Highway Maintenance Specialist - Lamar (CDL Training w/ Permit)

Department Information: Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. This position requires that you currently have a valid CDL Permit and that you obtain your CDL Class A or B within 6 months of hire as a condition of continued employment. A DOT drug test is required as a pre-employment step.

About the role

As a Highway Maintenance Specialist at CDOT, you will perform a variety of hands-on tasks to maintain and improve Colorado’s roadways. Your work will ensure safety, connectivity, and quality of life for all Coloradans and visitors. No two days are the same—your duties will vary based on weather, road conditions, and project needs. You will be part of a team and may be on-call to respond to emergencies.

• Plowing snow
• Operating heavy equipment (tandem dump truck, loader, tractor mower, etc.)
• Mowing grass and weeds
• Removing debris from roadways (rock, mud, deceased animals, etc.) and culverts
• Shoveling gravel, sand, concrete, and asphalt
• Digging ditches
• Installing and repairing guardrails, highway markers, signs, and lighting
• Filling potholes and roadway cracks
• Setting up traffic control signs and cones
• Removing and covering graffiti
• Installing pavement markings/striping
• Stopping or slowing traffic in emergency situations
• Maintaining equipment and performing minor repairs
• Following safety protocols and wearing proper safety equipment

Impact

Your work directly contributes to keeping Colorado’s roadways safe and open, supporting the economy and the well-being of residents and visitors.

What CDOT provides

• Personal protective equipment (uniforms, boots, hard hats, gloves, safety vest, respirator, and tools)
• Full payment for your CDL physical after your first year with CDOT
• Partial reimbursement (up to 50%) for your CDL renewal after your first year
• CPR and first-aid training
• Variety of career training opportunities
• 40-hour work weeks, with overtime opportunities during weather emergencies
• 4-day work schedule (10-hour days, Monday–Thursday) during summer months (typically May–September)
• Opportunities to learn new equipment and advance your career

Work environment

• Exposure to loud noise, fumes, odors, gasses, dust, and chemicals
• Required use of personal protective equipment
• Work near high-speed traffic and at heights (up to 20 feet using ladders or scissor lifts)
• Driving CDOT vehicles
• Frequent emergency response outside regular work hours, including weekends and holidays
• Physically demanding work in extreme temperatures, variable weather, and elevations up to 12,000 feet

Requirements

• At least two (2) years of physical labor and/or heavy equipment operation experience
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A or B with no air brake restrictions within 6 months of hire
• Must pass pre-employment screenings (criminal records, driving records, and controlled substance test)
• On-call availability and willingness to respond to emergencies outside regular work hours
• Must live within thirty (30) minutes’ driving time of the work location to respond to emergencies
• Completion of two weeks of maintenance training for new employees (one week annually for veteran employees)
• May be required to obtain a Hazardous Materials endorsement within 6 months to 1 year

Preferred qualifications

• Strong commitment to safety
• Desire to learn and work outdoors
• Enjoys physically demanding work
• Takes pride in a job well done
• Adapts efficiently to changing conditions and priorities
• Works effectively in a team environment
• Communicates effectively, especially in safety-critical situations
• Strong customer service orientation
• Problem-solving skills and ability to improve processes
• Experience operating equipment (dump trucks, loaders, bulldozers, backhoes, etc.)
• Experience using hand tools
• Basic computer skills

Benefits

The State of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• PERA retirement plans, including optional 401K
• Generous paid time off (annual, sick, holiday, and other leave)
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Colorado Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) counseling
• Wellness programs and employee discount programs
• Credit union membership
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Pay

Total annual compensation: $53,940 ($53,940 base pay).

• Biweekly pay: $2,074.62
• Annualized hourly rate: $25.93/hour
• Overtime rate: $38.90/hour

Schedule

• 40-hour work weeks, with overtime opportunities during emergencies
• 4-day work schedule (10-hour days, Monday–Thursday) during summer months (typically May–September)