What are the responsibilities and job description for the Highway General Operator position at Trempealeau County, WI?
Salary: $27.43 - $28.43 Hourly
Location : Whitehall
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202200198
Department: Highway
Division: Highway
Opening Date: 06/02/2026
Purpose of Position
The Trempealeau County Highway Department is currently advertising to fill a General Operator position.
The starting wage for this position is $27.43 an hour, with a pay increase to $28.43 an hour after 6 months, with a satisfactory work history.
This position will remain open until filled; however, the posting may be closed once a qualified applicant pool has been identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early as the posting may be closed once a satisfactory candidate pool is identified.
This is a skilled position in the County Highway Department to operate a variety of small, light and heavy-duty equipment to perform designated route patrol, general road maintenance, paving and construction tasks, as well as general equipment, building, and ground maintenance tasks.
Essential Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily and in a timely manner. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.
Operates and maintains heavy duty highway construction vehicles, machinery and equipment, such as dump truck, tractor-trailer, fuel truck, water tanker, oil distribution truck, road grader, bulldozer, roller, shoulder machine, backhoe, excavators, fork lift, end-loader, ditch mowers and tractors, road sweepers, earth moving equipment, asphalt paver, skid steer, chip sealing spreaders, and low-boy semi. May operate other equipment, as assigned, such as skid steers, tar kettles, crack routers, duro patchers, tandem trucks, tri-axle trucks, and quad-axle trucks,
Operates and maintains snow removal and ice control equipment such as salt/sand spreaders, liquid de-icing equipment, plow trucks, wings, and sanders, dump trucks, end-loaders, etc. to remove snow and ice on roadways. Shovels snow.
Operates and maintains light equipment such as: compressor, jackhammer, chainsaws, weed trimmers, lawn mowers, culvert steamer, road sweepers, trucks (excluding pick-ups), wheel tractor (wheel-type all sizes), rotary boom mower, and rotary brush mower.
Removes debris and obstructions from roads, bridges, ditches, culverts, picks up trash, conduct asphalt pothole patching and tar crack filing operations, maintains fencing, and corrects other problems with roads, bridges and right-of-way.
Patrols designated routes to perform road and right-of-way maintenance and report hazards and major repair needs such as replacement of signs, guardrails, fencing and other road and right-of-way components.
Assists with construction, excavation, and maintenance projects such as traffic control and sign set-up, flagging, guardrail replacement/repair, filling cracks, clearing brush and trees. Operates hand and power tools, clear debris from work sites, tear down and replacement of fences, cleans work areas. Performs manual labor in asphalt paving projects including setting grades and lines, shoveling and raking asphalt.
Performs landscaping, erosion control, top soiling, seeding and raking for new grass on road project and excavation sites. May include handling herbicide chemicals and performs roadside chemical herbicide spraying of weeds and vegetation.
Performs culvert removal and installation duties, and operate soil compaction equipment and machines. Operates culvert steamer machine and assist with culvert steaming and unplugging frozen culverts.
Performs and assist with electronic GPS inventory logging system of culverts, bridges, guardrail, and road signs.
Performs routine maintenance on truck, snow plow and sander. Changes oil, lubricates moving parts, and checks and replenishes fluid levels, washes and cleans equipment. Also, monitors equipment operation and reports need for parts replacement and repairs to Patrol Superintendent.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the operation of various small, light, and heavy-duty mechanical highway equipment, and the methods and materials used in servicing highway mechanical equipment.
Working knowledge of methods, materials and equipment used in highway construction and maintenance.
General knowledge and experience in snow plowing, sanding, mowing, patching and road maintenance operations.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to work in varying climatic conditions.
Ability to use a variety of highway construction and maintenance equipment proficiently and safely; mechanical aptitude.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
Ability to work with the general public.
Ability to keep records and make reports of time and activities.
Ability to work without direct supervision when necessary.
Training, Experience and Other Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent. A valid Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brakes, or willing to obtain within one year of employment. A tanker endorsement and small, light, and heavy equipment operating experience are preferred. Must pass pre-employment drug screening due to CDL requirements.
