Highway Maintenance Worker/Senior

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Transportation - Agency 27

Location:

Gordon, NE, Hyannis, NE, Merriman, NE, Valentine, NE

Hiring Rate:

$21.953

Job Posting:

JR2026-00029772 Hwy Maintenance Worker/Senior - Merriman (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

11-16-2026

Job Description:

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is seeking a dedicated and hardworking team player to join us in our mission to enhance the quality of life for Nebraskans by building and maintaining a convenient, safe, and innovative statewide transportation system!

Pay rate of $20.39 per hour. Proficiency and certification in the operation of heavy highway maintenance equipment will result in eligibility for promotion to a Highway Maintenance Worker/Senior at $21.953 per hour.

Exciting Added Pay Differentials! In this classification, those who hold a CDL and are utilized to perform CDL functions on a regular basis shall receive a pay differential of:

$1/hour after 1 year of continuous service, an
additional
$1/hour after 3 years of continuous service, an
additional
$1/hour after 5 years of continuous service.

We are eager and excited to retain you here at NDOT!

We reward our employee’s hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• State-matched retirement contribution of 156%!
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
• A culture that embraces work-life balance
• Military leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and development based on your career aspirations
• Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fun, inviting teammates

Under immediate supervision, performs a wide variety of semi-skilled manual tasks and operates trucks and other light equipment to maintain and preserve highways, shoulders, roadside areas, structures, and other broad pavement surfaces and related markings/signs in safe condition. Usually works with other maintenance workers and senior maintenance workers under the direction of a highway maintenance supervisor or crew chief; work is performed in all types of weather, with assignment to a geographic area or a specialized statewide unit; performs related work as assigned. Possession of a valid driver's license and a good driving record is required. Operates snow removal equipment on an as needed basis or during emergencies.

Please reach out to Tessa, Talent Acquisition Partner, at (402) 419-3192, if you have questions or to learn more.

Job Duties:

Operate trucks and other light equipment; drive trucks to transport crews or materials to work sites.

Mow right-of-ways and maintain shoulders and roadsides using power hand mowers and tractors with various attachments such as discs, harrows, seeders, cement mixers, and sprayers.

Operate post drivers, install and move/remove signs, fences, guardrails, and snow fences.

Remove and apply various surfacing materials including concrete and bituminous patching, crack filling, and sealants to maintain and repair roadways and other broad pavements; apply adhesives, paint, and other material to guardrails, posts, buildings, and other structures; perform manual labor as needed; and handle hazardous materials needed to perform this work.

Control traffic through and around construction and maintenance projects according to established safety procedures; set signs and cones around work sites; relay road and weather conditions via two-way radio.

Safely move, drag, lift, load, and unload various equipment, materials, supplies, and hazardous materials or objects from the roadway within weight restrictions; spread and tamp surfacing materials.

Inspect, clean, maintain, and as needed, make routine repairs to assigned equipment; maintain grounds and buildings of maintenance yards.

Operate snow removal equipment on an as-needed basis or during emergencies and labor shortages.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Highway Maintenance Worker/ Senior: Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license, and possession of a Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License with air brakes and tanker endorsements is required within 60 days of employment.

Highway Maintenance Worker: Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in the operation of heavy equipment. A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement. Commercial Pesticide applicator's license. Basic computer experience.

Other: A Valid Class "A" Commercial Driver's License with O Restriction and tanker endorsement is required within 90 days of hire through our in-house CDL training program. Costs to obtain the permit will be paid for by the Department. Must be able to be placed on-call and respond accordingly during non-scheduled work hours including holidays and weekends for emergencies and special events. Work is performed in adverse weather conditions and during traffic management activities and traffic safety incidents including snow removal, sanding, and de-icing. Regular and reliable attendance is also required. Must be able to report to work for snow and other highway emergencies within 40 minutes under normal driving conditions and be placed in an "on-call" status Must be able to obtain your CDL with endorsements within 90 days of employment; loss of license may result in termination of employment. Some positions may require overnight travel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must be able to safely move, drag, and lift 35 pounds frequently, up to 60 pounds occasionally (without assistance), and 90 or more pounds infrequently (with assistance); climb, bend, stoop; endure working in outdoor temperature extremes and all types of weather, and work around high-speed traffic. Must be able to read and communicate effectively, give and receive instructions, and follow directions with minimal supervision. Basic computer and arithmetic skills. Ability and willingness to learn and accept challenges by learning and adjusting to new technology and processes. Quality/results-oriented sense of urgency in the performance of duties.

Ability to work safely and demonstrate safe and reliable practices and behaviors. Ability to interact in a positive manner and treat co-workers and supervisors with dignity and respect, work to resolve conflicts, and make good decisions using sound judgment, processes and purpose.

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.