Highway Maintenance Worker - Equipment Operator

Responsibilities

• Operate standard motorized equipment, including 5‑yard dump truck and flatbed truck, to haul materials such as asphalt, limestone, dirt, soil, cement, pipe, construction materials, and debris.
• Operate small equipment such as brush chipper, pneumatic rollers (≤4 tons), broom sweepers, and trailer‑mounted pipe washers in conjunction with highway and bridge maintenance operations; and operate a standard dump truck equipped with a snow‑plow attachment and sand spreader or brine sprayer for removal of snow and ice.
• Perform manual labor tasks: clear rights‑of‑way; install, repair and maintain flat‑sheet signs, sign assemblies and sign foundations; conduct vegetation management to improve visibility of signage; clean drainage ditches and pipes; repair shoulders; patch potholes; make base repairs; pave 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 rights‑of‑way.
• Assist in operation of heavier equipment such as tandem‑axle dump trucks, front‑end loaders, belt loaders, tractor‑with‑ditcher, specialized mowers, steel‑wheel rollers, trailer‑mounted injection patchers, and backhoes.
• Conduct and document pre‑trip equipment/vehicle inspections in accordance with the Department’s current rules, policies, and procedures for fleet safety.
• Operate and maintain electric/gas‑powered tools used in roadway maintenance.
• Assist in emergency or inclement weather operations and support on‑call personnel; may require availability for extended hours or shifts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• No minimum training or experience requirements for this classification.
• Valid motor‑vehicle operator’s license is required.
• Attainment of 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 manipulating objects of varying size, shape, weight, and material. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. The role requires walking for extended periods, treading rough and uneven terrain, and working in close proximity to motoring traffic and natural environmental hazards. May be required to work outside of normal work schedule, especially during inclement weather and/or other departmental‑related emergencies.

Frequently exposed to outside environment in all weather conditions, noise, and oil or grease on a daily basis.

The 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.