Highway Maintenance Specialist - Salida

Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

CDOT has a vacancy for a Highway Maintenance Specialist in Salida, CO. If you have a Colorado Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License and are passionate about safety, travel, and hands‑on repair and improvements, consider turning your passions into a career with us.

Total annual compensation for this position is $59,400 ($53,400 base pay and $6,000 housing stipend).

Base pay for this position is $2,053.85 per biweekly period ($53,400 per year). There are 26 biweekly pay periods in a year. This location is also eligible for an additional $500 per month housing stipend. The annualized hourly rate for this position is $25.67 per hour, with an overtime rate of $38.50 per hour.

CDOT employees make a difference by providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public, while also keeping them safe. The State of Colorado offers competitive medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, PERA retirement, 401(k) plans, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and professional development. The state also offers opportunities for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

CDOT’s strength is our people, and our commitment to them is to shape, support, and sustain the employee experience and ultimately create a supportive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other identity, has the opportunity to thrive.

• Plowing snow
• Operating heavy equipment such as tandem dump trucks, loaders, and tractor mowers
• Mowing grass and weeds
• Removing debris from roadways, culverts, tunnels, and other structures
• Shoveling gravel, sand, concrete, and asphalt
• Digging ditches
• Installing and repairing guardrail, highway markers, signs, warning signs, and lighting
• Filling potholes and roadway cracks
• Setting out signs and cones for traffic control
• Removing and covering graffiti
• Installing pavement markings and striping
• Stopping or slowing traffic in emergency situations
• Maintaining equipment and performing minor repairs
• Following safety guidance and wearing proper safety equipment

Your work is critical to keeping Colorado’s roadways open and safe. It positively impacts quality of life for all Coloradans and visitors and helps the economy to thrive.

• Personal protective equipment including uniforms, boots, hard hats, gloves, safety vest, respirator, and tools
• Full payment for your CDL physical after your first year with CDOT
• Partial reimbursement (up to 50 %) for CDL renewal after your first year
• CPR and first‑aid training
• Variety of career training opportunities
• 40‑hour work weeks, with opportunity for overtime during weather emergencies
• 4‑day work schedule (10‑hour days Monday–Thursday) during May through September
• Opportunities to learn new equipment and advance your career

• Exposure to loud noise
• Exposure to fumes, odors, gases, dusts, and other substances that may affect breathing, eyes, and skin
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment
• Required interaction with chemicals and cleaning products
• Some equipment requires the use of respirators
• Work near traffic, sometimes at high speeds
• Use of ladders and scissor lifts up to 10‑20 feet
• Required to drive CDOT vehicles
• Frequently respond to emergencies outside regular work hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays
• Must be physically able to work in extreme temperatures, variable weather, and at elevations up to 12,000 feet for extended periods

Must have at least two (2) years of physical labor and/or heavy equipment operation experience.

• Strong commitment to working safely
• Desire to learn and adapt to changing conditions
• Enjoy working outdoors and physically demanding work
• Pride in a job well done
• Effective teamwork and looks out for team members
• Effective communication in safety‑critical situations
• Commitment to providing good customer service
• Problem‑solving skills and a willingness to…