Highway Maintenance Technician-CDL Driver/Equipment Operator-Laurel

Montana Department of Transportation; Laurel (MT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

State retirement

Paid time off

Student loan forgiveness

Job summary

The Montana Department of Transportation in Laurel, MT seeks a Maintenance Technician to perform highway maintenance tasks and operate trucks and equipment. You will help with ditch cleaning, patching, overlays, fence repairs, mowing and material transport, with winter snow removal duties as needed.

Responsibilities include preoperational checks, routine servicing, fluid top-offs, and equipment maintenance.

Qualifications

• One year experience driving heavy trucks and operating construction equipment; basic math, computers and record keeping; and the ability to make estimates of materials needed.
• A valid Montana Class A Type II Commercial Operators license w/ endorsements for air brakes and tanker are required. Applicants with a Class B license or a learner's permit and experience are encouraged to apply. A successful applicant with a learner's permit will be required to obtain a Class A, Type II CDL license with endorsements within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of work as a laborer, lead worker, equipment operator and truck driver for highway maintenance activities.
• Operates a variety of equipment, including trucks, to perform regular maintenance activities such as ditch cleaning, patching, overlays, fence repairs, lawn mowing and material or equipment transportation.
• In winter, loads sanding material and performs snow removal and sanding.
• Responsible for overall functional operation of machines including preoperational checking, scheduled servicing, and adding fluids, and changing pins, cutting edges.

Skills

Heavy truck driving

Construction equipment operation

Basic math & record keeping

Education

Montana Class A Type II CDL w/ air brakes & tanker endorsements

Experience with construction equipment

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation is recruiting for a Maintenance Technician in Laurel. This position performs a variety of work as a laborer, lead worker, equipment operator and truck driver for highway maintenance activities. The Maintenance Technician operates a variety of equipment, including trucks, to perform regular maintenance activities such as ditch cleaning, patching, overlays, fence repairs, lawn mowing and material or equipment transportation. In winter, loads sanding material and performs snow removal and sanding. Responsible for overall functional operation of machines including preoperational checking, scheduled servicing, and adding fluids, and changing pins, cutting edges, etc. Performs related work as required.

The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Benefits of working for the Montana Department of Transportation and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
  • For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Benefits apply on the first day of employment
  • Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

Education & Experience

Requires knowledge of highway maintenance and equipment typically assigned to a section, including basic diesel/gasoline vehicle maintenance:

• One (1) year experience driving heavy trucks and operating construction equipment; basic math, computers and record keeping; and the ability to make estimates of materials needed.
• A valid Montana Class A Type II Commercial Operators license w/endorsements for air brakes and tanker are required. Applicants with a Class B license or a learner's permit and experience are encouraged to apply. A successful applicant with a learner's permit will be required to obtain a Class A, Type II CDL license with endorsements within 30 days of hire.

Additional Information

• Successful applicants must live or relocate within 45 road miles of the assigned maintenance section and must have a telephone or be reasonably accessible to the section headquarters. Relocation assistance may be offered to the candidate at the time of offer.
• The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program, our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury free workplace. Offer of employment is contingent upon undergoing pre-employment testing for controlled substances and must register for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Clearinghouse.
• Driving record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant's permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy # 3-0134, "Addendum to Rick Management and Tort Defense Division State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.
• This position belongs to the AFSCME bargaining union. More information about your choice to join the union will be available to the successful candidate during the onboarding process.
• This position is covered under a Career Ladder Advancement Policy (Level I - IV) and pay is based on the level. Pay and placement in the career ladder is based on MDT time in grade, classroom training, practical experience, and successful completion of the MDT Maintenance Academy. Reaching maximum Maintenance Tech pay (Level IV) can take up to five years.
• This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, then non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.
• The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054. Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov.