Road Maintenance Trainee

Valley County; Cascade (ID); On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERSI retirement

Health insurance

Paid time off (176 hours personals)

Holiday & Bereavement leave

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Valley County Road Department is seeking a Road Maintenance Trainee to start a hands-on, training-focused career in public works and road maintenance. The role offers structured learning and a path toward advancement, with strong safety training and supportive mentorship.

The position includes winter snow removal duties, basic tool operation, and the opportunity to earn a Class A CDL through on-the-job training. Benefits support a long-term career in county services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or equivalent.
• Willingness to learn and grow on the job.
• Valid State Driver’s License and basic mechanical aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Assist with repair and maintenance of county roads, bridges, culverts, and rights-of-way.
• Operate basic hand and power tools (chainsaws, jackhammers).
• Conduct pre- and post-trip equipment inspections and act as traffic control flagger.
• Operate light equipment (pickup trucks, trailers, mowers, small rollers).
• Assist snow-removal operations and be available for emergencies.

Skills

Manual labor

Safety-conscious

Team player

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Chainsaws

Jackhammers

Light equipment operation

Job description

Summary

The Valley County Road Department is seeking a motivated individual to join the team as aRoad 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.