Highway Maintenance Technician II - CDL Equipment Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary  

The Highway Maintenance Technician II - CDL Equipment Operator supports safe, reliable roadways by responding to assigned work orders on active road and highway maintenance projects. This role performs routine and corrective maintenance such as pothole repairs, debris and litter removal, vegetation control, sign and guardrail repairs, and basic drainage work. The position operates hand and power tools, uses light equipment, sets up traffic control for work zones, and follows all safety and DOT standards. It is necessary to document work performed, communicate status updates, and coordinate with your crew to meet daily and weekly goals. The work is outdoors in varying weather, may include occasional on-call or after-hours response, and requires consistent attention to safety, quality, and teamwork.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Responds to assigned work orders promptly, assesses site conditions independently, and develops a clear plan to complete the task safely and efficiently. Communicates status and any obstacles to the supervisor on time.
• Operates small commercial equipment, such as a skid steer, to perform earth and material moving.
• Sets up and maintains proper work zone traffic control in line with MUTCD and company standards. Performs flagging, signs and cones placement, and spot checks to protect the crew and the traveling public.
• Operates hand tools and power equipment such as trimmers, edgers, pole saws, blowers, chainsaws, and cutoff saws. Uses small equipment and light machinery as assigned when trained and authorized.
• Performs routine care, cleaning, and preventive maintenance on tools and equipment. Completes pre-trip and post-trip checks, reports defects, and coordinates repairs with management or the shop.
• Conducts vegetation management along roadsides, medians, and rights-of-way, including mowing, trimming, brush cutting, and tree limb removal. Maintains clear sightlines at intersections, signs, and guardrails.
• Cleans and grades ditches, culverts, and drainage structures to ensure proper flow. Performs shoulder work, slope shaping, and basic erosion control as directed.
• Removes debris, litter, animal carcasses, and storm-related obstructions from travel lanes and shoulders. Restores the cleanliness of work sites and disposes of materials according to environmental guidelines.
• Completes pavement and roadside repairs such as pothole patching, joint sealing, and basic asphalt or concrete repairs. Assists with larger maintenance operations as a crew member.
• Repairs and maintains highway assets, including fences, guardrails, traffic signs, mile markers, delineators, sidewalks, and related structures. Verifies alignment, visibility, and hardware integrity after repairs.
• Supports emergency and incident response, including storm events, flooding, and traffic incidents. Helps stabilize scenes, set up emergency traffic control, and perform urgent repairs to restore safe conditions.
• Always uses equipment safely by following SOPs, wearing required PPE, and practicing situational awareness. Reports hazards, near-misses, and incidents immediately and participates in safety meetings.
• Uses mobile devices or forms to document work performed, materials used, equipment hours, and before-and-after conditions. Ensure records are complete, accurate, and submitted on time.
• Loads, secures, transports, and unloads tools, materials, and equipment in compliance with company policy and DOT requirements. Maintains a clean and organized yard, vehicles, and storage areas.
• Provides guidance to entry-level technicians when asked, supports cross-training, and shares best practices to improve quality, safety, and productivity across the crew.
• Coordinates with inspectors, utilities, subcontractors, and the public when directed by the supervisor. Maintains a professional and courteous demeanor during all interactions.
• Performs seasonal tasks as applicable to the region, which may include snow and ice response in Virginia, and storm preparation and cleanup across all operating states.
• Performs on-call duties during evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled. Responds within required timeframes and is prepared for overtime during emergencies or peak workloads.
• Performs other duties as requested by supervisor or project leadership.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

 

Knowledge

• Understands roadside maintenance basics, including vegetation control, debris removal, simple drainage work, and asset care for signs and guardrails.
• Familiar with work zone safety principles, MUTCD guidance, company SOPs, PPE requirements, and hazard recognition near live traffic.
• Basic knowledge of drainage, roadside repairs, and temporary traffic control; can read simple traffic control plans and field sketches.

Skills

• Consistently follows safety procedures, recognizes hazards, communicates them, and stops work when needed.
• Works reliably with a strong work ethic, asks clarifying questions, and follows through to completion.
• Communicates clearly with supervisors, teammates, inspectors, and the public.
• Uses smartphones or tablets to receive work orders, document work, upload photos, and track equipment hours.
• Safely operates common roadside tools and small equipment such as trimmers, edgers, pole saws, blowers, chainsaws, walk-behind mowers, and compactors.
• Applies standard mowing and vegetation control practices and maintains sightlines at intersections, signs, and guardrails.

Abilities

• Works independently on basic tasks and as part of a crew while prioritizing safety, quality, and productivity.
• Lifts up to 50 lbs., regularly carries up to 25 lbs., and works on feet for extended periods; able to kneel, bend, climb, and operate on uneven terrain and slopes near live traffic.
• Works outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, humidity, cold, rain, and wind, and around dust, noise, and roadside vegetation.
• Adapts to multiple shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and responds to emergency callbacks and storm events within required timeframes.
• Travels within the assigned district and, when needed, stays overnight during storms or emergency operations. Living within a reasonable response time to the yard or project area is required.

 

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE: 

 

Required

• Must be at least 23 years old (per company insurance requirements).
• Must possess an active and valid Florida Commercial Driver’s License Class A or B.
• Must possess an active and valid Florida driver’s license with no restrictions and be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check and maintain insurability under company policy.
• Exposure to light equipment like skid steers, loaders, or mini excavators.
• Basic math, reading, and recordkeeping skills to complete work orders and material logs accurately.
• Ability to obtain Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) or Flagger certification within company timelines.
• Willing and able to travel within the assigned district and report to different work sites; living within a reasonable response time to the yard is preferred.

• Compliance with the company's Drug and Alcohol Policy; able to pass pre-employment and random testing. A background check and job-related physical may be required.

Preferred

• DOT Medical Card, herbicide applicator license, and experience with FDOT standards.
• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Previous experience in road maintenance, landscaping, construction, or a related field is a plus, but training will be provided for motivated candidates.
• Industry related certifications such as OSHA 10/30, CPR, etc.