Highway Operator

Purpose and Summary

Build More Than a Career—Build a Community At Sheboygan County, a career is more than just a job—it's your opportunity to make a meaningful impact. We're committed to being a different kind of government—one that values innovation, collaboration, and compassion. We take pride in serving a diverse and growing community, and in supporting each other every step of the way. When you join our team, you become our priority. We offer a supportive, purpose-driven workplace and a full range of benefits, including:

• Generous time off – 15 vacation days starting day one, plus sick leave and 10 paid holidays
• Comprehensive benefits – Including access to our free InHealth Clinic
• Additional perks – Wisconsin Retirement System, employee referral program, education discounts, quarterly recognition awards, a robust wellness program, and more

Now Hiring: Help Keep Sheboygan County Moving Our Highway Department maintains over 2,170 lane miles of roads—including county highways, state routes, and township roads. We're looking for skilled, safety-focused professionals to join our team and help shape the future of local transportation infrastructure. The advertised wage represents the starting rate for this position. The established pay range extends up to $35.00 per hour, with advancement based on qualifications, experience, and internal progression.

Essential Duties

As a Highway Operator, you'll be part of a team that keeps roads safe and functional year-round. Your work will vary by season and project, but typical duties include:

• Safely operate and maintain heavy equipment: graders, loaders, pavers, bulldozers, snowplows, salt spreaders, and more.
• Perform minor repairs and inspections on vehicles and tools.
• Operate paving and crushing equipment; assist with blacktop production and application.
• Plow and treat roads during snow and ice events.
• Clear bridges, widen roads, install/remove snow fences, steam frozen culverts.
• Maintain drainage systems and assist in storm response.
• Mow grass, remove debris, repair potholes, replace culverts, and perform ditch work.
• Apply crack sealing and seal coating treatments.
• Participate in paving operations and blacktop maintenance.
• Assist in concrete work: forming, pouring, finishing, and curing.
• Maintain traffic control setups: detours, signs, flagging.
• Help maintain and improve County buildings and facilities.
• Support crushing operations and blacktop plant work per MSHA standards.
• Operate centerline painting equipment and maintain detailed records.
• Step into leadership roles (shed supervisor/foreman) as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid CDL (Class A) & Tanker (N) Endorsement - Required
• Proven ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Skilled in the use of hand tools, heavy equipment, and safety practices.
• Comfortable working independently and making field decisions.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Construction sites, maintenance sheds, roadways.
• Physically demanding: must lift 50-100 lbs, bend, kneel, climb, and use hand/arm strength.
• Must be available for non-standard hours—including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Work Schedule

• Typically, 4 ten-hour days during summer and 5 eight-hour days in winter, with flexible availability for emergencies and weather-related events.