MAINTENANCE TRANSPORTATION WORKER - 08042026-79495

Open: 08/04/2026 12:00 AM CT    Close: 08/17/2026 11:59 PM CT    Full-time    Locations: McEwen, TN and Columbia, TN

Four positions to be filled in the Department of Transportation, Hickman County – Region 3, District 38 Operations – Maintenance Section.

Pay

• Starting monthly rate: $3,631 ($43,572 annually)
• Monthly range: $3,631 – $4,533 ($43,572 – $54,396 annually)

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) diploma.
• Transportation Worker 1: Entry-level. No prerequisites beyond high school education or equivalent. Eligible for promotion to Transportation Worker 2 upon satisfactory review and completion of required skills and competency elements, including obtaining the appropriate Commercial Driver’s License based on age.
• Transportation Worker 2: Intermediate level. Must have successfully completed the required skills and competency elements of the Transportation Worker 1 level. Eligible for promotion to Transportation Worker 3 upon satisfactory review and completion of required skills and competency elements.
• Transportation Worker 3: Experienced level. Must have successfully completed the required skills and competency elements of the Transportation Worker 2 level.

Each level of the Transportation Worker Series has a defined Work Element Plan detailing core and elective skills, competencies, and corresponding exams and demonstrations required for eligibility to advance to the next level.

Necessary Special Qualifications

• Possess and maintain a Class D driver’s license valid in the State of Tennessee.
• If under age 21: Must obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) valid in Tennessee within eleven months at your own expense. Allowable restrictions: Code O, Code K, and Code 52. Code E restriction is not allowable; testing must be completed in a manual transmission vehicle. Some positions may require removal of the Code O restriction to operate a fifth wheel or trailer over 10,001 pounds.
• If currently a TDOT employee with a Class A CDL when you reach age 21: Must possess and maintain, or obtain within three months of your 21st birthday at your own expense, a Class A CDL with an N endorsement valid in Tennessee.
• If age 21 or older and not currently employed with TDOT: Must possess and maintain, or obtain within eleven months of hire at your own expense, a Class A CDL with an N endorsement valid in Tennessee.
• Employees will have five months from hire or promotion to obtain the applicable permits leading to eligibility for the required license. Code L restriction is not allowable; testing must be completed in a manual transmission vehicle.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for commercial driver and safety impact positions.
• Commercial drivers and safety impact employees will be subject to additional drug and alcohol testing during employment.
• May be required to work weekends, holidays, and variable hours outside of the normal work schedule, including an on-call rotation.
• Required to work under exposure to inclement weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance work on TDOT infrastructure to ensure safety and operational efficiency, including identification, repair, and installation of signs, delineators, mailbox supports, and posts.
• Conduct roadway maintenance and repair: litter pickup, debris and carcass removal, mowing, shoulder maintenance, snow and ice removal, drainage structure cleaning and replacement, vegetation removal, pothole repair, and traffic control.
• Operate light and heavy equipment, including dump trucks, trailers, pickups, loaders, tractors with mowers, sweepers, rollers, forklifts, skid steers, excavators, and other machinery as needed. Conduct pre- and post-trip inspections and accurately track equipment usage.
• Perform preventive and minor maintenance on TDOT assets by identifying deterioration and other deficiencies.
• Assist in integrating quality management into maintenance activities in alignment with Asset Management goals.
• Promote a safety-focused work environment by recognizing and communicating hazards, assessing risks, and mitigating safety concerns.
• Apply TDOT Policy 305-01 with Table A (PPE Guide), TDOT Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Policies, and the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices to establish and maintain safe and effective work zones.
• Assist the Maintenance Foreman by completing all required safety and flagging training.
• Track data related to employee time, equipment, and material usage on projects.
• Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Assist with mentoring and offer basic technical support related to maintenance tasks.
• Understand team roles within projects and collaborate effectively with other teams.
• Assist the public during emergency situations and communicate effectively with team members to learn objectives, respond to requests, and maintain accurate records.
• Prioritize safety in all tasks and participate in the Transportation Worker Proficiency Program by completing all required training and documentation.
• Maintain a Personal Advancement Log (PAL), submit necessary records on time, review module materials, and prepare for scheduled exams and demonstrations.
• Operate equipment to clear ice and snow from highways and bridges, assist with setting up warning signs, and carry out other duties during severe weather and emergency situations (e.g., floods, tornadoes, snowstorms, vehicle accidents, hazardous material spills).
• Communicate effectively with the foreman, peers, and emergency crews about lane closures, incident severity, and emergency response status.
• Keep accurate records of all activities during roadside operations, work sites, and emergencies, and stay up to date on training related to emergency operations.
• Assist local law enforcement officials at crash sites and aid stranded motorists as required.

Skills

Required for Transportation Worker I, II, and III

• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of basic mathematical fundamentals.
• Basic report and form writing skills.
• Skilled in applicable hand and power tools, equipment, and mechanical devices of the trade.
• Skilled in the use of light and heavy highway equipment.
• Ability to use computers and applicable programs, applications, and systems.
• Knowledge of basic vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair procedures.
• Ability to recognize and take precautions for potential hazards to the transportation work crew.

Additional for Transportation Worker II and III

• Knowledge of the Tennessee Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
• Knowledge of street and highway traffic rules and regulations, and temporary signing and safety precautions to be observed while working on or near highways.
• Knowledge of project logistics and worksite planning.

Additional for Transportation Worker III

• Ability to lead teams, maintaining effective work relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external.
• Ability to train teams and individuals, recognizing applicable teaching and learning methods.
• Knowledge of material estimating and procurement procedures.

About the Role

The Maintenance Transportation Worker plays a vital role in ensuring TDOT’s infrastructure operates efficiently, safely, and remains in good working condition. This position supports the preservation of TDOT’s infrastructure and public safety by performing daily maintenance tasks and operating equipment to maintain roads and facilities.

Under intermittent direct supervision, this role strengthens maintenance activities within the team and assists in delivering high-quality work within a defined scope, schedule, and budget. The Maintenance Transportation Worker works under the guidance of experienced team members, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to improve operational efficiencies and contribute to implementing innovative best practices. Responsibilities will increase as expertise is developed.