Temp Snowplow Driver/ Highway Maintenance Tech / CDL Driver - Helena Areas

Montana Department of Transportation; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career ladder opportunities

Job summary

Montana Department of Transportation is seeking temporary snowplow drivers in the Helena area with heavy equipment operation experience for winter road maintenance. Responsibilities include snow removal, right-of-way cleaning, guardrail and sign repairs, and traffic control with salt brine production.

Flexibility is required for emergency weather conditions; weekends and holidays may be needed. The season typically runs mid‑November to March, with hours varying by section.

Qualifications

• One (1) year experience driving heavy truck or operating construction equipment.
• Valid Montana Commercial Operators License (Class A, Type II) with tank endorsement and MEC.
• Learner’s permit holders have 30 days to obtain the necessary license.

Responsibilities

• Snow removal and winter road maintenance.
• Clean the right of way and repair guardrails, fences, signs and luminaires.
• Assist with traffic control and salt brine production.
• Position may be in Helena or other MDT maintenance sections; travel may be required.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Heavy truck driving

Education

Montana CDL Class A Type II with Tank Endorsement

Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC)

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation is recruiting for Helena area 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.

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. Hours vary depending on the need of the section but most positions are call-out only.

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.

This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

Positions May Be Available In The Following Maintenance Sections

• Helena – 1 position
• Boulder – 2 positions
• Deer Lodge – 3 positions

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.

Required Education And Experience

Maintenance Tech Level I ($29.59):

• One (1) year experience driving heavy truck or operating construction equipment.
• 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 Tech Level II ($30.09):

• Also requires one (1) year of documented experience from another city, county, or other state highway road department where you were employed for the purpose of road maintenance.

Maintenance Tech Level III ($30.59):

• Also 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.

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Applicants with a learner’s permit or a Class B CDL are also encouraged to apply.

Other Information

• This is a temporary position offering up to six (6) months of employment.
• A 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.
• 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 October 20th.
• Applicants may be eligible for placement up to a Maintenance Technician Level III if they have documented relevant experience from a city, county, or state highway road department(s) where they were employed for the purpose of road maintenance. Experience will determine level placement and wage.
• 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 #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment. (if applicable)
• Only electronic applications will be accepted. All required materials must be submitted by closing date.
• This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered.
• 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.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana. MDT.
• Effective 5/26/2026, 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