Highway Section Worker Technician

County of Marathon; United States; On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Marathon County Highway Department is hiring for a full-time position based in multiple central Wisconsin locations. The role involves manual road construction, maintenance tasks, equipment operation, and responding to winter emergencies. A valid CDL with tanker endorsement or ability to obtain within six months is required.

The starting hourly rate is $25.81 plus Marathon County benefits. Candidates must meet the knowledge and physical requirements and be able to work outdoors in varying

Qualifications

• Knowledge of safety precautions when using power equipment and road maintenance tools.
• Ability to operate winter road maintenance equipment safely and efficiently.
• Able to follow both oral and written instructions and work outdoors in adverse weather.

Responsibilities

• Perform road construction and maintenance tasks such as installing guard rails, mowing roadsides, cleaning culverts, and maintaining signs.
• Operate trucks and road construction equipment for patching, plowing, sanding, and hauling materials.
• Maintain and service equipment with routine checks and minor repairs as needed.
• Respond to snow emergencies and critical needs in a timely manner.
• Assist with broader highway maintenance duties and documentation of work performed.

Skills

Safety procedures

Equipment operation

Manual labor

Heavy machinery knowledge

Blueprint reading

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CDL Tanker Endorsement

Job description

Job Posting End Date: 11-11-2026 Worker Sub-Type: Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

This eligibility list will be used to fill vacancies at the Wausau, Stratford, Hatley, and Mosinee locations of the Marathon County Highway Department.

Schedule: October through March: 7am to 4pm, Monday through Thursday, and 7am to 11am, Friday April through September: 6am to 4pm, Monday through Thursday.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Perform manual labor road construction and maintenance tasks that include putting up and taking down snow fences, replacing guard rails, cutting brush and small trees using hand and power tools, mowing roadsides, picking up dead animals, collecting refuse picked up by Adopt a Highway groups, cleaning out culverts and catch basins, putting up traffic control signs, flagging and directing traffic, tarring cracks in roads, applying asphalt with shovels, and other similar manual work activities.
• Operate automotive and road construction equipment; operates trucks from 6,000 to 80,000 GVW, including trailers, for asphalt patching operations, snow plowing, sanding, salting, hauling road materials, and transporting equipment; may operate fuel distribution trucks.
• Performs routine servicing and light maintenance of equipment, including attaching and removing plow blades (75-100 lbs.), changing oil, lubricating, changing windshield wiper blades, and similar maintenance.
• May operate small grader to repair and maintain shoulders.
• May operate higher level equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Performs routine work cleaning Highway Department buildings and maintaining department grounds (one position).
• May operate bulldozer, tractor backhoe, excavator, asphalt roller, asphalt paver screed, motor grader, end loader, water truck, tandem truck, FWD large truck, and sweeper.
• Assists with winter road maintenance program; operates automotive equipment including trucks over 26,000 GVW to plow snow, sand, and salt roads.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance, works overtime hours as required.
• Develops solutions to work issues that add value for our customers.
• Participates in establishing professional development goals that are supportive of broader County goals.

Qualifications:

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Must have at least one (1) year of paid work experience that includes: Constructing or maintaining roads or bridges: OR Commercial construction building experience; OR Operating varied related farm equipment

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a valid Wisconsin Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement and without air brake restrictions; OR ability to obtain the required Class A CDL with tanker endorsement and without air brake restrictions within six (6) months of hire.
• Employees failing to meet the CDL requirements will be terminated.
• A driving record that meets County standards.
• Must be able to consistently respond within a reasonable amount of time for snow emergencies and other critical needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of proper safety precautions required when using power equipment, grass mowers, etc.
• Knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, and hazards involved in operating assigned equipment.
• Skill in operating assigned winter road maintenance equipment.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of highway construction and maintenance.
• Ability to operate trucks and equipment effectively, safely, and efficiently.
• Ability to accurately calculate and record material quantities and perform legible documentation of various work activities.
• Some positions require knowledge in reading blueprints and the ability to use this information to complete required construction and maintenance tasks.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to perform routine operations without close supervision.
• Ability to perform moderately heavy manual work.
• Ability to follow both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to recognize equipment in need of maintenance.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.

Compensation:

• Starting hourly rate of pay: $25.81 + Marathon County benefits

Physical Requirements:

• High Physical Requirements - Job requires significant physical exertion, with tasks that involve more active movement.
• This job may include standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects, or engaging in manual labor.
• All physical requirements are described with the intent to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job.

Selection Procedure:

The selection of the successful candidate may be made by assessment of education and work experience, oral interview, review of references, and/or other job-related selection procedures. Depending on position requirements, the selected candidate may be required to satisfactorily complete post-offer assessments, including but not limited to education verification, background checks, driver license verification, physical examination, psychological assessment, and drug screening paid for by the County.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Marathon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status.

Special Accommodations:

Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone [phone] to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

Notice to Applicants:

Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information. If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law Marathon County was officially established in 1850 and is the largest of Wisconsin’s 72 counties today. Centrally located, Marathon County is easy to find, but with 1,584 square miles of natural beauty set in the Wisconsin River Valley, it is hard to leave. Marathon County has a population of 137,958 including the Wausau metropolitan area of 70,000. Marathon County offers a combination of big city amenities with the look and feel of the great north‑woods, surrounded by hills, lakes, and rivers; complete with small town hospitality. Our community takes pride in its natural beauty, abundant recreation opportunities, quality education, healthcare, diversity, industry, and overall quality of life. Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, biking, swimming, hiking, cross country or downhill skiing, snowmobiling, ATVing, camping, or anything in between, Marathon County is the place to be! In fact, Wausau and Central Wisconsin was voted as The BEST Place in Wisconsin for Outdoor Activities by the readers of Wisconsin Trails magazine. In addition to four seasons of recreation, Marathon County also has a thriving arts community, events and festivals, an active nightlife scene, diverse dining options, and a convenient regional airport. Basecamp Greater Wausau offers eligible out-of-state professionals a $10,000 relocation grant and additional benefits to help them build a life in the Greater Wausau region. The Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership (GWPP) is facilitating the program in collaboration with regional project partners.

Marathon County Equal Opportunity Statement:

Marathon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status.

Contact:

Please contact us at 715-261-1457 OR 715-261-1451.