Highway Technician

About the Role

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state’s quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. This position is with INDOT’s Vincennes District, located in Paoli, IN.

Pay

This position traditionally starts at an hourly rate of $24.26 but may vary based on education and work experience.

• Candidates with a current CDL and endorsements required by the district will earn an additional $1 per hour. Candidates without a CDL will be given 90 days to obtain their CDL and endorsements and will then earn the additional $1 per hour. CDL training is provided onsite by certified INDOT staff.
• Candidates who do not have a Construction Certification through INDOT may be hired at a lower hourly rate, starting at $22.00, and will then be eligible for incremental increases as they pass the required annual exams and gain experience in the department.

Responsibilities

• Comply with all Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) safety policies and procedures.
• Operate basic highway maintenance/traffic equipment to maintain, repair, and clean highways and rights-of-way.
• Ensure staff are completing work assignments as directed and report problems to supervisors.
• Communicate with contractors to ensure procedures comply with INDOT standards and specifications.
• Perform winter operations duties including snow and ice removal.
• Perform regular inspections and routine equipment maintenance such as minor repairs, preventative maintenance, refueling, and pre-trip inspections.
• Maintain, repair, and install traffic signs, route markers, and pavement markings.
• Perform emergency response activities such as clean-up, traffic control, lane closures, placement of signs, and erecting barricades.
• Workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) is an essential function of this position.

Additional duties may include:

• Bridge Maintenance Specialist: Provide unit crews with technical expertise, oversight, and specialized equipment to ensure work is completed and report problems to the Bridge Maintenance Supervisor. Operate basic and intermediate highway maintenance and bridge equipment to maintain, repair, and clean bridges, highways, and right-of-ways.
• Testing: Sample and test construction materials according to quality assurance and specification requirements. Visit material producers’ plants, construction job sites, or INDOT facilities to collect material samples for testing. Perform various tests on materials incorporated into INDOT construction or maintenance contracts. Calculate and record test results in the INDOT reporting system.
• Construction: Assist in planning, design, construction, and rehabilitation of state-owned highways and bridges. Perform construction inspection, including assisting the project supervisor/engineer. Ensure construction tests, measurements, and inspections are completed and recorded in a timely manner. Perform facility maintenance such as repairing and installing brine making and storage systems.
• Geotechnical Services: Maintain qualifications for required Soil Test procedures. Operate and maintain geotechnical laboratory equipment to perform soil and rock testing. Prepare and perform advanced testing on soils and rock samples such as Resilient Modulus Testing (MR), strength testing (QU & Triaxial), Proctor, Sulfate, and Organic Tests.

Requirements

• Must possess a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or obtain one within the first 90 days of employment.
• Pass and submit to a drug test as a condition of employment.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local highway guidelines, laws, and regulations for purposes of construction inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of highways.
• Knowledge of drafting and surveying techniques.
• Ability to independently lead and coordinate the work of a crew in the field.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow technical documents.
• Must be able to endure exposure to inclement weather.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform physical activities such as lifting, dragging, stooping, standing, and walking for long periods of time.

Additional requirements depending on assigned specialty:

• Testing: Ability to read, interpret, and follow technical documents such as AASHTO, ASTM, INDOT specifications, and Indiana Test Methods (ITM). Ability to pass the INDOT Certified Testing Technician program.
• Construction: Ability to pass the INDOT Certified Inspector program.
• Geotechnical Services: Ability to demonstrate proficiency by passing the Office’s Proficiency Exams, including: Classification & Atterberg Proficiency Test, Electrochemical Proficiency Test, Strength & Proctor Proficiency Test, Resilient Modulus Proficiency Test.

A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered. Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees, which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards.
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution.
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match.
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options.
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off.
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years.
• Education Reimbursement Program.
• Group life insurance.
• Referral Bonus program.
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.