Highway Maintenance Worker / Snowplow Driver

Douglas County, WI; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual wage increase

On-the-job training

85% health premium contribution

HSA available

Wisconsin Retirement System

Life insurance

Paid time off

PSLF qualification

Job summary

Douglas County, WI is seeking a Maintenance Worker to operate a range of heavy equipment for road maintenance and snow plowing. The role includes on-call winter duties and seasonal shifts, with pay increases after licensure and testing.

Training to obtain a CDL is provided within three months of hire. Full‑time position based on a 40-hour week with a wage scale from $22.92 to $24.73 per hour, reflective of a 2026 salary grade.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience operating heavy equipment is preferred.
• Must be able to obtain a Class A CDL within three months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and maintain highway maintenance equipment.
• Conduct plowing, sanding, and winter maintenance as needed.
• Inspect and maintain equipment and report issues to supervisor.
• Complete time and equipment usage documentation.

Skills

Operate heavy equipment

Safety procedures

Tow/haul/truck operation

Work in extreme weather

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CDL training

Job description

The Maintenance Worker serves as an operator of motorized equipment used in the construction, repair, and maintenance of County roadways. The work of the Maintenance Worker involves the safe and efficient operation of those classes of equipment, which include, but are not limited to: trucks, dozers, rollers, graders, excavators, and tri‑axle snowplows. The work is performed under the general supervision of a working foreman.

CDL training

will be provided to those employees in this position hired without required licensure. After successful completion of training and licensure, the employee participates in required DOT, FMCSA, and Douglas County testing to become a Maintenance Worker I. Salary increases from $20.46 to $22.92 Hourly once licensure and testing requirements are satisfied.

Full‑time based on 40 hours per week. Wage based on 2026 salary grade, $22.92-$24.73 per hour.

Standard hours of operation:

Snow Season (November–April)

Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM (unless otherwise called out for snow plowing or emergency conditions)

Summer Season (April–November)

Monday–Thursday, 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM (unless otherwise called out for emergency conditions or scheduled for a paving project)

This position may require rotating night shifts during the winter season. Availability for evening and weekend callouts during winter snow‑plowing operations is required, with occasional weekend work during the summer construction season as needed.

Douglas County offers a competitive benefits package including, but not limited, to:

• Annual wage increase based on eligibility
• Paid, on‑the‑job training and advancement opportunities
• 85% county contribution to health and dental premiums
• Health Saving Account (HSA) available to all employees enrolled in the county's medical plan, with annual contributions provided by the employer and the health plan
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)- One of the leading retirement systems in the nation- Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (refer to www.etf.wi.gov for further detail)
• County paid life insurance policy with coverage equivalent to annual salary (affordable Supplemental, Additional, and Spousal/Dependent life insurance available at employee’s expense)
• Competitive paid time off including vacation, sick time, personal days and holidays
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer

Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity and Affimative Action employer.

Safely and efficiently performs labor activities required to maintain highway corridors within the county as directed by the Highway Operations Manager or other designated personnel.

• Complete online training to obtain CDL permit within three (3) months of hire.
• Minor repair and maintenance of equipment
• Ability to be on call 24/7 and available for call outs during the winter maintenance/plowing season, and other forecasted weather emergencies throughout the year.
• Plowing, clearing, and sanding of county plow routes
• Conducts patching and sealing activities on road and bridge surface defects.
• Inspects, cleans, and maintains culverts and other water control features including removal of beaver dams and debris.
• Flag and otherwise direct traffic in construction and repair zones.
• Cut, remove, and/or control roadside vegetation. Removal or control may utilize chainsaws, hand tools, brushers, or other equipment as directed by supervisor.
• Operate and maintain various tools used in normal highway and road maintenance.
• Monitor highways, roads, and right of ways; report problem areas to supervisor.
• Maintain effective working relationships with employees, DOT and government officials, supervisors, and peers.
• Understand, promote, execute and adhere to the department’s safety program.
• Accurately document time and attendance, equipment usage, and material usage.
• May report to other portals as instructed by supervisor.
• Performs other duties as required.

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. High school diploma or equivalent; working knowledge of highway maintenance procedures; experience operating heavy equipment. Must have valid driver’s license; shall obtain a Class A CDL within three (3) months of hire. After obtaining CDL license, ability to perform duties as listed in Maintenance Worker I/II Job Description.

Knowledge Required

• Basic skills in the operation of heavy construction equipment, construction means and methods, basic surveying techniques, snow and ice removal operations traffic control measures, and erosion control best practices.
• Ability to operate a variety of hand tools, including but not limited to, hammers, wrenches, chainsaws, saws sanders, shovels, brooms, and routers in a safe and efficient manner.
• Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions related to street and highway maintenance and construction.
• Ability to exercise the judgement, decisiveness, and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information.
• Ability to communicate and interact with individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work in extreme weather and unpleasant conditions.
• Knowledge of and willingness to follow safety rules and procedures of the department and other authorities.
• Ability to take and follow direction, and carry out assignments, in a timely manner.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and complete records and reports.
• Ability to work unusual hours for plowing snow and clearing ice, as well as responding to cleanup efforts associated with summer storms on short notice.

Working Conditions

Candidate may work near moving mechanical parts and precarious places and may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. Exposure may cause discomfort and presents a risk of injury. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally moderate. 30-minute response time required for response to weather‑related emergencies. Work in varied environmental conditions including temperature extremes, varied air quality, and exposure to construction materials and fumes. Be available for after‑hours and weekend work during rain, snow, ice, or other events related to road conditions.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Physical demands vary from day to day and are highly dependent on the particular function being fulfilled on that day. As defined by the U.S. Department of Labor, the work is classified as “Medium”. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Tasks involve the ability to lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, stoop, bend/twist, reach, crouch, crawl, and kneel. Position requires an ability to exert 50 pounds and on occasion, up to 100 pounds. Position requires an ability to stand for prolonged periods of time in any weather condition while performing oversight on projects. Hazards

Testing Requirements

Testing may be administered to assess skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of this position. Structured interview, references and/or background investigation. Must pass pre-employment physical, drug screen, and obtain CDL Fed Med certificate prior to status change to Maintenance Worker I.