TRANSPORTATION MAINTENANCE WORKER

City of Kearney; Kearney (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Kearney is seeking a Transportation Maintenance Worker to support the City’s roadway and transportation infrastructure. You will operate heavy and light equipment, perform maintenance tasks, respond to emergencies, and help ensure safety and environmental compliance.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license, with a Class B CDL preferred. Work is outdoors in varying weather, with opportunities to contribute to public safety and service quality.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license required; Class B CDL preferred or achievable.
• Proven ability to operate and maintain roadway maintenance equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform roadway maintenance and operate equipment as directed.
• Set up and maintain traffic control and safety devices.
• Respond to emergencies and severe weather to restore safe travel conditions.
• Inspect, repair, and maintain city-owned facilities, vehicles, and equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed and inspections.

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety focus

Communication

Public service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid driver’s license

Class B CDL preferred

Tools

Crack seal machines

Snowplows

Excavators

Job description

TRANSPORTATION MAINTENANCE WORKER

REPORTS TO: Transportation Superintendent

FY2026 POSITION PAY GRADE: 40

DEPARTMENT: Transportation/Public Works

SALARY RANGE: $21.46/HOUR - $26.15/HOUR

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Transportation Maintenance Worker reports directly to the Transportation Superintendent and receives general direction from the Transportation Foreman. This position directly supports the quality of life within the community by maintaining transportation assets, responding to emergencies, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The Transportation Maintenance Worker performs a wide range of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance tasks and operates various types of heavy and light equipment.

OBJECTIVES

• Maintain safe, efficient, and reliable roadway and transportation infrastructure for public use.
• Support timely response to emergencies, severe weather, and roadway hazards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of transportation maintenance operations and practices.
• Provide responsive and professional service to residents, businesses, and stakeholders.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform roadway maintenance activities including, but not limited to:
• Setting up and maintaining work zones and traffic control.
• Asphalt patching, overlays, grading, and crack sealing.
• Sidewalk, curb, and concrete replacement.
• Bridge deck repairs and drainage maintenance.
• Ditch cleaning, stormwater system maintenance, and roadway sweeping.
• Mowing, roadside maintenance, and roadway beautification.
• Installation and maintenance of traffic signs and hand striping.
• Operate and maintain a variety of equipment such as tractors, loaders, excavators, trucks, mowers, crack seal machines, sweepers, and snowplows.
• Respond to inclement weather and natural disasters including snow, ice, flooding, and storm damage to restore safe travel conditions.
• Participate in snow and ice control operations, including plowing, salting, and after-hour emergencies.
• Inspect, maintain, and perform minor repairs on city-owned facilities, vehicles, and equipment.
• Identify roadway maintenance issues, recommend corrective actions, and propose process or operational improvements.
• Respond professionally to public inquiries, service requests, and complaints regarding roadway conditions and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety standards, environmental regulations, and public works requirements.
• Maintain accurate records related to work performed, equipment use, and inspections.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

ROLE METRICS

• Timeliness and quality of roadway maintenance and repair work.
• Compliance with safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Effectiveness and efficiency in equipment operation and care.
• Responsiveness to emergencies and after-hours call-outs.
• Reduction in repeat maintenance issues through quality workmanship.
• Customer service feedback related to public inquiries and complaints.
• Attendance, punctuality, and reliability.
• Contribution to team objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.

COMPETENCIES

• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with department staff, other city departments, contractors, and the public, both verbally and in writing.
• Organization & Time Management: Demonstrated ability to organize work, manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet established deadlines.
• Technical Aptitude: Ability to learn and apply roadway maintenance and repair techniques, equipment operation, and material usage.
• Safety Awareness: Strong commitment to workplace and public safety, including the ability to recognize, assess, and mitigate hazards in accordance with OSHA and safety standards.
• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking: Ability to identify roadway maintenance issues, analyze conditions, and recommend or implement effective solutions.
• Customer Service: Commitment to providing courteous, responsive, and professional service to residents, city officials, and internal departments.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing priorities, workloads, weather conditions, and job requirements.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and collaborate with coworkers, departments, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Equipment & Vehicle Operation: Ability to safely operate and maintain motor vehicles and light and heavy equipment.
• Independence & Initiative: Ability to follow directions, work with minimal supervision, and take appropriate initiative when required.
• Recordkeeping: Ability to accurately log, track, and maintain work records, files, and documentation.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to perform tasks accurately and thoroughly while following established procedures and specifications.
• Physical Capability: Ability to safely perform physically demanding tasks in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Stress Management: Ability to remain calm, focused, and effective in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public.
• Computer Skills: Basic computer proficiency, including email, Microsoft 365 applications, and web-based systems.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license.
• Preference given candidates with a valid Class B CDL driver’s license with no air brake restrictions.
• Ability to obtain a Class B CDL driver’s license with no air brake restrictions.

WORK SCHEDULE AND CONDITIONS

Work is performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and may involve exposure to noise, dust, traffic, and heavy machinery.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Job requires significant physical stamina and endurance, including the ability to move materials by hand up to 60 lbs., bending, standing, walking, climbing, operating hand tools for extended periods, and performing stationary flagging.
• Job requires exposure to physical hazards, health and safety risks, inclement weather and/or adverse or otherwise undesirable characteristics in the environment, including risk of physical injury from carrying out duties in heavy traffic areas, on or near heavy equipment or machinery, in high or confined spaces and with hazardous chemicals, materials or dust.
• Job requires operation of vehicles to plow snow and spread ice control materials.

ABOUT US

The City of Kearney creates a thriving, sustainable and desirable community. Our core values are integrity, compassion, service and teamwork. We are honest and transparent in our communications and operations. We treat all people with respect and dignity. We express ourselves in a genuine and honest way. We apply the laws and rules that govern us to every decision we make and every action we take. We are kind, friendly and considerate towards the community and our colleagues, regardless of their status or disagreement with us. We listen well and seek to understand before responding. We nurture and embrace differing perspectives to make better decisions. We care about our community and are sensitive to its needs. We work towards mutually beneficial solutions to get to yes for positive outcomes. We believe learning never stops and are committed to continuous improvement. We admit mistakes freely and openly so that we can learn and become better. We are passionate about helping others and making Kearney a better place to live, work and visit. We recognize and appreciate that our differences make us stronger and smarter, allowing us to do amazing things for Kearney. We question actions inconsistent with our values and provide candid, helpful and timely feedback to our colleagues. We take responsibility for our actions and decisions and follow through on our commitments and promises. We value creativity, a positive attitude and enjoying ourselves at work.

The City of Kearney offers competitive pay and a great benefit package, including health insurance, 13 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick time and the L-7 Missouri LAGERS retirement pension for all full-time employees. We also offer a wellness plan, tuition reimbursement, annual service awards and an Employee Assistance Program.

The City of Kearney is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.