Transportation Maintenance Worker 6-E8 (St. Ignace)/ Steeplejack 7-E9 (Mackinac Bridge)

This position alternates seasonally between two roles: Transportation Maintenance Worker 6-E8 (late October to mid-April) at the St. Ignace Garage, and Steeplejack 7-E9 (mid-April to late October) at the Mackinac Bridge Authority in St. Ignace.

About the Roles

Transportation Maintenance Worker (TMW) 6-E8: Performs maintenance of state trunk lines, structures, and right-of-ways in the Superior Region. Duties include surface, roadside, and winter maintenance activities, operating various types of equipment, and participating in the TMW work element program. Requires travel to work sites throughout the region, including overnight stays. Winter work schedule includes afternoon, night, and weekend shifts with scheduled and unscheduled overtime. Operates vehicles or vehicle/trailer combinations with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more (e.g., dump truck, snowplow).

Steeplejack 7-E9: Performs maintenance, repair, sandblasting, painting, washing, greasing, oiling, bolting, caulking, forming, cement work, and inspections of the Mackinac Bridge using specialized tools and equipment. Work involves heights above 300 feet and over waterways, adhering to all safety regulations. Includes concrete repairs on substructure, deck, curbs, sidewalks, and bituminous surfaces, as well as maintenance of approaches, buildings, and right-of-ways. Operates vehicles or vehicle/trailer combinations with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more (e.g., snowplow, heavy-duty dump trucks).

Responsibilities

• Transportation Maintenance Worker 6-E8:
  • Perform surface, roadside, and winter maintenance activities.
  • Operate various types of equipment, including vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001+ pounds.
  • Participate in the TMW work element program.
  • Travel to work sites throughout the Superior Region, including overnight stays.
  • Work afternoon, night, and weekend shifts during winter, including scheduled and unscheduled overtime.
• Steeplejack 7-E9:
  • Maintain, repair, sandblast, paint, wash, grease, oil, bolt, caulk, and inspect the Mackinac Bridge.
  • Perform concrete repairs on substructure, deck, curbs, sidewalks, and bituminous surfaces.
  • Work on approaches, buildings, and right-of-ways.
  • Operate heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, including those with a GVWR of 26,001+ pounds.
  • Adhere to safety regulations while working at heights above 300 feet and over waterways.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience:
  • Transportation Maintenance Worker E8: Two years of experience equivalent to a Transportation Maintenance Worker, including one year equivalent to a Transportation Maintenance Worker 7; or one year of skilled trades experience at the E9 level.
  • Steeplejack E9: Four years of experience in the installation, erection, maintenance, repair, painting, dismantling, and inspection of unusually high structures (e.g., bridges, radio towers), including two years equivalent to a Steeplejack 8.
• Licenses/Certifications:
  • Must possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or Commercial Learner's Permit at the time of hire.
  • Continuing employment requires a CDL Group A with either an N or X endorsement and no air brake restrictions within 12 months of hire.
  • Satisfactory completion of the MDOT TMW Work Element training and certification program (for TMW E8).
  • Some positions may require a commercial Pesticide Applicators license.
• Must pass a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug test, physical (if applicable), and background checks (criminal and driving records).
• Position is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Benefits

For information on benefits, visit www.mi.gov/employeebenefits or www.mi.gov/orsstatedc. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates (2021–2023) and a best large U.S. and state employer, with past recognition for positive employee engagement.