About the Department

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible; additional compensation to include annual work boot allowance); full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday – Friday; summer hours 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / winter hours 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; full-benefits

This position performs routine and basic work in the maintenance of County roads, highways, bridges, and related infrastructure. Work involves assisting higher-level staff with standard maintenance activities, operating vehicles and equipment under close supervision, and performing tasks such as vegetation removal, debris cleanup, sign replacement, and basic roadway repairs. Employees in this classification receive detailed instructions, follow established procedures, and complete assignments that are closely reviewed for accuracy, safety, and compliance. This position does not direct the work of others and serves as an entry-level contributor within the highway maintenance team. 

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy.   For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members.  If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.  

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan 
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year. 

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

Position Duties

• Under close supervision, operate a variety of vehicles and equipment such as one ton, bucket trucks, herbicide spray trucks, street sweepers, roadside mowers, boom mower tractors, rollers, rubber tire loaders, back hoes, skid loader and/or similar equipment 
• Repair and maintain basic pothole patching, skin patching, , spot paving, grinding, trench paving, asphalt and concrete application, etc.
• Repair and maintain basic road stormwater drainage such as culvert replacement, roadside mechanical and non-mechanical pipe and ditch cleaning, manual shoulder grading, gravel road grading, sidewalk repair, etc.
• Perform vegetation maintenance such as weed abatement and vegetation removal; conduct roadside chemical weed and pest control, native plant restoration and maintenance, ground and aerial tree trimming, etc.
• Remove litter, debris and animals from roadways, stormwater drainage canals; remove and dispose of hazardous objects from roadways, to include large animals
• Perform DOT Inspection of highway vehicles; check brakes, lights, tires, fuel and oil level, and auxiliary equipment
• Operate a variety of tools related to highway maintenance and repair; operate power tools such as auger, chainsaws, tampers, blowers, hedge trimmers, weed eaters, and pneumatic tools such as jackhammers, drills, and masonry tools
• Fabricate, design and implement traffic control plans and signage using the manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for Streets and Highways Perform maintenance on traffic signals such as general preventive maintenance, upgrades to traffic control software, repair and/or replacement of hardware and components that operate traffic signals
• Respond to traffic signal outages and provide emergency traffic control to ensure safe traffic flow during power loss
• Set up emergency or planned detours and place traffic control devices in accordance with established requirements
• Utilize computers, laptops, handheld data devices and other technology to send and receive work assignment information; operate web or software based computerized maintenance management systems
• Fabricate, paint, install and maintain traffic signs, lettering and other traffic control devices along Frederick County roads
• Apply thermo-plastic road markings to roadways
• Maintain sign material inventory
• Repair or replace broken or destroyed road signs and posts
• Inspect signs for errors and defects
• Haul light towers to support Fire and Rescue or Law Enforcement operations when requested
• Prepare and maintain operating records and other reports relative to the assigned work
• Perform driver duties during winter weather operations, which include pre-treating and plowing snow in a variety of equipment and conditions
• Assist other crews with operational needs and perform extraordinary tasks outside routine assignments
• Assist the front office with miscellaneous duties when requested
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job 

Highway Worker I ($21.66-$36.83 per hour)

• High school graduation or the equivalency
• Possession of a driver's license
• NOTE: Additional related work experience may substitute for a portion of the education requirement

• High school graduation or the equivalency
• Possession of a commercial class B driver's license and possession of tanker endorsement
• Minimum 1 year work experience performing construction, landscaping, or operating machinery
• NOTE:  Additional related work experience may substitute for a portion of the education requirement

• Basic knowledge of highway, bridge and drainage tool and equipment operation
• Basic knowledge of the hazards associated with highway operations work
• Familiarity with traffic control signs and basic road signage functions
• Basic knowledge of stormwater systems and roadside maintenance tasks
• Skill in operating basic maintenance equipment and power tools under supervision
• Ability to make minor adjustments to vehicles and equipment, with ability to recognize more serious mechanical problems in order to arrange for prompt repair and avoid safety hazards 
• Ability to operate and care for assigned highway, bridge, and road equipment in a safe and effective manner
• Ability to utilize necessary technology and programs, including GIS and GPS
• Ability to obtain and maintain necessary certifications and trainings, including County Authorized Driving Privileges, CPR and First Aid, and Maryland state-approved traffic flagger course
• Ability to perform routine tasks such as pothole patching, debris removal, and weed control
• Ability to learn procedures and requirements regarding highway operations and fleet services
• Ability to learn and apply safety procedures to reduce risk and maintain a safe work environment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, representatives of cooperating agencies and the general public 
• Accurate math and clerical skills, with ability to effectively calculate mileage, travel time, route time schedules, costs, etc. 
• Effective written and spoken (English) communication skills to understand instructions and travel directions 

• While working in this position, the employee is constantly walking, moving, traversing, climbing, stooping, kneeling and crouching; frequently lifting up to 20 pounds, lifting between 20-50 pounds, lifting over 50 pounds, pushing and pulling up to 40 pounds, reaching, making repetitive motions and driving; occasionally crawling
• While working in this position, the employee is constantly outdoors, walking on uneven ground, exposed to dirt, dust and noise, near machinery and required to wear protective equipment; frequently working in hot temperatures (above 100 degrees) and cold temperatures (below 32 degrees); occasionally working at heights and exposed to chemicals and fumes.
• Physical requirements include the ability to climb ladders and rough terrain, to use tools and equipment such as those listed above and to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time in any weather conditions.

Other Qualifications

• Employees in this classification are designated as Essential. An Essential Employee means the employee is considered necessary for the operation of County services. Essential Employees are required to report to work in the event of a weather incident, general emergency, or disasters when County offices are closed. They may be required to work overtime with little or no advance notice and may be required to report to work in emergency situations and/or after hours. 
• These positions are subject to random drug testing
• Highway Worker I does not require the Maryland Medical Examiner's Certificate / DOT Physical Card but if upgraded/promoted to higher level classification, this will be required

• An evaluation of training and experience
• One or more interviews
• Behind the wheel driving test for level II
• A pre-employment physical examination and drug test with the ability to obtain a Maryland Medical Examiner's Certificate / DOT Physical Card

Benefits

Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment. 

Dental Insurance: 
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee.  Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE:  Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS. 

Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employee's capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government.  The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.

Leave
Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 – 2 years 11 days
2 – 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.

Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.  

For additional information on Frederick County Government's benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.

Supplemental Questions

01

Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying.
The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application.
Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, you will not be considered further.

• I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02

Have you earned a high school diploma or the equivalency?

• Yes
• No

03

Which best describes your automobile operator's license status?

• I have a valid Class C driver's license
• I have a CDL A or B driver's license
• I do not have a valid driver's license

04

Do you have possession of airbrake or tanker endorsement? Select all that apply.

• I possess airbrake endorsement
• I possess tanker endorsement
• No, I do not possess either endorsement

05

How many years of work experience performing construction, landscaping, or operating machinery do you have?

• I have less than 1 year of work experience
• 1 year of work experience
• 2 years of work experience
• 3 or more years of work experience

06

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.

NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer

Frederick County Government

Address

12 East Church Street








Frederick, Maryland, 21701

Phone

301-600-1070

Website

http://www.FrederickCountymd.gov/jobs