MAINTENANCE TRANSPORTATION WORKER - 09012026-80078

Tennessee Department of Transportation; Hohenwald (TN); On-site; USD 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tennessee Department of Transportation in Lewis County, TN seeks a Maintenance Transportation Worker I–III. This role performs routine maintenance on TDOT infrastructure, operates heavy equipment, and supports safe roadway operations across the state's transportation system.

Requirements include a High School Diploma or GED, and possession of a Class D driver's license with CDL upgrades as age/eligibility require.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Possess and maintain a Class D driver's license; CDL upgrades as required by age and position.

Responsibilities

• Operate light and heavy TDOT equipment for road maintenance.
• Perform roadway maintenance tasks: litter removal, pothole repair, mowing, drainage work.
• Support safety: enforce safety guidelines, set up work zones, use PPE.

Skills

Class D driver's license

Safety awareness

CDL upgrade readiness

Education

High school diploma

GED

Job description

Opening Date/Time 09/01/2026 12:00AM Central Time Closing Date/Time 09/14/2026 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly) $3,631.00 - $4,533.00

Salary (Annually) $43,572.00 - $54,396.00

Job Type Full-Time City, State Location Hohenwald, TN Department Transportation

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, LEWIS COUNTY

This position is in Region 3 - District 39 Operations - Maintenance Section.

For more information, visit the link below: https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/hr/RegionOperations-DistrictOperations-Maintenance-TransportationWorker.pdf

This position has a starting salary range of $43,572 to $53,628 annually.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: High school diploma; General Educational Development diploma.

Transportation Worker 1: Entry level Transportation Worker. No prerequisites other than High School Education or equivalent. Eligible for promotion to Transportation Worker 2 upon satisfactory review and completion of the required skills and competency elements* of the Transportation Worker 1 level, including having obtained the appropriate level of Commercial Driver's License based on the employee's age (see Necessary Special Qualifications).

Transportation Worker 2: Intermediate level Transportation Worker. Must have successfully completed the required skills and competency elements* of the Transportation Worker 1 level. Eligible for promotion to Transportation Worker 3 upon satisfactory review and completion of the required skills and competency elements* of the Transportation Worker 2 level.

Transportation Worker 3: Experienced level Transportation Worker. Must have successfully completed the required skills and competency elements* at the Transportation Worker 2 level.

• Each level of the Transportation Worker Series will have a defined Work Element Plan that details a set number of hours of core and elective skills and competencies and the corresponding exam and demonstration requirements that must be completed for eligibility to move forward to the next level of the series.

Necessary Special Qualifications

• Possess and maintain a Class D driver's license valid to operate vehicles in the State of Tennessee.
• If under age 21, employees must, at their own expense and within eleven months, obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License that is valid in the State of Tennessee (a Code O, Code K, and Code 52 restriction is allowable); Code E restriction is not allowable, testing must be completed in a manual transmission vehicle.
• Some positions may require that the Code O restriction be removed to enable drivers to operate a fifth wheel or greater than 10,001 pound trailer.
• If you are currently a TDOT employee in possession of Class A Commercial Driver's License when you reach the age of 21, you must possess and maintain, or obtain at your own expense and within 3 months of your 21st birthday, a Class-A Commercial Driver's License with an N endorsement that is valid in the State of Tennessee.
• If age 21 or older and not currently employed with TDOT, you must possess and maintain, or obtain at your own expense within eleven months of hire, a Class-A Commercial Driver's License with an N endorsement that is valid in the State of Tennessee. Employees will have five months from hire or promotion into this classification to obtain the applicable permits leading to eligibility for the specific required license. Code L restriction is not allowable, testing must be completed in a manual transmission vehicle.

Conditions of Employment

Must pass a drug test prior to employment for commercial driver and safety impact positions. Commercial drivers and safety impact employees will be subject to additional drug and alcohol testing during employment.

May be required to work weekends and holidays.

May be required to work variable hours outside of the normal work schedule, including an on- call rotation.

Required to work under exposure to inclement weather conditions.

