Highway Worker

JOB INFORMATION

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible; additional compensation to include annual work boot allowance); full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday – Friday; summer hours 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / winter hours 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; full-benefits

These positions are responsible for performing skilled repair and maintenance work related to highway projects on roadways, roadside appurtenances, storm drainage systems, bridges, traffic signs or signals under general supervision. Direction may be received from Highway Technicians, Assistant Foreman and other higher management classifications.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate a variety of vehicles and equipment such as one ton, ten ton and tandem axle dump trucks, bucket trucks, herbicide spray trucks, street sweepers, roadside mowers, boom mower tractors, rollers, rubber tire loaders, back hoes, skid loader and or similar equipment
• Repair and maintain pothole patching, skin patching, mechanical base repair, spot paving, grinding, trench paving, asphalt and concrete application, etc.
• Repair and maintain road stormwater drainage such as culvert replacement, roadside mechanical and non-mechanical pipe and ditch cleaning, manual shoulder grading, gravel road grading, sidewalk repair, etc.
• Perform vegetation maintenance such as weed abatement and vegetation removal; conduct roadside chemical weed and pest control, native plant restoration and maintenance, ground and aerial tree trimming, etc.
• Remove litter, debris and animals from roadways, stormwater drainage canals; remove and dispose of hazardous objects from roadways, to include large animals
• Perform DOT Inspection of highway vehicles; check brakes, lights, tires, fuel and oil level, and auxiliary equipment
• Operate a variety of tools related to highway maintenance and repair; operate power tools such as auger, chain saws, tampers, blowers, hedge trimmers, weed eaters, and pneumatic tools such as jackhammers, drills, and masonry tools
• Fabricate, design and implement traffic control plans and signage using the manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for Streets and Highways Perform maintenance on traffic signals such as general preventive maintenance, upgrades to traffic control software, repair and/or replacement of hardware and components that operate traffic signals
• Utilize computers, laptops, handheld data devices and other technology to send and receive work assignment information; operate web or software based computerized maintenance management systems
• Fabricate, paint, install and maintain traffic signs, lettering and other traffic control devices along Frederick County roads
• Operate handheld GIS point identification unit
• Apply thermo-plastic road markings to roadways
• Maintain sign material inventory
• Repair or replace broken or destroyed road signs and posts
• Inspect signs for errors and defects
• Operate aerial bucket truck and forklift
• Prepare and maintain operating records and other reports relative to the assigned work
• Perform driver duties during winter weather operations which includes pre-treating and plowing snow in a variety of equipment and conditions
• Perform other related duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

Highway Worker I ($21.66-$36.83 per hour)

• High school graduation or the equivalency
• Possession of a driver's license
• NOTE: Additional related work experience may substitute for a portion of the education requirement

• High school graduation or the equivalency
• Possession of a commercial class B driver's license and possession of airbrake and tanker endorsements
• Minimum 1 year work experience performing construction, landscaping, or operating machinery
• NOTE: Additional related work experience may substitute for a portion of the education requirement

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Ability to pass a Maryland state-approved traffic flagger course
• Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification at the first available class offering
• Ability to operate various Highway equipment including but not limited to tractor mowers, roller, skid loaders, forklift, one-ton dump trucks in a safe and effective manner
• Computer knowledge with the ability to learn and accurately enter data into the Sign Inventory System
• Knowledge of tools, materials, and equipment used in the fabrication, installation and maintenance of traffic signs, including some knowledge of basic computer skills used in an automated fabrication process
• Knowledge of traffic and safety rules and accident prevention
• Knowledge of State and County laws and regulations pertaining to the installation of traffic signs
• Knowledge of procedures and techniques required in application of thermo-plastic road markings
• Ability to operate aerial lift bucket truck and have successfully completed the Division of Public Works aerial lift training
• Ability to effectively read blueprints, diagrams, and operation and maintenance manuals
• Ability to operate computerized system to manufacture salt brine to required specifications
• Ability to efficiently spread materials at a specified depth while truck is in motion (tailgating)
• Ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to vehicles and equipment, with ability to recognize more serious mechanical problems in order to arrange for prompt repair and avoid safety hazards
• Written and spoken (English) communication skills, including the ability to accurately complete record-keeping duties and to understand and follow written and spoken instructions
• Ability to operate and care for assigned equipment in a safe and effective manner
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public

• While working in this position, the employee is constantly walking, moving, traversing, climbing, stooping, kneeling and crouching; frequently lifting up to 20 pounds, lifting between 20-50 pounds, lifting over 50 pounds, pushing and pulling up to 40 pounds, reaching, making repetitive motions and driving; occasionally crawling
• While working in this position, the employee is constantly outdoors, walking on uneven ground, exposed to dirt, dust and noise, near machinery and required to wear protective equipment; frequently working in hot temperatures (above 100 degrees) and cold temperatures (below 32 degrees); occasionally working at heights and exposed to chemicals and fumes.
• Physical requirements include the ability to climb ladders and rough terrain, to use tools and equipment such as those listed above and to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time in any weather conditions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Available on-call for snow removal or other emergency situations
• These positions are subject to random drug testing
• Highway Worker I does not require the Maryland Medical Examiner's Certificate / DOT Physical Card but if upgraded/promoted to higher level classification, this will be required

• An evaluation of training and experience
• One or more interviews
• Behind the wheel driving test for level II
• A pre-employment physical examination and drug test with the ability to obtain a Maryland Medical Examiner's Certificate / DOT Physical Card

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov

Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.