Highway Maintenance / Equipment Operator

Location: Public Works Facility, 10705 125th Ave SE, Becker, MN 55308

Job Type: Full Time

About the role

The Sherburne County Public Works Department is seeking a highly motivated and experienced candidate to join our Highway Maintenance team at either our Becker or Zimmerman facility. Sherburne County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Minnesota, offering a blend of suburban and rural life. Our Public Works Department maintains 402 miles of road and operates in an excellent team environment focused on efficiency, safety, and service.

Schedule

• Summer: Monday – Thursday, 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Winter: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• Additional hours required during winter for snow plowing
• Additional hours may be required for storm damage cleanup, high-priority sign repairs, or other emergencies
• Flexible scheduling in summer, with winter snow and ice control as a top priority
• When called in outside normal hours, employees receive compensation or can bank hours for time off

Responsibilities

• Identify potential hazards and establish safe work practices for the crew and public in all weather and traffic conditions
• Operate heavy trucks with snow plows, underbody blades, and wings to remove snow and ice
• Set up, calibrate, and operate computer-controlled sanders with liquid application tanks
• Plan and execute complex traffic control in work zones based on road type and traffic volume
• Use traffic control devices and communication equipment to safely direct traffic through work zones
• Operate heavy equipment such as loaders, graders, skid steers, tractors, shoulder machines, cranes, air compressors, hydraulic hammers, post pullers, drills, and hand tools
• Maintain and repair roadways and bridges, including grading, gravel placement, paving, patching, culvert repair, and shoulder maintenance
• Install, remove, inspect, and replace signs, posts, guardrails, traffic signals, and pavement markings according to the Minnesota Uniform Traffic Control Manual
• Analyze and maintain county drainage systems, including storm sewers, catch basins, culverts, and ditches using equipment like backhoes, dozers, skid loaders, graders, laser levels, metal detectors, and jetters
• Maintain roadways and right-of-way by operating equipment (skid loaders, tractors, aerial boom trucks, grinders, chippers, chainsaws) to remove trees and limbs; perform mowing, vegetation spraying, ditch bank restoration, turf establishment, and debris removal
• Provide work direction and oversight to seasonal workers
• Create, update, and maintain digital and paper records
• Attend training, educational sessions, and staff meetings as assigned
• Respond to service calls outside of normal work hours

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• One year of paid experience operating highway construction and/or maintenance equipment
• Valid Class B Minnesota Driver’s License (Class A preferred; must obtain Class A within one year of hire)
• Tanker Endorsement required for some equipment (may be obtained after hire)
• Experience with snow removal and ice control operations in a road system environment is preferred
• Ability to engage in strenuous physical activities and work in temperature extremes
• Must pass a physical examination, drug test, and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension criminal history check

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage (employee, employee + spouse, employee + child(ren), or family) with 100% of monthly premiums for employee-only coverage paid by the county
• County contributions to VEBA and HSA plans
• Employer-paid $25,000 term life policy
• Optional benefits:
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Additional supplemental life insurance for self, spouse, and children
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care and/or Dependent Care)
  • Accident, critical illness, and hospital care insurance
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
• 21 days of paid time off annually (increases to a maximum of 33 days per year)
• 12 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• On-site Well@Work Clinic for employees and dependents covered under the county’s plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) benefits

Pay

$26.41 - $37.02 hourly