be qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in the State of Minnesota.

Must successfully complete a background check. This is a safety-sensitive position. Must complete and pass all required pre-employment testing. Ability to obtain and maintain, within one (1) year of hire:
Chainsaw Training and Certification. Crane Training and Certification. First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, as required by the position. Flagger Training and Certification. Forklift and Bucket Training and Certification. Pesticide Applicator Training and Certification. Tanker Training and Certification. Training, proficiency testing, and certification must be maintained every two (2) years.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Knowledge of local and state laws and regulations regarding the operation of equipment, particularly those pertaining to their operation on public streets. Knowledge and skill in proper snow and ice removal techniques. Knowledge of small and large engine mechanics. Skill in operating heavy equipment and vehicles used in roadway…