Highway Maintenance Specialist

State of Oregon; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 48,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Oregon is seeking a Highway Maintenance Specialist to join the Bend area delivery and operations crew. You will operate heavy and light equipment to maintain roads, bridges and structures, respond to weather-related emergencies, and perform routine repairs and vegetation control.

A CDL-A is preferred, with additional licensing requirements and safety responsibilities. This full-time role offers a comprehensive base salary within the stated range, paid holidays, and opportunities for

Qualifications

• Experience in road maintenance, construction or maintenance training programs is a plus.
• Ability to work safely and monitor safety or report safety issues.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment to maintain and repair roadways, highways, bridges and structures.
• Assist with weather related emergencies and snow removal.
• Perform pothole and concrete patching, small inlay work, and routine maintenance tasks.
• Maintain fences, guardrails and drainage systems; clear debris and vegetation as needed.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Communication

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 08/17/2026 Application Deadline: 08/31/2026 Agency: Department of Transportation Salary Range: $4,312 - $5,988 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Highway Maintenance Specialist

Delivery and Operations Division – Region 4 Maintenance Crew Bend

We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions.

The role

Do you want to use your skills to make a difference? Join our hardworking Bend maintenance crew and help keep Oregon’s roads and travelers safe! As part of our team, you will operate equipment necessary to maintain and repair roadways, highways, bridges and structures. You will also help with emergency cleanup and traffic control after storms, spills, incidents and more!

A day in the life

• Assist with weather related emergencies and operate snowplows, deicer trucks and other equipment to clear snow from roadways.
• Operate a variety of heavy and light equipment and tools to maintain and repair various surfaces.
• Perform minor surface repairs including pothole and concrete patching and small inlay work.
• Maintain and repair fences, guardrails, concrete barriers and milepost markers.
• Clear debris, clear brush, mow grass and spray roadside vegetation.
• Maintain drainage systems, dig and clean ditches and repair culverts, inlets and erosion.
• Maintain wooded areas which includes replanting, pruning, thinning or trimming trees, shrubs and groundcover.
• Exposure to noise, extreme heights, all weather conditions, heavy equipment, pesticides and hazardous waste materials is expected.
• Must be able to move around rough terrain, bend and stoop for extended periods and may need to lift up to 60 pounds.
• May need to travel around the region and be available after hours, on weekends and holidays for emergency, on call and weather related purposes.

What’s in it for you:

• Work/life balance
• 11 paid holidays a year
• flexible work schedules
• paid leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!
• Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range.

Minimum qualifications:

• One year of experience performing basic highway maintenance work.
• Two years of general landscaping, maintenance, mechanical, farming, logging, and/or construction experience or training.

Special qualifications:

• You must possess a current, valid commercial driver's license A (CDL-A) with a tanker endorsement, no air brake restrictions, no 5th wheel restrictions and no manual transmission restrictions, OR have the ability to acquire a class A commercial learner permit within 60 days of hire and a CDL-A with a tanker endorsement and restrictions removed within six months of hire (ODOT will cover training costs) to be considered eligible for this position.
• A valid driver license and an acceptable driving record are required for this position.
• We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks, including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse registration and full query check for our final candidate(s) and annual query for current employees.
• As of Sept. 29, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has rescinded prior guidance that allowed state DMVs to issue limited term commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). As a result, individuals who hold a lawful employment authorization document (EAD) are no longer eligible to obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) or commercial driver’s license (CDL). This federal policy change may impact candidates applying for positions that require a CDL.
• This position requires a maximum 45 minute response time to 63055 N Highway 97, Bend, OR 97703 for emergency call-outs.
• This position requires the final candidate obtain their Public Pesticide Applicator’s license within six months of hire. Once licensed, employees earn an extra $2.75 per hour when performing licensed pesticide or herbicide duties.

What we’d like to see:

• Experience in road maintenance, construction or in a maintenance training program such as ODOT High School to Highway program, ODOT/ODF Fire and Ice program, Job Corps, etc.
• A current, valid commercial driver’s license A (CDL-A) is preferred.
• A current, valid public pesticide applicator’s license is preferred.
• Experience working on a team.
• Experience working safely, monitoring safety or reporting safety issues.
• Winter maintenance experience such as sanding, deicing or using snow blowers or snowplows.
• Communication skills including following verbal and written instructions.

Additional information:

• We do not offer visa sponsorship.
• If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US.
• We are not an E-Verify participating employer, and we are unable to proceed if E-Verify participation is required [e.g., STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension].
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process.
• We may use this recruitment to fill multiple or future vacancies.
• We will conduct name-based criminal background checks on final candidates, not including current ODOT employees.
• All applicants may be subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as driver license, LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System), and/or education verification as required for the position.
• You will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• ODOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, hiring, and employment practices.
• Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process.
• For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding EEO/AA/ADA, contact 1-877-336-6368 (1-877-EEO-ODOT). This information can be made available in an alternative format by contacting ODOT Recruitment at 503-986-3700.
• Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1.

Need help?

For questions, call 503-910-6372 or email [e-mail].

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”