Road Equipment Operator

Salary: $30.18 - $33.32 Hourly
Location : Road & Bridge- 205 Baxter Ln, Bozeman, MT
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00841
Department: Road & Bridge
Opening Date: 06/08/2026


POSITION OVERVIEW
Under the general supervision of the Road Foreman, this position operates specialized heavy equipment and tools to maintain, repair, and construct County roads and roadway features. The position also provides operational support for the Road, Bridge, and Junk Vehicle Department and performs a variety of other duties as assigned. This position reports to the Road Foreman and does not supervise other personnel.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, and construct County roads and roadside features using specialized heavy equipment, tools, and manual labor. Monitor project safety, inspect designated routes, and provide routine and emergency winter maintenance services.
• Review work assignments based on the nature and urgency of road needs, available resources, and timelines. Coordinate with supervisors and other operators to complete projects efficiently.
• Inspect road surfaces, drainage, and rights-of-way; determine appropriate methods and equipment; and perform construction and repair to County standards.
• Operate graders, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks, and other specialized equipment. Calibrate and monitor heavy equipment for safety and effectiveness.
• Provide manual labor support, including transporting materials, clearing roadsides and drainage, asphalt repair, ditching, tree and brush cutting, and traffic control.
• Inspect project sites to ensure compliance with safety protocols for crews, the public, equipment, and materials. Address minor issues and escalate major concerns.
• Conduct road inspections to identify maintenance needs, perform minor repairs, clear debris, and install or modify signs and markers.
• Provide winter maintenance services, including plowing, applying de-icer, and sanding/gritting. Position is required to be on call during storm cycles.
• Inspect and maintain equipment through daily checks (fluids, lights, tires, etc.), perform routine repairs, and coordinate with mechanics for major issues.
• Participate in cross-training, emergency responses, and workload management across Road, Bridge, and Junk Vehicle operations.
• Compile and submit timecards, activity reports, inspection logs, and other required records.
• Collaborate with designers, contractors, and manufacturers to evaluate new methods, equipment, and tools. Recommend upgrades to improve performance, reduce costs, and meet evolving County needs.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform special projects, attend training, and support Department operations as assigned. If the County Commission proclaims a local emergency due to disaster (e.g., earthquake, fire, flood), County employees may be required to provide services during the emergency and subsequent recovery.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency in heavy equipment and tool operations, road/bridge construction standards, and basic mechanical repair.
• Ability to monitor and enforce safety protocols, work effectively under adverse site conditions, and coordinate with others.
• Strong communication, public relations, and teamwork skills.
• Required certifications within six (6) months of hire:
  • Flagger Certification
  • First Aid/CPR
  • MSHA-46 (Miner) Certification
  • Wildland Fire Training
  • Work Zone Safety Training
• Must hold a Class A CDL Type 1 driver's license with air brake and Tanker endorsement (or ability to obtain within six months of hire).

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus three (3) years of related experience in heavy equipment operations, road/bridge construction, or a related trade/technical field.
• Position is designated as safety-sensitive and subject to the County's Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy (Section 526). Pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing apply.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal history check and background investigation and will be required to successfully pass pre-employment drug testing and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing thereafter.
For application consideration please be prepared to upload the following required documents:

• Resume
• Three (3) work references
• Certified copy of driving record

*The above documents are required. Incomplete packets may not be considered.*
Gallatin County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment on the basis of merit and qualifications without regard to race, creed, religion, color, or national origin or because of age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex when the reasonable demands of the position do not require an age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex distinction.
HEALTH BENEFITS:

• Individual health benefits premium is paid at 100% for full-time employees and pro-rated based on hours worked for part-time employees
• Includes limited vision and dental coverage (Dental is provided by MetLife and includes a dental buy-up option)
• Dependent health benefits premium is offered at very low costs
• Coverage is effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
• Talkspace: In-Network behavioral health support through virtual counseling & psychiatry
• Optional Supplemental Coverage is offered through Mutual of Omaha including Voluntary Accident Policy, Voluntary Critical Illness Policy and Voluntary Life Insurance Policy (also available for dependents)
• FREE unlimited access and care to PMR Clinic East. This is a private Clinic and is available to all employees and family members who are enrolled in our health benefits.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Optional pre-tax, out-of-pocket medical expenses & day care expenses

COUNTY PAID LIFE INSURANCE: $50,000 Group Life Insurance Policy (eligible employees only) (age reductions apply)


COUNTY PAID LONG TERM DISABLITY INSURANCE: Eligible employees only, benefit duration shortens once a specific age is reached

RETIREMENT:

• County employees are covered by the Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS)
• County Deputies and Detention Officers are covered by the Sheriff's Retirement System (SRS)
• An optional supplemental 457 deferred compensation plan/ROTH is available through Empower and Nationwide

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE:

• Eligible employees are offered a maximum of six weeks (240 hours) of paid parental leave for the bonding and care of a newborn child or adoption of a child

SICK AND VACATION LEAVE:

• Employees accrue 12 sick days and 3 weeks of vacation per year, depending on years of service. (Hours are pro-rated for part-time employees)
• Leave starts accruing on an employee's date of hire and can be used as soon as time is in the books.

HOLIDAYS:

• The County observes 11 legal holidays in even numbered years (Federal Election Day) and 10 legal holidays in odd numbered years.
• A Floating Holiday is available to eligible employees after six months.

HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIPS: Discounted rates are offered at participating clubs with payroll deduction.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

• Offers a confidential counseling hotline and up to six sessions with a Licensed Professional Counselor at no cost to the employee. This program is also available to dependents.

WORLDWIDE TRAVEL EMERGENCY PROGRAM AND WILL & LEGAL PREPARATION SERVICES:

• Limited 24/7 services anywhere in the world
• Will and limited legal service

TUITION ASSISTANCE:

• The County offers partial reimbursement of qualifying tuition expenses

BILINGUAL PAY:

• Gallatin County allows for bilingual pay to employees that provide translation services to County departments and offices. The bilingual pay allows for extra compensation to employees that provide this service.