Hwy Maintenance Worker/Senior - Elwood

State of Nebraska; Elwood (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State-matched retirement 156%

13 paid holidays

Generous leave accruals

Military leave

Tuition reimbursement program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) in Elwood, Nebraska, is hiring for a Highway Maintenance Worker/Senior. The role involves operating a range of highway maintenance equipment, performing routine maintenance, and supporting snow removal and emergency response operations in all weather conditions.

Qualified applicants must be at least 18 with a valid driver’s license; a Class A CDL with air brakes and tanker endorsements is required within 60 days.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Experience operating heavy highway maintenance equipment is preferred.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn new technology.

Responsibilities

• Operates highway maintenance equipment such as trucks, loaders, graders, snowplows, etc.
• Maintains equipment and maintenance yards; patches roadways and structures as needed.
• Responds to snow removal and emergency calls, including nights and weekends.
• Trains coworkers in maintenance tasks and safety procedures.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Reading & following instructions

Teamwork

Tools

CDL Class A

Air brakes endorsement

Job description

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Transportation - Agency 27 Location: Elwood, NE Hiring Rate: $21.953 Job Posting: JR2026-00030394 Hwy Maintenance Worker/Senior - Elwood (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 11-21-2026 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 $20.39 per hour. Proficiency and certification in the operation of heavy highway maintenance equipment will result in eligibility for promotion to a Highway Maintenance Worker/Senior at $21.953 per hour. 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. We are eager and excited to retain you here at NDOT! We reward our employee’s hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package which include:

• 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

Job Duties

• Operates all types of highway or other maintenance equipment such as: trucks, rollers, front-end loaders, tractors, motor graders, snowplows, draglines, backhoes, and distributors.
• Operates specialized equipment engaged in special tasks such as lay-down machines, rock cutters, snoopers, pavement stripers, drilling or milling machinery, gas transports, semi-truck trailers, and chip spreaders.
• Identifies preventative maintenance needs for assigned equipment and participates with other agency employees in equipment servicing and repair; maintains grounds and buildings of maintenance yards.
• Patches roadways, other broad pavement surfaces, and structures; repairs signs; erects and removes snow fences; repairs bridges, culverts, and other structures.
• Moves, drags, lifts, loads, and unloads various equipment, materials, supplies and hazardous materials or objects from the roadway safely within weight restrictions; spreads and tamps surfacing materials.
• Trains maintenance co-workers, as needed, in specific maintenance tasks and job practices and procedures, to improve and maintain the performance levels of these employees.
• Performs snow removal and other emergency response duties on an as-needed basis, including nights, weekends, and in adverse weather conditions.
• May be required to respond to emergency call-outs with short notice.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Highway Maintenance Worker: Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Highway Maintenance Worker/ Senior: Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license, and possession of a Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License with air brakes and tanker endorsements is required within 60 days of employment.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience in the operation of heavy equipment or farming background.
• A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement.
• Commercial Pesticide applicator's license.
• Basic computer experience.
• A Valid Class \"A\" Commercial Driver's License with O Restriction and tanker endorsement is required within 90 days of hire through our in-house CDL training program. Costs to obtain the permit will be paid for by the Department.
• Must be able to be placed on-call and respond accordingly during non-scheduled work hours including holidays and weekends for emergencies and special events.
• Work is performed in adverse weather conditions and during traffic management activities and traffic safety incidents including snow removal, sanding, and de-icing.
• Regular and reliable attendance is also required.
• Must be able to report to work for snow and other highway emergencies within 45 minutes under normal driving conditions and be placed in an \"on-call\" status.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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, stoop; work in outdoor temperature extremes and work around high-speed traffic.
• Must be able to read and communicate effectively, give and receive instructions, and follow directions with minimal supervision.
• Basic computer and arithmetic skills.
• 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.

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/

Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

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.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team!

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!