Highway Maintenance Specialist I - Highway - Public ...

Salary: $32,090.00 - $40,112.00 Annually Location : Chattanooga, TN Job Type: FULL TIME Job Number: 02/23/2026 - 1477 Division: PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION Department: Highway Opening Date: 02/23/2026 Closing Date: 3/8/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Description Under close supervision, performs a variety of duties related to the maintenance of County highways and bridges such as road striping, sign installation, cutting trees, maintenance of right-of-way, fencing, traffic control and repair of road beds. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, physical requirements, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Tasks Performs a variety of general labor/road maintenance and repair work tasks at various locations throughout the county; including but not limited to sign installation, cutting trees, installation and repair of guardrails, traffic control to ensure work zone safety, maintenance of right-of-way and fencing, may oversee inmates assisting with road maintenance. Operates a variety of heavy vehicles and equipment such as, but not limited to, front-end loaders, tractors, and rollers in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials, and supplies in a safe and efficient manner; performs vehicle and equipment checks; performs preventive maintenance; may transfer equipment to and from work sites; may provide assistance in snow removal and ice control. May be called upon to work during emergency weather conditions during and after normal work hours. Works around all types of moving equipment. Performs other related duties as assigned. Employees may be required to perform the following duties during any given work period: NOTE: This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks and should be noted that heavy equipment is used when it is applicable and available.INSTALL OR REPAIR GUARDRAILS Lift and carry guardrail components: Posts (+/- 50 pounds) 12' Rail (+/- 100 pounds) 25' Rail (+/- 200 pounds - Requires 2 crewmembers to carry) End flap (+/- 25 pounds) Guardrail jobs often involve the use of a sledge hammer (10 to 16 pounds), pry bars, wrenches and sockets, and almost constant manipulation of components by pushing, pulling, and prying. CUTTING AND REMOVING TREES FROM ROADWAYS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER Carry and use: Chainsaw weighing approximately 25 pounds Axe weighing approximately 10 pounds Sledgehammer and Wedge weighing approximately 15 pounds Cutting trees involves rolling or carrying branches and logs which can sometimes weigh from 5 to 100 pounds. Depending upon the severity of the weather, this task can continue for periods of up to twelve (12) hours with limited breaks. ERRECTING AND REPAIRING FENCES Lift, carry, and use components and tools: Fence Posts weighing approximately 5 to 75 pounds Wire Rolls weighing approximately 25 to 200 pounds (Requires 2 crewmembers) Pole Drivers weighing approximately 25 to 75 pounds Post Hole Diggers weighing approximately 20 pounds Steel Bar weighing approximately 25 pounds Concrete Bags weighing approximately 40 to 80 pounds Fence building and repair often requires constant manipulation of components by lifting, pushing, and pulling. CLEANING DRAIN TILE Employees work in conjunction with water truck. Working in and around tiles and confined spaces. Lifting concrete box lids - approximately 100 to 300 pounds (requires 2 or 3 crewmembers). Pulling hoses against pressure to free obstructions using high pressure hoses (firehose). Requires digging in and around drainage structures with shovel or mattock. SALT AND SAND DISTRIBUTION (SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL) Often involves hand work with shovels to spread salt and sand to areas not accessible by salt trucks; physically shoveling and slinging salt and sand. CLEANING LEAVES OUT OF DITCHES AND DRAINAGE STRUCTURES Physical manipulation of pitchforks, rakes, and brooms to gather and pick up leaves. FLAGGING AND TRAFFIC CONTROL Placement of signs and stands along with use of flags and "Stop & Go" paddles: Sign (work zone)weighing approximately 10 pounds Stand weighing approximately 20 pounds Paddle weighing approximately 3 pounds Flag weighing approximately 1 pound Cones (if needed) weighing approximately 2 pounds Flagging requires the flagger be mentally alert at all times and often requires long periods of standing. WEEDEATING Handle weedeater and various other tools: Weedeaterweighing approximately 12 pounds Blower (handheld) weighing approximately 10 pounds Broom weighing approximately 3 pounds CUTTING AND/OR GRINDING CONCRETE AND ASPHALT Lift and use "walk behind" grinder and saw, as well as, handheld saw: Saw (walkbehind) weighing approximately 100 pounds Grinder (walkbehind) weighing approximately 125 pounds Saw (handheld) weighing approximately 25 pounds Saws and grinder (walk behind units) are not physically demanding to operate but have to be lifted in and out of vehicles for transport, usually done by 2 or more crewmembers. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics Knowledge of guidelines and other documentation for sign installation, right-of-way maintenance, usage and operation road equipment and tools. Knowledge of Hamilton County policies and procedures. Knowledge of relevant Federal, State, and County codes and regulations relating to highway maintenance and workplace and traffic safety. Knowledge of County geography, facilities and work sites. Skill in reading, interpreting, understanding, and applying applicable Federal and State rules and regulations, Hamilton County Policies and Procedures. Skill in working with a variety of hand tools and other equipment such as shovels, rakes, weed-eaters, mowers/tractors and road equipment. Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with the public, department staff, contractors, and other County departments. Skill in the performance of basic laborer type functions (i.e. ,digging, raking, carrying and lifting). Skill effectively communicating in both oral and written form. Minimum Qualifications A valid driver's license is required. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: This position is deemed essential/situational during inclement weather situations and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head. Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level. SAFETY SENSITIVE: This position has been identified as "safety sensitive" under the definition of 49 CFR Part 40-Department of Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy. This position will be subject to drug and alcohol testing for the following: 1) post offer pre-employment 2) when there is reasonable cause 3) after an on-the-job accident or contributing to an accident 4) on a random basis 5) prior to return to duty after suspension and/or 6) as follow-up. This is additional and also subject to the Rules and Regulations of The Employee Handbook. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work requires sustained physical effort involving considerable walking and standing with limited sitting and driving. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. The employee must frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust while performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions and is frequently exposed to hot, cold, dry, wet, dusty, muddy, windy, and/or humid conditions. The employee frequently works near moving equipment, mechanical parts, and is frequently exposed to vibrations, jostling, and bouncing. The employee may work in high, precarious places and may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Any overtime hours offered in this position are not guaranteed, are an estimate, and are subject to change. All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance. All positions within Hamilton County Government may require work on Holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page. Hamilton County GovernmentMeeting the needs of the people where they live, work, and play! Hamilton County, Tennessee offers a lower cost of living, ease of getting around, a lively arts tradition, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Working for Hamilton County Government provides many great benefits - take a look at a few of those highlighted below... On-Site Employee Health Clinic No copay to utilize clinic services. Clinic services include routine office visits, sick visits, labs, flu shots, and more TextCare - Access to care 24/7 via TextCare, which is direct, unlimited access to medical care 24/7 through text message. (Employee access to the clinic is available from day one. A covered spouse or dependent has access as soon as their health plan coverage is effective. Children age 3 and up who are covered by the County's insurance are eligible to be seen.) Telehealth - Two-way, real-time interactive communication between the patient and a practitioner through telecommunications, which may include audiovisual options. One to One Provider Network - Availability to utilize a network of providers that provide a high level of care at a lower copay/cost. Health Management Programs - Offered to help employees and their family members in managing the following health conditions: Asthma, Diabetes, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), and Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol) Nutritional guidance - Nutritional education provided to assist in making the appropriate food /health choices. On-Site Employee Pharmacy Low-cost prescriptions available to those covered under the County health plan. Over the counter items offered at cost. RxLocal App - Mobile app provides a convenient way to stay connected and manage your health. Through the app you can request refills and ask questions. On-site Pharmacist available to answer questions and provide information. Hamilton County Government offers competitive insurance coverage to fulltime employees. Medical coverage is offered through Cigna to fulltime employees. The County pays a generous portion of the medical premium. Two options are available to choose from: LCP (Local Cost Plus) and OAP (Open Access Plus). The LCP has a smaller network that includes most providers and hospitals, with the exception of Parkridge facilities/providers. The OAP is a national network of facilities/providers that includes most providers/hospitals, including Parkridge. Dental coverage is a voluntary benefit available to fulltime employees. Three coverage options are offered: Cigna High Plan, Cigna Low Plan, and Sun Life DHMO. The Cigna High Dental Plan covers orthodontia for children up to age 18. A national network of dental providers is available to choose from and this plan offers out of network coverage. The Cigna Low Dental Plan does not cover orthodontia. A national network of dental providers is available to choose from and this plan offers out of network coverage. The Sun Life DHMO plan is a prepaid dental plan that offers benefits through a network of plan dentists. A dental provider