Road & Bridge Technician

Road And Bridge Worker / Equipment Operator

Work Unit Overview : The District Road Department within the County is responsible for maintaining and repairing roads, bridges and roadside features using a variety of specialized heavy equipment, tools, and manual labor, and complying with the statutory requirements set forth for County roads. Services include overseeing the design and reconstruction of existing roads and bridges; performing maintenance projects such as pothole repairs, chip seals, striping, signage, safety modifications, and drainage and storm water improvements. During the winter the department performs snow removal, de-icing, and sanding.

Job Summary : The Road and Bridge Worker / Equipment Operator performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled functions associated with the operation of heavy equipment and power tools used to safely and effectively maintain and construct the roads and bridges within the County. Duties include performing road maintenance functions either manually or with a variety of hand tools and specialized heavy equipment, monitoring the safety of project sites and work activities, inspecting and maintaining or repairing roads and bridges within a designated area as needed, and providing routine and emergency winter maintenance services according to applicable policies and procedures.

Essential Functions :

• Perform routine construction and maintenance activities of county roads, bridges, and property to ensure that the department provides services safely, in accordance with laws and policies.
• Receive and review work assignments and coordinate with other road and bridge workers, equipment operators and the supervisor to determine the time, equipment, and personnel necessary to complete road maintenance, repair, and construction projects. Respond to requests from County Dispatcher when other projects become a priority.
• Maintain, repair, and construct roads according to project specifications, engineering standards, and County requirements. Exam road surfaces, sub-grade, drainage, right-of-way, and other components; and determine appropriate methods, tools, and equipment to complete projects.
• Monitor project sites and work activities to ensure compliance with safety protocols related to the public, project crews, heavy equipment and tools, traffic control, materials, and other considerations. Resolve minor safety issues or deficiencies and refer major problems to supervisor.
• Operate a variety of large trucks and specialized heavy equipment on construction and maintenance projects as well as sanding and plowing equipment during hazardous road conditions. May operate or drive; single and tandem axle dump trucks, motor grader, rubber tired backhoe, rubber tired loader motor grader, loader, roller, sweeper, water truck, dozer, mower, excavator, skid steer loader, asphalt paver, and pulling a gravel pup trailer.
• Calibrate, operate, and monitor the use of heavy equipment and tools to ensure safety and effectiveness. Check and maintain proper fluid levels and air pressures of equipment.
• Perform vehicle and equipment safety checks and minor maintenance on vehicles as allowed to ensure safe operations.
• Provide manual labor support in transporting equipment and materials; culvert cleaning; clearing roadsides, and drainage features; preparing, applying, and finishing asphalt surfaces; pothole patching; digging holes and ditches; fencing; trimming and cutting trees and shrubs; traffic control; and related activities. Use and maintain construction hand tools to cut concrete, steel, timbers, and repair bridge decks.
• Complete varied tasks in support of road and bridge maintenance including but not limited to sign repair, carpentry work, fence installation, jack hammering, power tampering, painting, erosions control and drainage, tree trimming, yard maintenance, and weed control. Help in cleaning of all shop and building areas. May perform some shop mechanic repairs of equipment as needed including some types of welding and fabrication.
• Monitor project sites and work activities to ensure compliance with safety protocols related to the public, project crews, heavy equipment and tools, traffic control, materials, and other considerations. Resolve minor safety issues or deficiencies and refer major problems to supervisor.
• Conduct inspections of county roads and bridges to ensure safety and when necessary respond to emergency situations including emergency snow removal, de-icing, water on roadways, fallen trees, etc. When directed, this also includes periodic inspections of grounds, shops, facilities, and equipment and investigating and resolving complaints or procedural problems. Continuously monitor the condition of roads and bridges to ensure the safety of the public.
• Follow county safety requirements, traffic control procedures, and standard operating procedures when performing road and bridge work and monitor outside contractors to ensure they also follow county safety requirements, traffic control procedures, and standard operating procedures when engaged in joint or separate operations. Coordinate Road and Bridge work activities with other public works departments, County departments, and local agencies. Report violations to supervisor.
• Monitor vehicles, equipment and tools to ensure proper performance, maximize the length of operating service and perform or coordinate the performance of preventative maintenance and repair. Check fluids, lights, tires, and other parts / materials; complete routine maintenance and repairs; and refer major problems to mechanics. Ensure effective and efficient use of vehicles, materials, contractors, facilities, and time.
• Provide care of Madison County facilities to include clean-up and minor maintenance to county shop facilities and grounds.

Education and Experience : The job requires education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or GED and three (3) years road / bridge maintenance, driving or operating large trucks and heavy equipment on construction or maintenance projects or related experience. Equivalencies include completion of a heavy equipment operator certification or apprenticeship, and two (2) years road / bridge construction experience. Requires pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. Random drug and alcohol testing will occur during employment. Requires a Montana Class A CDL, Type 1 driver's license with air brake endorsement and the ability to obtain double, triple and tanker endorsements. Requires completion of the following training / accreditations within six months of hire :

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : This job requires knowledge and skills in specialized heavy equipment and tool operations, road / bridge maintenance, and construction standards and procedures, material specifications, and basic mechanical diagnosis and repair. This job requires a thorough knowledge of County road conditions, areas and needs; construction and bridge maintenance on both paved and graveled roads; ability to learn some engineering and mechanical principles. This job requires skill in the use of heavy equipment, power tools, and hand tools. The job requires the ability to monitor and maintain safety protocols; work effectively under adverse site conditions; coordinate tasks and procedures with others; comply with state and federal laws as well as County policies and procedures; deal with stress and emergency situations; deal effectively and tactfully with other County employees and the general public to accomplish departmental goals; establish effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other County officials and departments, various state and federal agencies, and the general public.