Temp Maintenance Tech / Winter Snowplow / CDL Driver / Kalispell

Montana Department of Transportation; Kalispell (MT); On-site; USD 41,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Montana Department of Transportation is seeking temporary Snowplow drivers with heavy equipment experience for winter road maintenance. Duties include snow removal, right-of-way cleaning, guardrail and sign repairs, traffic control, and salt brine production.

Shifts range from 4 to 8 hours, 20–40 hours per week, with availability for emergencies, weekends, and holidays. Positions may be in Kalispell or other nearby sections; see Lauren Grayson for details.

Qualifications

• Valid Montana Commercial Operators License (Class A, Type II) with tank endorsement and MEC.
• 1 year experience driving heavy trucks or operating construction equipment.
• Experience in road maintenance in a municipal, county, or state department preferred.

Responsibilities

• Snow removal and heavy equipment operation for winter road maintenance.
• Clean the right of way and repair guardrails, fences, signs, and luminaires.
• Provide traffic control and salt brine production as needed.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Weather resilience

Physical stamina

Education

Montana Commercial Operators License (Class A, Type II)

Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC)

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation is recruiting for Temporary Snowplow drivers with heavy equipment operation experience for winter road maintenance. This includes snow removal, cleaning the right of way, fixing guardrail, repairing fences, signs, and luminaires, traffic control and salt brine production.

Hours vary between 20-40 hours per week depending on weather and the needs of the section. Shifts are either 4 hours or 8 hours and range from 4am-11:30pm. Must be available for emergency weather conditions and be able to work on weekends and holidays as needed. Season typically begins mid-November and ends in March, depending on weather.

Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions and remain focused and seated for extended periods of time. Must be able to perform moderate physical activity in lifting, carrying, and/or operating the tools and equipment.

The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

For a full job description, please contact Lauren Grayson, HR Generalist at [e-mail].

Positions May Be Available In The Following Maintenance Sections

• Libby
• Whitefish
• Noxon
• Hot Springs
• West Glacier
• Kalispell

This requisition may be updated to reflect current openings as vacancies are filled. MDT may consider hiring temporary employees to other assigned sections depending on need.

Successful applicant must live or relocate within 45 road miles of the work section headquarters. Contact Lauren Grayson, [e-mail] for a list of Kalispell Division Section addresses.

Required Education And Experience

*All levels require a valid Montana Commercial Operators License (Class A, Type II) with no restrictions, a tank endorsement and a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC). Applicants with a learner’s permit have 30 days to obtain the necessary Montana Commercial Operators License*

• Maintenance Technician I ($29.59) Requires one (1) year experience driving heavy truck or operating construction equipment.
• Maintenance Technician II ($30.09) Requires two (2) years of documented experience from another city, county, or other state highway road department where you were employed for the purpose of road maintenance.
• Maintenance Technician III ($30.59) Requires three (3) or more years of documented experience from another city, county, or other state highway road department where you were employed for the purpose of road maintenance.

Successful applicant must live or relocate within 45 road miles of the work headquarters and must have a telephone or be reasonably accessible to the section headquarters.

Other Application Information

• This is a temporary position offering up to six (6) months of employment.
• Applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a practical-test and a behavioral-based interview. Additional testing dates may be added as needed. Though this listing will remain open until filled, the hiring committee will review applications approximately every two weeks starting September 30, 2026.
• Driver’s record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant’s permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy # 3-0134, "Addendum to Risk Management and Tort Defense Division State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.
• Requires a negative pre-employment drug screen. Maintenance Technicians will also be regularly randomly selected for drug testing, per federal law.
• The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program, our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.
• Only electronic applications will be accepted. All required materials must be submitted by closing date. If you need assistance in completing the online application, please contact your local job service. If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact Lauren Grayson, HR Generalist at [e-mail].
• These positions belong to the AFSCME bargaining units. The successful candidate will receive more information about the union during the onboarding process.
• The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.
• MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.