must be selected when enrolling and services must be provided by that provider for benefits to apply. Life Insurance/Accidental Death and Dismemberment is provided through Symetra. The County provides $30,000 of Basic Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage at no cost to fulltime employees. Additional voluntary benefits fulltime employees have access to enroll in are as follows: -Individual Short-Term Disability (STD) -Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD) -Flexible Spending Account-Health Care -Flexible Spending Account-Dept. Care -Flexible Spending Account-Transportation -Accident Insurance -Critical Illness Insurance -Hospital Indemnity Insurance Hamilton County Government Retirement for Fulltime Employees: Pension - Legacy Plan (hired prior to 10/1/2015), in which the employer contributes 14.70%. Pension - Hybrid Plan (hired on or after 10/1/2015), in which the employee contributes 5% and the employer contributes 4%. 401K - Employer contributes 5% and the employee can contribute the amount of their choice. 457b - Employees have the option to contribute to this plan if they choose. Pre-Retirement Seminar: Hamilton County Human Resources provides a pre-retirement seminar to those considering retirement, two times per year (1st and 3rd quarter of each year). Seminar topics covered may include: Health insurance assistance, Medicare info and counseling. Internal steps to take when an employee is ready to retire. Estate Planning Personal Financial Planning TCRS (Tennessee Consolidated Revenue Service) - Ham. County Pension Deferred Compensation/457 Plan - Nationwide Social Security Benefits Parental Leave: Hamilton County provides eight (8) weeks of paid maternity leave and two (2) weeks of paid paternity leave following the birth of a child or placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption (age 13 or younger) or foster care. Paid Time Off: Hamilton County Government provides generous paid time off (PTO) to fulltime employees from the start of employment. Years 1 - 5: an employee will accrue 5.85 hours of leave, per pay period. Years 5 - 10: an employee will accrue 6.77 hours of leave, per pay period. Years 11-15: an employee will accrue 8.31hours of leave, per pay period. Year 15 and each year thereafter, an employee will accrue 8.93 hours of leave, per pay period. At each anniversary, an employee can roll over up to 80 hours of unused PTO into their leave bank. (Up to 800 hours for employees hired on or after 1/1/2013). Paid Holidays: Hamilton County Government provides thirteen (13) paid holidays to fulltime employees. New Year's Day Independence Day M.L. King's Birthday Labor Day President's Day Veteran's Day Good Friday Thanksgiving (2 days) Memorial Day Christmas (2 days) Juneteenth Wellness Facility: Hamilton County Government provides a 24/7 fitness center, free of charge, to County employees and family members (age 14+) covered under the County's health plan. The fitness center offers cardio and strength-training equipment, along with group exercise classes throughout the year. (which may include Zumba, spin, yoga, etc.) 01 To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, applicants must posses a valid driver's license.Do you meet all of the minimum qualifications for this position? Yes, I meet all of the minimum qualifications for this position. I meet some of the minimum qualifications for this position. No, I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position. 02 What is your highest level of education completed? I do not have a GED or High School Diploma. GED High School Diploma Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Doctoral Degree 03 If you indicated you possess a degree, please tell us the field of study your degree is in. 04 How many years of direct work experience do you have in the area of highway maintenance, construction, or related discipline requiring the use of hand tools such as hammers, shovels, rakes, weed-eaters, and mowers? No experience Minimal, less than one year. 1-2 years 2-3 years 3-4 years 4-5 years 5-6 years 6-7 years 7-8 years 8-9 years 9-10 years 10 years or more 05 Do you have direct work experience that required you to perform a variety of general labor/road maintenance and repair work tasks? Yes No 06 Do you have direct work experience that required you to work with/use concrete and/or asphalt? Yes No 07 Do you have the ability to lift and carry up to one hundred (100) pounds? Yes No 08 Do you have direct work experience that required you to use a variety of hand tools and other equipment such as shovels, rakes, weed-eaters, mowers/tractors and road equipment? Yes No 09 Do you have direct work experience that required you to understand guidelines and other documentation for sign installation, right-of-way maintenance, usage, and operation road equipment and tools? Yes No 10 Do you have direct work experience that required you to perform basic laborer type functions (i.e. digging, raking, carrying, and lifting)? Yes No 11 Are you fluent in both English and Spanish? This is not a requirement for the position. Yes No 12 Do you possess a valid driver's license? Yes No 13 Have you ever served in the United States Armed Forces? Yes No 14 The answers you provide in the "Supplemental Question" portion of the application will be used to review/process your application. Once this job posting closes, your answers to the supplemental questions cannot be changed. Have you reviewed your answers and verified they are correct? Yes No Required Question

Created: 2026-03-04