Highway Worker- Shop

Position Summary

The Vernon County Highway Department is seeking a full‑time Highway Worker – Shop. The employee will perform semi‑skilled to skilled mechanical work on vehicles, equipment, and tools; support shop duties; maintain records; handle parts; and assist with field operations. Work emphasizes safety, efficiency, and equipment reliability.

• Perform a variety of semi‑skilled highway repair and maintenance tasks.
• Assist with basic maintenance and cleaning of standard highway equipment.
• Use hand and power tools, including chainsaws, shovels, hammers, brooms, and picks.
• Maintain and repair department equipment, including vehicles, small engines, mowers, and chainsaws.
• Perform routine mechanical tasks such as changing oil, replacing filters, and flushing radiators.
• Sharpen mower blades and chainsaws; make replacement chains as needed.
• Keep maintenance and service records on vehicles and equipment.
• Deliver and pick up parts from vendors or shops.
• Mow, trim, weed, and perform general groundskeeping duties.
• Perform routine cleaning of work spaces and shop areas.
• Support special projects or assignments as directed by supervisors.
• Remain accessible for emergency work or overtime if needed, including during storms or road damage events.
• May be required to assist with snow plowing.

• Follow all applicable safety practices and report or correct hazards.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing, eye, and respiratory protection, as required.
• Maintain effective and professional working relationships with coworkers and the public.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions as directed.
• Notify supervisors if a valid driver’s license or acceptable driving record is not maintained.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Walk outdoors for long distances or over difficult terrain in all weather conditions, sometimes carrying equipment (5–50 lbs).
• Safely work with hazards such as heavy equipment, moving vehicles, dust, gases, fumes, odors, temperature extremes, and noise.
• Operate hand tools weighing 5–30 lbs.
• Walk, stand, lift, push, pull (over 100 lbs), bend, reach, kneel, and crouch for extended periods.
• Read printed materials and view computer screens.
• Communicate with the public and Vernon County staff in person and on the phone.
• Travel to locations throughout Vernon County.
• Involves minimal potential for direct exposure to blood or body fluids.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Preferred: experience in road construction, manual labor, or light/heavy equipment operation and repair.
• Preferred: vocational/technical training in equipment repair.
• Preferred: experience in road construction and manual labor.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license and good driving record required.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• $22.36 – $24.68 per hour.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid vacation.
• Wisconsin Retirement System.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability – waived premiums.
• $10,000 life insurance policy – employer paid.
• Health insurance – low and high deductible plans with eligible FSA or HSA options.
• Dental and vision group rate plans.
• Deferred compensation – Wisconsin Deferred Comp & Nationwide.
• Other supplemental insurances: life insurance, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity.
• Employee Assistance Program.