Highway Operator

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that directly impacts your community? Join Dunn County as a Highway Operator and become an essential part of keeping our roads safe and well-maintained.

In this dynamic position, you'll operate a variety of heavy equipment to tackle road maintenance projects, handle snow removal during winter months, and perform crucial highway upkeep tasks year-round. From maneuvering powerful machinery to ensuring smooth traffic flow, your skills will be put to the test as you work alongside a dedicated team committed to public safety.

If you're looking for a career that combines hands-on work with the satisfaction of serving your community, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Take the wheel and drive your career forward with Dunn County!


The anticipated starting wage is between $24.36/hr and $25.75/hrThe following duties are primarily performed and which are essential for this position.  Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Performs general highway maintenance and related activities including patching holes, plowing snow, repairing signs, clears brush, hauls materials, flagging traffic, sweeping intersections, sealing road cracks, clearing culverts, removes dead animals, installing snow fences, etc.
• Operates tandem, tri, and quad-axle trucks in plowing snow, hauling materials, sanding and salting assigned portions of State and/or County Roads, trucks, mowers, and other equipment as required.
• Operates specialized heavy equipment used in various highway maintenance/construction activities of the department including the operation of pavers, screeds, cranes, crushers, and backhoes.
• Operates heavy equipment utilized by the Highway Department, including grader, roller, steamer, bulldozer, dump truck and end loader; operates other equipment including jackhammer, chipper, lowboy, sweeper, and water truck as directed, used in highway maintenance projects and activities.
• Monitors and inspects equipment to ensure proper operation and safety.   Informs shop personnel of problems or concerns.
• Transports fuel.
• Picks up parts and supplies needed.
• Assists in answering radio and telephone calls; takes messages and relays calls.
• Assists in performing weather watch; monitors weather during summer oiling and other activities. Drives to various locations to determine current weather conditions.
• Changes vehicle tires, builds and installs tire chains, and assists shop personnel in servicing and repairs, as needed.
• Mixes salt and sand for ice removal operations.
• Responds to emergencies, high water, blocked roads, washouts, snow storms, etc. as required.
• Performs other duties of a comparable level/type, as assigned.
• Performs general cleaning and custodial duties/functions. Performs such tasks as:
  1. Cleans restrooms and fixtures.  Replaces restroom supplies.
  2. Scrubs, strips, waxes, and buffs floors.  
  3. Cleans shop floors, garage areas, and oil spills in the shop.
  4. Cleans lunchroom areas, counters, and appliances.
  5. Empties receptacles and picks up litter.  
  6. Delivers waste materials to the transfer station.
  7. Assists in moving furniture and office equipment, as needed.
• Performs various routine building maintenance and shop maintenance activities:
  1. Mows grass, trims shrubs, waters plants and cares for grounds.
  2. Replaces burnt out light bulbs and cleans fixtures.
  3. Assists shop personnel in performing routine servicing and maintenance activities.
  4. Refuels and checks trucks and equipment.
  5. Washes highway vehicles and equipment.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or GED
• Requires a minimum of two (2) year previous heavy equipment operation and highway maintenance experience.

 
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Prior to hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. 
• Requires a valid Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and acceptable driving record; Class A with a tanker (N) endorsement preferred.  

 
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES QUALIFICATIONS
In order to perform the duties of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential for the Operator to possess.

• Ability to apply and follow county and department policies with respect to repair and maintenance activities and projects.
• Ability to perform routine service and maintenance to assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to learn and participate in maintenance crew activities/projects/assignments involving primarily general labor and operation of hand tools and power equipment.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow health and safety procedures and written instructions including MSHA and OSHA regulations.
• Ability to assist and learn preventive maintenance activities and tasks.
• Ability to follow assigned custodial assignments in accordance with department standards and requirements.
• Ability to perform grounds activities and operate grounds equipment.
• Ability to carry out assignments and cleaning routines under general supervision and direction.
• Knowledge in a variety of cleaning techniques, utilize appropriate chemicals to clean equipment.
• Skilled in operating and using a wide variety of heavy equipment used in the performance of highway maintenance/construction projects to accomplish job assignments.
• Skilled in operating and using mowers and tandem, tri and quad-axle trucks in plowing, sanding and maintaining assigned portions of State and County roads.
• Skilled in using and operating various cleaning equipment. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships.
• Ability to follow Dunn County policies and procedures including those pertaining to confidentiality.

• Ability to prioritize and organize job assignments.

• Ability to manage time effectively, manage multiple projects, and complete work within established deadlines.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position, significant overtime, and off hours.
• Must be available for periodic call-ins during emergent situations.

 
MINIMUM LANGUAGE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 
In order to perform the duties of the position (listed above) the following language skills are essential for the Operator to possess. 

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other staff members, supervisors, and the general public in written and verbal form. 
• English skills (oral, written and comprehension) sufficient to effectively communicate with all internal and external customers.

 
MINIMUM REASONING ABILITY QUALIFICATIONS
In order to perform the duties of the position (listed above) the following reasoning abilities are essential for the Operator to possess.

• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Must have ability to work accurately with attention to detail.

 
MINIMUM MATHEMATICAL ABILITY QUALIFICATIONS
In order to perform the duties of the position (listed above) the following mathematical skills are essential for the Operator to possess.

• Ability to make arithmetic computations using whole numbers, fractions and decimals.

 
In evaluating candidates for this position, Dunn County may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.Working in and around high-speed traffic, high volume traffic, hazardous chemicals, inclement weather conditions, hot and cold temperatures, high temperature materials (blacktop, tar, and crack-filler), long hours when plowing snow in snowstorms and blizzards, noise, dirt, dust, fumes, icy/snowy/slippery roads, and heavy lifting. Risks associated with the job also involve bending, lifting, stooping, crouching, and climbing in performing custodial and laborer functions.
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical effort will typically require prolonged and frequent exertion of objects weighing up to 10 pounds, regular, but not continuous, exertion of objects weighing up to 50, and/or infrequent exertion of objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Work occasionally requires walking, climbing or balancing; frequently requires standing, sitting, reaching, kneeling, and use of hands dexterously. 
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.

 
Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement or affect the at-will nature of the employment arrangement between the employee and company, and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Salary : $24 - $32