What are the responsibilities and job description for the Highway Worker position at County of Door?
Thank you for your interest in joining Door County Government!
Door County is proud to be a premier place to live, work, and visit. We serve nearly 30,000 year-round residents and a vibrant seasonal population by providing essential services that support and protect the people, economy, and environment of the beautiful Door Peninsula.
Within the County organization, the Highway & Airport Department is responsible for maintaining and improving essential transportation infrastructure. The Highway Division performs construction and maintenance on the County Trunk Highway system, provides general maintenance for State Highways under contract, and completes roadway work for local municipalities through established agreements.
The Airport Division carries out policies of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics to ensure the safe and efficient operation of airport facilities. The department oversees compliance with federal, state, and county regulations related to air transportation and supports the long-term reliability of Door County’s aviation services.
To continue this important work, we are seeking a candidate who will perform the responsibilities outlined in the job summary and contribute to our efforts in serving the community.
Job Summary:
This entry-level position supports the County’s maintenance of public roadways through hands-on, field-based work under close supervision. The role introduces employees to the safe operation of construction equipment, routine road maintenance, and essential safety procedures for work done on the transportation infrastructure within the county including field-based work involving highway maintenance, snow and ice control and seasonal operations. Employees in this position are expected to develop foundational skills and demonstrate competency in highway operations over a two-year introductory period, after which advancement to Highway Maintenance Technician may be considered.
Construction Season Work Schedule: 6AM-4PM Monday - Thursday.
Winter Season Work Schedule: 7AM-3PM Monday - Friday.
Additional and on call hours as determined by Department.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Assists in maintaining and repairing State, County and local roadways through patching, brushing, debris removal, and snow/ice control.
- Learns to operate dump trucks, construction equipment, and snowplows proficiently and according to safety protocols.
- Supports mowing, litter pickup, and right-of-way (ROW) clearing activities to maintain roadway safety.
- Aids in flagging operations and setting up traffic control zones using signage and barricades during construction or maintenance work.
- Participates in seasonal operations such as snow and ice control during winter months.
- Performs basic equipment servicing such as greasing, fluid checks, and minor adjustments with oversight.
- Assists in sign installation and maintenance tasks to support traffic safety.
- Observes safety practices and participates in required training to develop operational competence.
- Completes accurate daily records of work hours, tasks performed, equipment and material used for timekeeping and accountability.
- Contributes to routine facility and grounds maintenance and cleaning of shop and tools.
- Performs other duties as assigned in support of highway operations and training goals.
- Employees hired as Highway Workers with the Door County Highway Department will have the opportunity to advance to the position of Highway Maintenance Technician upon reaching their two-year employment anniversary, provided they have successfully met the following required Core Competencies. A detailed definition of each Core Competency and the required Benchmarks will be provided in the Statement of Understanding to each employee upon hire.
- General Road and ROW Maintenance.
- Truck and Equipment Operations
- Snow and Ice Control
- Traffic Control
- Facility and Grounds Maintenance
- Safety and Compliance
- Documentation and Data Entry
Key Competencies & Skills
- Learning Orientation: Demonstrates willingness to acquire new skills, follow instructions, and apply feedback to improve performance.
- Equipment Familiarity: Gains proficiency in operating trucks and light equipment in a safe and effective manner.
- Safety Awareness: Follows traffic laws, departmental policies, and safety protocols to reduce risks in a hazardous work environment.
- Teamwork: Collaborates effectively with crew members and supervisors to accomplish shared maintenance goals.
- Communication: Listens actively and reports work progress or safety concerns clearly and promptly.
- Work Accountability: Maintains punctual attendance and completes required documentation accurately.
- Foundational Technical Skills: Begins developing basic mechanical and roadwork knowledge through structured training and experience.
Required Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B and C or equivalent.
- Must obtain MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) Miner Certification within one year of hire.
- Able to obtain flagger safety certification within first two years of employment.
Preferred Education & Experience
- CDL Class A with N (Tanker) and H (Hazardous Materials) endorsements without E (Automatic Transmission) and L (Airbrake) restrictions.
- At least 6 months of hands-on experience in road construction, equipment operation or a related field.
- Familiarity with State, County and local roads within Door County
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
This position involves physical labor performed outdoors in varying weather conditions. Must be able to lift and carry up to 60 pounds repeatedly and stand or walk for extended periods. Work includes operating vehicles and equipment, bending, kneeling, crouching, and handling materials in noisy, dusty, or wet environments. Safe conduct is essential due to proximity to traffic and construction hazards. This position requires safe operation of vehicles and machinery under low visibility or hazardous winter conditions and may include on-call or emergency response availability throughout the year. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to be worn when performing specific tasks or exposed to certain hazards
Emergency Response Statement
In an effort to provide for continuity of County government and to cope with the problems of the emergency, you may be required to work during a proclaimed state of emergency, consistent with Sec. 323.14, Wis. Stats. and County emergency management plans and programs.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Door County is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
Disclaimer
The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.
Contact Door County Human Resources at hr@co.door.wi.us
(Mon–Thurs 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Fri 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.)
- Position is open until filled — apply today.
- Application materials may be reviewed as they are received.
- Review of application materials
- Structured interview(s)
- Skills tests, assessments, or work samples
- Other job-related evaluation methods as applicable to the position
- Reference check(s)
- Background check
- Job-related pre-employment screening, license and credential verification
Job Details