Highway Maintenance Worker​/Senior - Kearney

Job Posting

The work we do matters!

Transportation - Agency 27

Kearney, NE

$21.470

JR Highway Maintenance Worker/Senior - Kearney I-80 (Open)

03-18-2026

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is seeking a dedicated and hardworking team player to join us in our mission to enhance the quality of life for Nebraskans by building and maintaining a convenient, safe, and innovative statewide transportation system!

Pay rate of $19.941 per hour. Proficiency and certification in the operation of heavy highway maintenance equipment will result in eligibility for promotion to a Highway Maintenance Worker/Senior at $21.470 per hour.

Exciting Added Pay Differentials! In this Classification, Those Who Hold a CDL And Are Utilized To Perform CDL Functions On a Regular Basis Shall Receive a Pay Differential Of:

• $1/hour after 1 year of continuous service
• $1/hour after 3 years of continuous service
• $1/hour after 5 years of continuous service

We are eager and excited to retain you here at NDOT! We Reward Our Employee’s Hard Work With a Friendly And Supportive Work Environment And a Comprehensive Benefits Package That Includes:

• State‑matched retirement contribution of 156%!
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
• A culture that embraces work‑life balance
• Military leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• 79% employer‑paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer‑paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and development based on your career aspirations
• Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
• Employee Assistance Program

Please reach out to Todd in Talent Acquisition at  if you have questions or to learn more.

• Operate trucks and other light equipment; drive trucks to transport crews or materials to work sites.
• Mow rights‑of‑ways and maintain shoulders and roadsides using power hand mowers and tractors with various attachments such as discs, harrows, seeders, cement mixers, and sprayers.
• Operate post drivers, install and move/remove signs, fences, guardrails, and snow fences.
• Remove and apply various surfacing materials including concrete and bituminous patching, crack filling, and sealants to maintain and repair roadways and other broad pavements; apply adhesives, paint, and other material to guardrails, posts, buildings, and other structures; perform manual labor as needed; and handle hazardous materials needed to perform this work.
• Control traffic through and around construction and maintenance projects according to established safety procedures; set signs and cones around work sites; relay road and weather conditions via two‑way radio.
• Safely move, drag, lift, load, and unload various equipment, materials, supplies, and hazardous materials or objects from the roadway within weight restrictions; spread and tamp surfacing materials.
• Inspect, clean, maintain, and as needed, make routine repairs to assigned equipment; maintain grounds and buildings of maintenance yards.
• Operate snow removal equipment on an as‑needed basis or during emergencies and labor shortages.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Highway Maintenance Worker/ Senior:
Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license, and possession of a Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License with air brakes and tanker endorsements is required within 60 days of employment.

Highway Maintenance Worker:
Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.

• Experience in the operation of heavy equipment.
• A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement.
• Commercial Pesticide applicator's license.
• Basic computer experience.

• A Valid Class "A"…