Highway Equipment Operator I

Calvert County Government; United States; On-site; USD 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15 days sick leave

10 days annual leave

5 days personal leave

13 paid holidays

Defined Contribution Plan

457(b)

Deferred Compensation Plan

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible spending accounts

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Calvert County Government seeks a Highway Equipment Operator I to perform maintenance and minor repairs for county roads and related infrastructure. Responsibilities include mowing, drainage work, patching potholes, installing signs, and traffic control under supervision.

CDL Class B and various safety certifications are required within six months. The role emphasizes manual labor and safe operation of multiple tools, with a strong focus on public safety and adherence to county standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; two years of road/highway maintenance experience preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver's license; within six months: Class B CDL, Medical Examiner's Certificate, OSHA 10, Trench Safety, Confined Space Entry, and Maryland Flagger.

Responsibilities

• Maintains roadsides by mowing, herbicides, brush clearance, mulch, and weed removal.
• Patches potholes and reconditions shoulders/ditches to maintain road surfaces.
• Excavates ditches, lays pipes, installs storm drains, and maintains signage inventories.
• Operates a range of maintenance tools including mowing tractors, weed eaters, saws, and signs.
• Provides traffic control support during roadwork and emergencies; assists in snow removal.

Skills

Road maintenance

Equipment operation

Safety procedures

Traffic control

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDL Class B

Medical Examiner's Certificate

OSHA 10

Trench Safety

Confined Space Entry

Maryland Flagger

Job description

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

• 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 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.
• 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

• 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

• 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.

Compensation

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. The position will be removed from the website as of 12:00 a.m. on November 26th.

Benefits

• 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

Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodations

Calvert County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] with as much notice as possible.

Other Information

Calvert County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Calvert County Government offers a wide range of benefits to enhance the lifestyle of our employees and the lifestyle of their families and dependents.