Overview

The Maintenance Transportation Worker plays a vital role in ensuring TDOTs infrastructure operates efficiently, safely, and remains in good working condition. This position supports the preservation of TDOTs infrastructure and public safety by performing daily maintenance tasks and operating equipment to maintain roads and facilities. Responsibilities include operating heavy machinery, vehicles, power equipment, and standard hand tools to support the preventive maintenance, inspection, repair, and construction of roads, structures, and roadside features throughout the States transportation system. These efforts help extend the life of assets and ensure responsible use of public resources.

This position performs duties in compliance with Department policies, standard operating guidelines, procedures, and specifications, while also following directives from the Foreman to achieve desired outcomes. The Maintenance Transportation Worker requires full accountability for task completion, safe equipment operation, and overall highway maintenance activities.

This position strengthens maintenance activities within the Team and assists in delivering high-quality work within a defined scope, schedule, and budget. The Maintenance Transportation Worker works under the guidance of experienced team members, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to improve operational efficiencies and contribute to implementing innovative best practices. This position will take on more responsibilities as expertise is developed.

Responsibilities

Under intermittent direct supervision, perform routine maintenance work on TDOT infrastructure to ensure safety and operational efficiency. Tasks include identification, repair, and installation of signs, delineators, mailbox supports, and posts. Perform roadway maintenance and repair, including litter pickup, debris and carcass removal, mowing, shoulder maintenance, snow and ice removal, drainage structure cleaning and replacement, vegetation removal, pothole repair, and traffic control. Operate light and heavy equipment. Perform preventive and minor maintenance on TDOT assets, by identifying deterioration and other deficiencies.

Assist in integrating quality management into maintenance activities in alignment with Asset Management goals. Promote a safety-focused work environment by recognizing and communicating hazards, assessing risks, and mitigating safety concerns. Assist in the selection of appropriate technology based on an understanding of pertinent processes. Apply TDOT Policy 305-01 with Table A (PPE Guide), TDOT Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Policies, and the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices to establish and maintain safe and effective work zones. Assist the Maintenance Foreman by taking all required safety and flagging training. Assist in tracking data related to employee time, equipment, and material usage on projects.

Assist in the proper operation and basic maintenance of TDOT equipment, such as dump trucks, trailers, pickups, loaders, tractors with mowers, sweepers, rollers, forklifts, skid steers, excavators, and other machinery as needed, including conducting pre- and post-trip inspections. Accurately track equipment usage.

Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers. Assist with mentoring and offer basic technical support related to maintenance tasks. Gain an understanding of team roles within projects and work well with other teams. Assist the public during emergency situations. Effectively communicate with team members to learn objectives, listen carefully, respond quickly to requests, keep accurate records, and communicate clearly. Prioritize safety in all tasks.

Participate in the Transportation Worker Proficiency Program by completing all required training and documentation. Maintain your Personal Advancement Log (PAL), submit necessary records on time, review module materials carefully, and prepare for scheduled exams and demonstrations. Engage actively in the program to develop your skills and advance in your role.

Operate equipment to clear ice and snow from highways and bridges, assist with setting up warning signs, and carry out other duties as needed during severe weather and emergency situations, such as floods, tornadoes, snowstorms, vehicle accidents, and hazardous material spills. Communicate effectively with the foreman, peers, and emergency crews about lane closures, incident severity, the status of emergency responses, and other critical information. Keep accurate records of all activities and details during roadside operations, work sites, and emergencies. Stay up to date on training related to emergency operations.

Assist in providing support to local law enforcement officials at crash sites; assist stranded motorists as required.

Competencies (KSA's)

The required KSACs for Transportation Worker I, II and III includes:

• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Knowledgeable in basic mathematical fundamentals
• Basic report and form writing skills
• Skilled in applicable hand and power tools, equipment, and mechanical devices of the trade
• Skilled in the use of light and heavy highway equipment
• Ability to use computers and applicable programs, applications, and systems
• Knowledgeable in basic vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair procedures
• Ability to recognize and take precaution for potential hazards to the transportation work crew

Additional KSACs for Transportation Worker II and III include:

• Knowledge of the Tennessee Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Knowledgeable in street and highway traffic rules and regulations, and temporary signing and safety precautions to be observed while working on or near highways
• Knowledgeable in project logistics and worksite planning

Additional KSACs for Transportation Worker III includes:

• Ability to lead teams maintaining effective work relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Ability to train teams and individuals recognizing applicable teaching and learning methods and how to communicate curriculum respectively
• Knowledge of material estimating and procurement procedures