Highway Maintenance Specialist (Seasonal)

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

Benefits offered by this job

RV hookups

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

11 paid holidays

Flexible work schedules

Paid leave and more

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Transportation in Mitchell, Oregon, is seeking a Seasonal Highway Maintenance Specialist to maintain and repair roadways, operate snowplows, and support emergency response efforts. The role lasts about 6 months from date of hire and offers a base salary within the listed range.

You will work with heavy equipment, perform minor repairs, and assist with traffic control and routine maintenance, with a focus on safety and reliability for Oregon’s roads.

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.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment to maintain and repair roadways, highways, bridges and structures.
• Assist with weather-related emergencies and snow removal.
• Perform minor surface repairs including pothole and concrete patching and small inlay work.
• Maintain drainage systems and repair culverts and erosion.
• Service and repair tools and motorized equipment.
• May perform janitorial work, landscaping, painting and light carpentry.

Education

CDL-A License

Job description

Job Details

Initial Posting Date: 09/02/2026

Application Deadline: 09/16/2026

Agency: Department of Transportation

Salary Range: $4,312 - $5,988

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Highway Maintenance Specialist (Seasonal)

Job Description

Do you want to use your skills to make a difference? Join our hardworking Mitchell 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!

This is a seasonal position that is expected to last approximately 6 months from date of hire. Seasonal positions are regular status, benefits eligible positions, which occur, terminate and recur periodically or regularly.

We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions.

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.


• 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.


• To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email [e-mail].

What’s in it for you

• Work/life balance


• 11 paid holidays a year


• Flexible work schedules


• Paid leave and so much more


• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity

Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer.

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. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying.

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%.

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. For more information, please refer to the FMCSA announcement and the accompanying FAQ.

This position has recreational vehicle (RV) hookups available at the Mitchell maintenance station for $15 per month. This fee covers utilities including water and electricity, but no sewer services are available.

If not using the RV hookups, this position requires a maximum 45 minute response time to 17655 Highway 26, Mitchell, OR 97750 for emergency call-outs.

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.


• Experience working on a team.


• Experience prioritizing safety.


• Winter maintenance experience such as sanding, deicing or using snow blowers or snowplows.


• Verbal and written communication skills.

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 andAffirmative 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 (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.

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.”