12711 - Operator Traffic

Virginia Department of Transportation; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking skilled equipment operators and laborers for roadway maintenance, emergency response, and pavement marking tasks across districts. The role blends equipment operation with manual labor, safety compliance, and documentation.

You will perform snow/ice removal, traffic control, sign installation, and maintenance of pavement markings while upholding VDOT safety standards and procedures.

Qualifications

• Must be able to obtain CDL and DOT medical card within 11 months of employment and maintain thereafter.
• Experience with heavy manual labor is required.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding traffic control devices is expected.
• Familiarity with MUTCD and work zone safety practices is needed.

Responsibilities

• Emergency Operations: Prepare and operate equipment for snow/ice removal and other emergencies; provide traffic control.
• Equipment Operations: Operate and maintain highway equipment to perform maintenance tasks.
• Job Safety: apply safety rules, use PPE, and perform site protections.

Skills

CDL

DOT medical card

Heavy manual labor

MUTCD knowledge

Work zone safety

Teamwork

Read plans & sketches

Equipment operation

Job description

Perform a combination of skilled equipment operations, preventive maintenance and manual labor tasks in roadway maintenance. Perform emergency roadway operations as an essential employee. Properly install and maintain longitudinal pavement markings, pavement messages and other traffic control devices.

How you will contribute:

• Emergency Operations: Prepare and operate equipment for snow and ice removal or other types of emergency operations. Clear roadways of snow, ice and debris, and clean up after accidents. Provide traffic control.
• Equipment Operations: Operate and maintain light, medium and heavy-duty highway equipment and vehicles to perform maintenance and construction related work tasks.
• Job Safety: Determine and demonstrate proper work site protection techniques. Identify workplace safety hazards and make suggestions for improvement. Wear proper personal protection equipment. Maintain current knowledge of safety rules, regulations, laws and procedures (OSHA and VOSHA, etc.). Use equipment properly and safely. Apply MUTCD for detours, lane closures, work zones, etc. Maintain clean, orderly, and safe work environment. Follow VDOT safety regulations and practices.
• Manual Labor: Participate as a working member of the crew to complete projects and accomplish objectives. Perform manual labor and other maintenance tasks to complete assigned work. Use a variety of hand and power tools to completed assigned tasks.
• Pavement Marking Installation and Maintenance: Install and maintain longitudinal pavement markings and pavement messages in compliance with the MUTCD, Virginia Work Area Protection Manual and Road and Bridge Specifications.
• Preventative Maintenance: Perform maintenance repair, replacement and preventive maintenance. Complete pre-trip inspections for any vehicle or equipment operated.
• Sign Installation and Maintenance: Install and maintain ground-mounted and overhead signs and other traffic control devices in compliance with the MUTCD. Follow guidelines and policies governing Miss Utility clearances for sign installations. Interpret roadway plans and sketches for new sign installation.
• Traffic Control Devices: Install, maintain and remove traffic control devices for work zones, detours, lane closures, etc., in assigned areas using the MUTCD. Assist in tracking inventory and maintaining records.

What will make you successful:

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, read and interpret work plans and specifications, and complete accurate work documentation.
• Ability to maintain inventory records and complete simple paperwork.
• Ability to obtain valid CDL and DOT medical card within 11 months of employment and maintain thereafter. Must comply with DOT and VDOT policies and standards when operating CDL equipment.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor.
• Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and sketches.
• Ability to work on a team to complete work assignments.
• Knowledge and application of work zone safety, traffic controls and flagging operations to include the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding traffic control devices.
• Knowledge of highway maintenance equipment, materials, methods, and procedures.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of hand and power tools.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of light, medium, and heavy duty equipment used for highway maintenance and repair.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of specialty equipment and complex machinery used in pavement markings and messaging.
• Working knowledge of work zone traffic control standards and techniques.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, read and interpret work plans and specifications, and complete accurate work documentation.
• Ability to obtain CDL and DOT medical card within 11 months of employment and maintain thereafter. Must comply with DOT and VDOT policies and standards when operating CDL equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and sketches.
• Experience performing heavy manual labor.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding traffic control devices.
• Safety shoes required.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of specialty equipment and complex machinery used in pavement marking and messaging.
• Skill in the use and maintenance of hand and power tools, as well as light, medium, and heavy duty equipment used for highway maintenance and repair.
• Working knowledge of work zone traffic control standards and techniques.

Additional Considerations:

• Experience in emergency operations to include snow and ice removal, storms and debris clean-up.
• Experience in pavement marking and messaging operations.
• Experience in the installation and maintenance of various types of traffic control devices.
• Valid CDL with appropriate endorsements.

Physical Requirements Physical Requirements

VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.

VDOT Code of Ethics (https://www.virginiadot.org/about/missionandvalues.asp)

Standards of Conduct (https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/docs/default-source/hrpolicy/pol1-60--standards-of-conduct-eff-1-1-2025.pdf?sfvrsn=7c0d724e_0)

Physical Requirements Physical Requirements