Highway Maintenance Specialist

Oregon Department of Transportation; Pendleton (OR); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays

Flexible work schedules

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Oregon Department of Transportation is seeking a Transportation Maintenance Specialist 2 for the Pendleton area to perform highway maintenance and operate a range of equipment. Responsibilities include snow removal during weather events, pothole repair and drainage work, and routine maintenance of signs, guardrails, and vegetation.

The role requires CDL-A with tanker endorsement (or ability to obtain) and strict driving record checks. Willingness to respond after hours for emergencies is needed.

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.
• CDL-A with tanker endorsement (or ability to obtain) and restrictions removed within required timeframe.
• A valid driver license and a acceptable driving record are required; pre-employment driving records checks will be conducted.
• As of Sept. 29, 2025, FMCSA policy change may affect CDL eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of heavy and light equipment to maintain and repair surfaces.
• Assist with weather related emergencies and operate snowplows, deicer trucks and other equipment to clear snow from roadways.
• Perform minor surface repairs including pothole and concrete patching and small inlay work.
• Maintain drainage systems, dig and clean ditches and repair culverts, inlets and erosion.
• Clear debris, brush, mow grass and spray roadside vegetation.
• Maintain fences, guardrails, concrete barriers and milepost markers.
• Maintain wooded areas including replanting and pruning.
• Service and repair tools and motorized equipment.
• Perform minor maintenance including janitorial work, landscaping, painting and light carpentry.
• Must be available after hours for emergency, on call and weather related purposes.

Skills

CDL-A with tanker endorsement

Heavy equipment operation

Driver license & clean record

FMCSA compliance knowledge

Pesticide applicator license within 6 

Tools

None

Job description

Transportation Maintenance Specialist 2 – Highway Maintenance Specialist

Oregon Department of Transportation – Delivery & Operations Division – Region 5 – Maintenance Crew – Pendleton

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of heavy and light equipment and tools to maintain and repair various surfaces.
• Assist with weather related emergencies and operate snowplows, deicer trucks and other equipment to clear snow from roadways.
• Perform minor surface repairs including pothole and concrete patching and small inlay work.
• Maintain drainage systems, dig and clean ditches and repair culverts, inlets and erosion.
• Clear debris, clear brush, mow grass and spray roadside vegetation.
• Maintain and repair fences, guardrails, concrete barriers and milepost markers.
• Maintain wooded areas which includes replanting, pruning, thinning or trimming trees, shrubs and groundcover.
• Service and repair tools and motorized equipment.
• Perform minor maintenance including janitorial work, landscaping, painting and light carpentry.
• 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 be available after hours, on weekends and holidays for emergency, on call and weather related purposes.

Benefits

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more.
• Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials.
• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity.

Minimum Qualifications

One year of experience performing basic highway maintenance work.

OR

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 60 minute response time to 1327 SE 3rd St., Pendleton, OR 97801 for emergency call-outs.
• This position requires the final candidate obtain their Public Pesticide Applicator’s license within six months of hire.

Desired Attributes

• 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.
• Experience using hand tools and operating light and heavy equipment such as tractors, excavators, loaders or dump trucks.
• Experience completing basic mechanical repairs on light and heavy vehicles or equipment.
• Experience working safely around traffic and work zones.
• Willingness to learn new things.
• Experience working on a team and helping others.

Application Information

• Complete the following required steps:
• Fill out the application or attach a resume.
• Complete questionnaire.
• After you submit your application, please respond to the public records request authorization and gender identity questionnaire.
• If you are a veteran or Oregon National Guard servicemember, you may receive preference. The task to upload your documents will be available after you submit your application.

Contact

• For questions, call 971-345-1967 or email [e-mail].

Additional Information

• This recruitment will remain open until filled. Our first application screening is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 07/28/2026, but we may close the announcement at any time after this date when we have received an adequate number of applications. We encourage interested applicants not to delay in applying.
• 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.
• 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).

Equal Employment Opportunity

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, activities, 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. 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.