Highway Maintenance Specialist I #1477 - Highway - Public Works Division

Under close supervision, performs a variety of duties related to the maintenance of County highways and bridges such as road striping, sign installation, cutting trees, maintenance of right‑of‑way, fencing, traffic control and repair of road beds. Essential Functions Performs a variety of general labor and road maintenance and repair tasks at various locations throughout the county, including but not limited to sign installation, cutting trees, installation and repair of guardrails, traffic control to ensure work‑zone safety, maintenance of right‑of‑way and fencing, and may oversee inmates assisting with road maintenance. Operate heavy equipment such as front‑end loaders, tractors and rollers for loading, hauling and unloading of equipment, materials and supplies. Perform vehicle and equipment checks and preventive maintenance; may transfer equipment between work sites. Assist with snow removal and ice control; may work during emergency weather conditions and after normal work hours. Work around all types of moving equipment. Perform other related duties as assigned. Guardrail Installation and Repair Lift and carry guardrail components: posts (~50 lbs), 12’ rail (~100 lbs), 25’ rail (~200 lbs – requires two crew members), end flap (~25 lbs). Use tools such as sledgehammer (10–16 lbs), pry bars, wrenches and sockets, constantly manipulating components by pushing, pulling and prying. Tree Cutting and Removal Carry and use chainsaw (~25 lbs), axe (~10 lbs), sledgehammer and wedge (~15 lbs). Roll or carry branches and logs weighing from 5 to 100 lbs; work may continue up to twelve (12) hours with limited breaks, depending on weather. Fence Repair and Construction Lift, carry and use fence posts (5–75 lbs), wire rolls (25–200 lbs – requires two crew members), pole drivers (25–75 lbs), post hole diggers (20 lbs), steel bar (25 lbs) and concrete bags (40–80 lbs). Constant manipulation of components by lifting, pushing and pulling. Drain Tile Cleaning Work in conjunction with water truck; lift concrete box lids (100–300 lbs – requires 2–3 crew members) and use high‑pressure hoses to free obstructions, digging in and around drainage structures with shovel or mattock. Snow and Ice Removal Hand work with shovels to spread salt and sand to areas not accessible by salt trucks; physically shovel and sling salt and sand. Leaf Removal Use pitchforks, rakes and brooms to gather leaves and clean ditches and drainage structures. Flagging and Traffic Control Place sign (work zone) (~10 lbs), stand (~20 lbs), paddles (~3 lbs), flag (~1 lb) and cones (~2 lbs). Flagger must remain mentally alert at all times and often stand for long periods. Weeding and Ground Maintenance Handle weedeater (~12 lbs), handheld blower (~10 lbs) and broom (~3 lbs). Concrete and Asphalt Grinding Operate walk‑behind grinder and saw (100–125 lbs) and handheld saw (25 lbs). Tools are lifted into and out of vehicles, usually by two or more crew members. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of guidelines and documentation for sign installation, right‑of‑way maintenance, road equipment operation and related tools. Knowledge of Hamilton County policies and procedures; relevant Federal, State and County codes and regulations for highway maintenance and workplace and traffic safety. Knowledge of County geography, facilities and work sites. Skill reading, interpreting, understanding and applying applicable rules and regulations. Skill using hand tools and equipment such as shovels, rakes, weed‑eaters, mowers/tractors and road equipment. Skill establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with the public, department staff, contractors and other County departments. Skill performing basic labor functions (digging, raking, carrying, lifting). Skill effectively communicating orally and in writing. A valid driver's license is required. Physical Requirements The work requires sustained physical effort, considerable walking and standing, limited sitting and driving. The employee frequently stands, talks and hears; occasionally walks, sits, climbs, balances, stoops, kneels, crouches, and crawls. The employee must lift or move up to 10 lbs regularly and occasionally up to 100 lbs. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust during duties. Employees regularly work outdoors in hot, cold, dry, wet, dusty, muddy, windy or humid conditions; near moving equipment and mechanical parts; and may be exposed to vibrations, jostling and bouncing. High, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and loud noise levels may be encountered. Additional Requirements This position is deemed essential during inclement weather and may require remaining at work even during administrative closings, at the discretion of the Department Head. All employees must complete the HC Defensive Driving Course and/or the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course prior to operating a County‑owned vehicle. Safety Sensitive This position is identified as “safety sensitive” under the definition of 49 CFR Part 40. The employee will be subject to drug and alcohol testing under the following conditions: post‑offer pre‑employment, reasonable cause, after an on‑the‑job accident or contributing to an accident, on a random basis, prior to return to duty after suspension, and as follow‑up. This is in addition to the rules and regulations of the Employee Handbook. Additional Information This description does not cover all activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties may change at any time with or without notice. All positions are within Hamilton County Government and are considered in‑person; they require regular and punctual attendance. Work may be required on holidays, weekends and irregular hours or shift work, including possible shift extensions with short notice. Equal Opportunity Employer Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. Hamilton County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan and Utilization Report are available on the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Office home page. #J-18808-Ljbffr Hamilton-County,-Tn