Road Maintenance Trainee

City of Santa Fe Springs; Cascade (ID); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERSI retirement

Full medical, dental, vision

Job summary

Valley County Road Department in Idaho seeks a Road Maintenance Trainee to learn essential road, bridge, and snow removal operations while performing foundational manual labor under experienced staff.

This entry‑level program includes safety training, on‑the‑job instruction, and a pathway to a CDL with Tanker endorsement within a year, with support to advance to a Road Maintenance Technician 1.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must hold a valid State Driver’s License and be safety‑conscious.
• Ability to obtain Idaho Traffic Control Flagger Certification within 6 months.
• CDL Class A with Tanker endorsement within 1 year, supported by training program.

Responsibilities

• Assist with repair and maintenance of county roads, bridges, culverts, and rights‑of‑way.
• Operate basic hand and power tools and small equipment as directed.
• Perform pre‑ and post‑trip equipment inspections and serve as traffic control flagger.
• Assist with snow removal on designated routes and be available for emergencies.

Skills

Basic mechanical aptitude

Valid State Driver’s License

Willingness to learn

Safety mindset

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CDL (not required at hire)

Tanker's endorsement (within 1 year)

Job description

Valley County Road Department is seeking a motivated individual to join the team as a Road Maintenance Trainee. This entry‑level, training‑focused position offers an ideal path for someone looking to build a long‑term career in public works infrastructure, heavy equipment operation, and county road maintenance. This is a full‑time position with full employee benefits.

Typical Duties & Responsibilities

The Road Maintenance Trainee works under the close supervision and mentorship of experienced staff, performing foundational manual labor while mastering the skills needed to advance to a Road Maintenance Technician 1. On a day‑to‑day basis, the Trainee assists with the repair and maintenance of county roads, bridges, culverts, and rights‑of‑way. Duties include operating basic hand and power tools (such as chainsaws and jackhammers), conducting pre‑and post‑trip equipment inspections, serving as a traffic control flagger, and operating light equipment like pickup trucks, utility trailers, mowers, and small rollers. During the winter season, the Trainee plays a key role in clearing snow and learning snowplow operations on designated routes, remaining available for emergency call‑outs during severe weather events.

Paid Training & Career Pathway

Designed as a structured learning position, the County provides continuous hands‑on instruction, safety training, and operational guidance. While a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is not required at the time of hire, the County is committed to investing in its workforce: Trainees who demonstrate strong skill development, safety awareness, and active engagement will receive direct support and assistance to earn their Class A CDL on the job, paving the way for immediate career advancement.

Typical Qualifications

Ideal candidates will possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent—and while prior experience in manual labor, construction, or agriculture is welcome, a strong willingness to learn and grow on the job is far more essential. Applicants must hold a valid State Driver’s License, possess basic mechanical aptitude, and bring a reliable, safety‑conscious mindset to a collaborative team environment. Success in this role requires the ability to obtain an Idaho Traffic Control Flagger Certification within six months and a Class A CDL with Tanker endorsement within one year of hire, supported fully by the County's training program. Additionally, candidates must be flexible and ready to respond during non‑standard hours, weekends, and holidays to support winter snow‑removal operations and severe weather emergencies.

Benefits That Matter

• Retirement Security: Full membership in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI).
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Full Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug coverage through Blue Cross of Idaho.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 176 hours of starting Personal Leave, plus 11 Paid Holidays and Bereavement Leave.
• Financial & Personal Wellness: Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Culture & Environment: A stable career path with advancement opportunities, a casual workplace culture, and the daily satisfaction of serving your community.

Hiring is done without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity and expression, pregnancy, or genetics. In addition, preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

Eligible Benefits Include

Health Insurance

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program

Retirement

• PERSI Base Plan
• PERSI Choice 401(k)
• NationWide 457(b)

Time Off

• Personal Time Off (PTO) – 176 Hours Per Year to Start
• Holidays – 11 Days Per Year
• Bereavement Leave

Life Insurance

• GemPlan $10,000 Per Employee
• Aflac (Life, Disability, & Critical Illness)
• NCPERS Term Life

Plus These Benefits Too

• A Positive Work/Life Balance
• Job Stability & Satisfaction
• Career Advancement
• A Casual Work Environment
• Physically Relaxed
• Mentally Stimulating
• A Chance to Make a Difference!

More information can be found in our Benefits at a Glance page.