Highway Worker

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:18:50 -0500

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

Position Purpose:

Performs a variety of semi-skilled and unskilled manual work in all areas of construction and other assigned projects, summer and winter maintenance of roads, town property, snowplowing, snow removal and sanding. Performs all other related work as required.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

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Performs mowing through the summer and brush clearing.
Assembles materials, and equipment necessary to complete projects.
Serves as equipment operator, worker/laborer in diversified projects involving repairs of roads, maintenance, roadside landscaping, curbing, culvert and catch basin laying, setting and maintenance. May be required to work on projects with other departments.
Required to do winter operations of snow removal, plowing, salting, and sanding.
Prepares equipment for winter storms.
Maintains an effective preventive maintenance schedule for the equipment.
Inspects vehicles and equipment and recognizes the need for repair.
Maintains clean equipment and vehicles.
Operates all equipment and trucks, effectively, as necessary, including chain saws, shovels, rakes, hand tools, and other equipment necessary to get the task done.
Makes maintenance repairs, and modifies equipment, fabricates new parts as necessary or as directed, installs accessories to the vehicles, paints, installs, and repairs snowplowing equipment. Replaces tools to their proper place when finished.
Reads, understands, and uses policies and procedures of the Highway Department.
Monitors roadway conditions for tree limbs, litter, debris, etc. Removes items as seen.
Reads and understands all operating and safety manuals for the equipment.
Works in a safe and healthy manner.
Receives training as necessary or directed.
Works overtime and must respond to callouts, as necessary.
Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

High school graduation; one year’s experience in the operation and maintenance of heavy-duty equipment and the performance of heavy physical labor; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge: Basic knowledge of the materials, methods, and techniques relative to public works projects/programs. Knowledge of the principles and practices of operation of heavy equipment, dump trucks and related equipment; knowledge of the maintenance of equipment, road maintenance and construction. Some knowledge of State laws and regulations pertaining to motor vehicle operations.

Ability: Ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions given by supervisor. Ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment operated. Ability to communicate effectively verbally with supervisor. Ability to learn to operate and maintain heavy-duty construction and road maintenance equipment; ability to learn the basic duties in road maintenance and construction; ability to read and interpret work orders and plans; Ability to follow proper methods, procedures, and safety precautions.

Skills: Skill in the operation of heavy equipment and in the operation and maintenance of equipment used in the Highway Department.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position primarily involves physical labor. It requires both indoor and regular outdoor work, performed under varying weather and other conditions with exposure to some occupational risks. Must be able to: access all areas/levels of a construction site/building/ structure; traverse uneven terrain; and enter, exit, and operate vehicles.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to regularly engage in strenuous physical effort, including repetitious physical motions; lifting and/or moving up to100 pounds; operation of heavy and light equipment, vehicles, tools; and moving about all indoor and outdoor work sites efficiently.

Supervision:

Supervision Scope: Functions are generally well defined and limited in scope but may involve some judgment and initiative in determining the method of completion.

Supervision Received: Works under the direct supervision of the Highway Supervisor who assigns work and provides instructions, as necessary.

Supervision Given: None.

Job Environment:

The majority of work is performed outdoors with exposure to temperature extremes and inclement weather. Incumbent is subject to the hazards associated with work such as hazardous road conditions, gases, and toxins. Work environment is very loud.
Regularly operates equipment such as dump trucks, light duty trucks, backhoe, front-end loader, sweeper, tractor, backhoe, sander, snowplow, and hand/power/pneumatic tools.
Interacts occasionally with other town departments, the general public and contractors working for the department. Communicates in person and involves an information exchange dialogue.
Errors may result in time loss and delay, cause damage to buildings and/or equipment, result in serious personal injury and injury to others and have monetary repercussions.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act Employer

New Shoreham, RI - Jobs

Highway Worker