Job Description

Highway Maintenance Worker

Otter Tail County is accepting applications for Highway Maintenance Workers and to create an eligibility list for future hires. The purpose of the position is to perform highway and bridge resurfacing, maintenance, snow removal, ice control and other repair tasks; snowmobile and bike trail and maintenance; flood control structure maintenance and adjustment; building maintenance and repair tasks; equipment maintenance, modification and improvement tasks; and management of roadside vegetation. The deadline to apply is October 15, 2026.

Examples of Duties

• Operates snowplow and sanding/salting truck to remove ice and snow from roads, which require early morning starts, extended hours and weekend duty including holidays. Includes changing cutting edges on snow removal equipment.
• Operates pay loader, patrol, dump truck, tractor, mower, front end loader, back hoe in the performance of maintenance and repair operations.
• Operates crack routing and sealing equipment as part of road maintenance.
• Operates skid steer, skyjack and forklift while performing building and grounds maintenance.
• Operates other equipment and machinery drill press, welder, common hand and power tools, welder/cutting torch, chain saw, weed trimmer, hydraulic jacks, shovel, ax, rakes, brooms and forks.
• Repairs complex equipment and machinery.
• Performs routine equipment maintenance/repair tasks such as changing vehicle fluids, fueling, greasing, painting, etc.
• Designs and performs unique metal fabrication tasks related to the repair, modification and improvement of County Highway Department Equipment.
• Patrols roads for hazards, snow/ice conditions and maintenance/repair needs. Reports and/or mediates hazards, patches holes and cracks. Mows roadside vegetation, cuts brush and trees, repairs/replaces/insures visibility of signs and posts, sprays weeds and brush with herbicides, sweeps intersections, removes dead animals and picks up litter/trash.
• Handles and applies hazardous and high temperature bituminous, road oils and explosive gases.
• Maintains and adjusts water control structures in high water areas.
• Paints pedestrian crosswalks and stop ahead warnings on roadways.
• Performs bridge maintenance including upkeep of decks, walkways and guardrails.
• Loads and hauls bituminous, sand and gravel in a dump truck.
• Documents the transfer of salt and sand materials to Townships.
• Flags traffic.
• Installs and cleans culverts. Fills road washouts. Cleans storm drains.
• Maintains snowmobile and bike trails.
• Ship and receive culverts and other highway maintenance materials.
• Provides emergency road services for EMS in emergency situations.
• Provides weather spotting information to County dispatcher.
• Organize/coordinate work in the absence of team leader.
• Inspects equipment on regularly scheduled basis. Complies with safety precautions.
• Follows all safety rules, polices and regulations.
• Performs other tasks within public works as directed by the Group Leader, Maintenance Supervisor or Division Manager/Highway Engineer.
• May assist with duties and responsibilities as outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent and responsible related work experience with preference given to candidates with experience in snow and ice control operations and general highway maintenance work.
• Valid Minnesota Commercial Class A driver's license (must not have any of the following restrictions: E, L, M, N, Z).
• Candidates with a Minnesota Commercial Class B license may be considered and must obtain a Class A license within six months of employment. Assistance is available for the training and costs associated with obtaining the Class A license.
• Ability to obtain Herbicide Applicator's Spray License within six months of hire.
• Ability to obtain Forklift Certification
• Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR
• Upon employment offer, must pass background check, pre-employment medical examination, and drug screening.

Supplemental Information

This position is full time, 40 hours per week. During the winter months, this position involves early morning shifts, extended hours, and weekend duty including holidays. The 2026 starting hourly salary for this position is $23.97, depending on qualifications, with career advancement to $35.95.

The selection process will include an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Semi-finalist will be invited to interview and the finalist will have a practical driving test. Prior to hire, applicants are required to pass a background investigation, pre-employment medical examination, and drug screening. A standard 12 month probationary period applies.

This position is considered a safety-sensitive position due to the essential job duties in accordance with Minn. Stat. §181.950, Subd. 13. Safety-sensitive employees are subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing. In addition, all employees are subject to drug and alcohol testing upon reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, follow-up, and post-accident.

In addition, a pre-employment physical examination is required for this position. The scope of the physical exam will be limited to whether the employee can safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, in compliance with state and federal law.

To apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link. On-line applications are stored on a secure site. Only you and authorized employees of Otter Tail County have access to the information submitted. When filling out any employment application materials for Otter Tail County, you must include your entire employment and education history. Failure to do so may render your application incomplete. Eligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and required supporting documentation must be included with the employment application to receive preference. All employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include, but are not limited to, gathering information from the following sources: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant. Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. Making false statements or withholding information during the hiring process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment. Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace. Otter Tail County does not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation, race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex (pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, or genetic information. Equal Opportunity Employer

Benefits

Otter Tail County provides an attractive benefit package for regular full-time employees, including health, dental, life, long-term disability, and retirement benefits through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Regular full-time employees can expect to accrue holiday, sick, and vacation leave benefits. In addition, employees receive professional development opportunities.

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