Hwy Construction Technician I/II - Columbus

State of Nebraska; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement match 156%

13 paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

PSLF eligible

Health insurance

Life insurance

Career advancement

Job summary

NDOT in Columbus, Nebraska, is hiring Hwy Construction Technician I/II. Pay starts at $20.39 per hour with potential increases to $23.454 upon certification and advancement. CDL training is provided, with differential pay for CDL duties after certain service milestones.

Successful candidates will train in surveying, materials testing, and documentation of contractor work on highway projects. Must obtain a CDL and work outdoors with varying hours, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• 16+ years of field-related construction inspection skills?

Responsibilities

• Perform highway construction inspection and testing as trained.
• Carry out preliminary surveying and ROW staking as assigned.
• Learn to read and interpret construction and bridge plans.
• Operate snow removal equipment when needed.
• Work outdoors on varying hours, including nights/weekends.

Skills

Surveying

Materials testing

Construction inspection

Reading plans

Math skills

Tools

SiteManager

GEOPAK

MicroStation

Job description

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Transportation - Agency 27 Location: Columbus, NE Hiring Rate: $20.390 Job Posting: JR2026-00029629 Hwy Construction Technician I/II - Columbus (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 10-17-2026

Job Description

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is seeking a dedicated and hardworking team player to join us in our mission to enhance the quality of life for Nebraskans by building and maintaining a convenient, safe, and innovative statewide transportation system! Pay rate of $20.390 per hour. Employees may be promoted to a Construction Technician II position at a rate of $23.454 per hour upon acquiring the necessary certifications and demonstration of skills.

Exciting Added Pay Differentials! In this classification, those who hold a CDL and are utilized to perform CDL functions on a regular basis shall receive a pay differential of: $1/hour after 1 year of continuous service, an additional $1/hour after 3 years of continuous service, an additional $1/hour after 5 years of continuous service.

Job Duties

Successful candidates will be trained to perform inspection duties on highway construction projects. This may include, but is not limited to, performing preliminary surveying, construction surveying, and ROW staking as a primary duty, but could also entail the sampling and testing of construction materials, and the documentation of contractor’s daily work related to highway construction. Candidates will learn the mathematical skills needed to be trained to read and interpret construction and bridge plans effectively. All training will be done under direct supervision. Successful candidates will be trained and required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Candidates will be trained to operate snow removal equipment and perform snow removal activities as needed. Candidates will be required to work varying hours outdoors on highway construction projects. Hours are typically based on the contractor's schedule and this may include nights, evenings, and weekends. Successful candidates will be provided with all the necessary training, materials, equipment, and safety apparel to perform assigned duties. May be required to perform survey duties and/or materials testing. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Hwy Construction Technician I: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license.

Hwy Construction Technician II: Experience in performing activities pertinent to construction work such as surveying, materials testing, or field inspections. OR Coursework or training in construction surveying, materials testing, or inspections practices, and in using associated instruments and equipment. Also, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in surveying, road construction, materials testing, record keeping, trigonometry, and geometry.

Experience in the operation of heavy equipment or snow removal equipment.

Computer experience including word processing, spreadsheets, SiteManager, GEOPAK and MicroStation software.

Other

Must possess or be able to obtain a Class A or B CDL within 90 days of hire through our in-house CDL training program. Costs to obtain the permit will be paid for by the department. This position may require overnight travel. Regular and reliable attendance is required. In order to be hired at the Highway Construction Technician II level, applicants must have passed the NDOT Math, Highway Plan Reading, and Bridge Plan reading courses or have an Associate’s degree in civil engineering technology or a related field which may be substituted for the completion of the NDOT courses. Upon hire, you will be provided with the required training material. This is a self-paced training and once completed provides for promotion to the Highway Construction Tech II level. Typically, this is accomplished within the first 6 months of employment. Must be able to report to work outside scheduled work hours for snow and other highway emergencies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to communicate both orally and in writing: read and interpret plans and specifications; perform mathematical calculations. Skill in surveying, materials testing, construction inspection, and/or operating equipment, computers and associated software. Must be able to safely move, drag, and lift 35 pounds frequently, up to 60 pounds occasionally (without assistance) and 90 or more pounds infrequently (with assistance); climb, bend, or stoop; work in outdoor temperature extremes and work around high-speed traffic. Must have strong organizational skills, strong math skills, and be able to multitask. Ability to work and communicate with a team. Ability to work with minimal supervision, be self-motivated, and hold high integrity. Trainable. Ability and willingness to learn and accept challenges by learning and adjusting to new technology and processes. Quality/results-oriented sense of urgency in the performance of duties. Ability to work safely and demonstrate safe and reliable practices and behaviors. Ability to interact in a positive manner and treat co-workers and supervisors with dignity and respect, work to resolve conflicts, and make good decisions using sound judgment, processes, and purpose.

Benefits

• State-matched retirement contribution of 156%!
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
• Military leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fun, inviting teammates

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans.

State Government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Nebraska. Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, advancing public health, making highways safer, or preserving our natural resources, the work we do matters!