Highway Equipment Operator I

Calvert County, MD; Prince Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick leave

Annual leave

Personal leave

Public holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Health coverage

FSAs

Gym discounts

Job summary

Calvert County Government seeks an Highway Equipment Operator I to perform a range of road maintenance duties, including mowing, ditch work, pothole repair, sign installation, and traffic control. The role supports snow removal and emergency response while working under supervision within the Highway Maintenance team.

Required are a high school diploma or GED, two years of relevant experience, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Two years of relevant experience in road or highway maintenance or a related field.
• Must possess or obtain within six months: Valid Class B CDL; Medical Examiner’s Certificate; OSHA 10; Trench Safety; Confined Space Entry; Maryland Flagger.

Responsibilities

• Maintains roadsides by mowing, herbicides, brush/debris removal, mulch spreading, weed control.
• Patches potholes and reconditions shoulders and ditches.
• Excavates ditches, lays pipes, and installs storm drains.
• Fabricates and maintains roadway signs; manages sign inventory.
• Operates maintenance tools and equipment safely.
• Assists in snow removal and weather-related emergencies.
• Paints road centerlines and edgelines.
• Provides traffic control during roadwork and emergencies.

Skills

Road maintenance practices

Tool operation safety

Leveling instruments usage

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Mowing tractors

Pickup trucks

Paint machines

Weed eaters

Saws

Chain saws

Spray painter

Tree pruner

Post hole auger/driver

Transit level

Job description

The Highway Equipment Operator I is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to the maintenance and repair of county roads and highway infrastructure. Work includes upkeep of rights-of-way, drainage systems, road surfaces, signage, guardrails, and related structures. The position involves regular use of maintenance equipment but does not primarily focus on equipment operation. Work is performed under supervision of a crew leader or Highway Equipment Operator III.

Essential Job Functions

Performs various highway maintenance functions:

Maintains roadsides by mowing, applying herbicides, clearing brush and debris, spreading mulch, and removing weeds and dead vegetation.

Maintains and repairs road surfaces by patching potholes and reconditioning unpaved shoulders and ditches.

Excavates ditches and trenches; cuts, lays, and installs pipe and concrete storm drains.

Fabricates, installs, repairs, and maintains roadway signs; applies lettering and maintains records of sign inventory.

Operates a range of tools and equipment including mowing tractors, pickup trucks, paint machines, weed eaters, saws, chain saws, spray painter, gas operated tree pruner, gas post hole auger/driver, and transit level.

Operates Class V or Class B commercial vehicles and smaller equipment in accordance with job requirements.

Assists in snow removal and other weather-related emergencies.

Paints road centerlines and edgelines.

Provides traffic control support during roadwork and emergencies.

Other Duties

Supports special events by staging materials and equipment.

Performs janitorial or cleaning duties for County facilities as assigned.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (These are pre-employment KSA that apply only to Essential Job Functions.)

Knowledge --

• Road and highway maintenance practices.

Skill in --

• Operating various maintenance tools and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Operating leveling instruments for grading.

Ability to --

• Perform varied road and highway maintenance tasks.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Interact professionally and effectively with the public and coworkers.

Required Qualifications (Note: Any acceptable combination of education, training and relevant experience that provides the above knowledge, abilities and skills may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis.)

Training and/or Education:

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Experience:

Two years of relevant experience in road or highway maintenance or a related field.

Licenses or Certificates:

Valid driver’s license.

Must possess or obtain within six (6) months of employment:

• Valid Class B commercial driver’s license;
• Current Medical Examiner’s Certificate in accordance with Federal Regulations;
• OSHA 10 certification;
• Trench Safety certification;
• Confined Space Entry certification; and
• Maryland Flagger certification.

Special Requirements:

Must be 18 years of age.

Operation of County owned vehicle.

May be subject to alcohol and drug testing.

Physical Demands:

Requires strenuous physical effort to perform manual work involving walking over rough, uneven terrain, repeated bending, climbing, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or lifting objects up to 100 pounds.

Unusual Demands:

Exposure to outdoor elements including dirt, dust, noise, inclement weather, and hazards from road traffic and use of equipment.

May be required to work extended hours, remain on-site during emergencies, or be called in for after-hours work.

FLSA Status:

Nonexempt

Compensation Steps:

Pay rate: $21.10 - $22.61 per hour; $43,888 - $47,029 annually

Grade 802, full-time position, 40 hours per week

Department of Public Works, Highway Maintenance

Position closing date: November 25, 2026

Calvert County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• 15 days of sick leave
• 10 days of annual leave
• 5 days of personal leave
• 13 paid holidays *14 in an election year
• Defined Contribution Plan
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Up to 80% tuition reimbursement
• Gym membership discounts

Please Note:A complete application is required to be considered for a position within Calvert County Government. All prior work experience, education, and other certifications should be entered into the application and supplemental questions should be answered completely. Attachments are not provided to hiring managers unless you are selected for an interview.