Highway Commissioner can extend the one year requirement to obtain a valid Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brakes at his discretion.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to participate in the Trempealeau County offered training program, to obtain a Valid Class A commercial license (CDL) with airbrakes. Those who participate in the program are asked to enter into an agreement with Trempealeau County. Agreement available for review upon request.
2026 BENEFIT SUMMARY
Trempealeau County (Regular Full-time/part-time employees) BENEFIT
Non-Represented Benefit Package for 2026. A complete packet of benefits information will be provided to the candidate selected for the position. This illustration summarizes the benefits presently offered by Trempealeau County and is not a guarantee of benefits.
Benefit TypeWhat you receiveEligibleWho PaysMedical*
County participates in the State of Wisconsin offered Health Plan.
$500 individual / $1000 family deductible.
Routine/Preventative services- plan pays 100%. Emergency Room copay - $60 per visit. Annual Wellness Incentive - $150 gift card for employee & spouse when annual physical/wellness screens complete.First of the month following 30 days of employment
County contributes 88%. Employee Contribution for lowest cost plan available within the County is:
Single Plan: $126.42/per month
Family Plan: $310.83/per month
Premiums vary by plan. Other plan networks available.Flex
Spending Account
(FSA)$500 -Single Health Plan
$1000-Family Health Plan
County contributes either $500/$1000 for each employee enrolling in the county sponsored medical plan.First of the month following 30 days of employmentOption to contribute up to an additional $3,400 for medical and $7500 for dependent care per year. Expenses must be incurred 1/1/26 - 3/15/27 and submitted for reimbursement by 5/31/27.Pension
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). Pension plan provides a lifetime retirement payment once vested (after 5 years) and have reached minimum retirement age (age 55 for most employees). Pre-taxed.
Date of Hire
(may not be eligible for part-time positions)General Employees
Employee contribution: 7.2%
County contribution: 7.2%
Total: 14.4Dental
Delta Dental WI Plan: Uniform Dental Benefit (UDB)/Preventative offers basic coverage for routine cleanings, x-rays, fillings (100% no deductible), orthodontics (50% for those 19 and under with $1500 individual max). Supplemental plans (Select or Select Plus) offer coverage for crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals, oral surgery, surgical extractions and additional orthodontics (regardless of age). Pre-taxed. First of the month following 30 days of employment
County contributes 88% of Uniform preventive dental when enrolled in group health insurance.
Uniform Preventative Dental stand-alone cost (no enrollment in group health insurance):
Single: $37.18 / month
Family: $92.98 / month
Supplemental plans also available for individual, individual plus children, individual plus spouse and family coverage at an additional cost- employee pays 100%.VisionMetLife Vision: Eye exams ($15 copay in-network), $150 for frames $150 for contact lenses and discount on Laser Vision Correction. Pre-taxed. First of the month following 30 days of employment
Employees pay 100%
Employee: $4.72 / month
Individual Spouse: $9.40/ month
Individual Children: $10.60/ month
Family: $16.94 / monthDeferred Compensation
Available plans: WI Deferred Comp (WDC) and Nationwide (NACO). Allows you to invest today in retirement. Federal/State taxes are deferred until your assets are withdrawn.
Anytime
Employees pay 100%
Available through payroll deduction (flat rate or percentage).Additional Voluntary Benefits
Provided by Trustmark Benefits
Provided by The Insurance Center
Term Life Insurance Anytime
Employees pay 100%
Employee direct pay to vendorVacation*Accrues per pay period per year as follows.
First year of service: 12 days
1-4 years of service: 15 days
5-9 years of service: 18 days
10-15 years of service: 20 days
16-20 years of service: 24 days
21-25 years of service: 26 days
26-29 years of service: 28 days
30 years of service: 30 days
Accrual begins Date of Hire
Payout Upon Separation
100% following 1 year introductory period.
Sick Leave*
Accrues per pay period up to 12 days per year. Max 960 hours.
Accrual begins Date of Hire
Payout Upon Retirement:
100% max 480 hours.
Holidays*
New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, Two Personal Holidays. Exceptions may be necessary in some County departments.
Normally granted Holiday off with pay as listed
Payout Upon Separation
None.
*Exception for certain Sheriff's Office employees for holidays, sick & vacation accrual. Pro-rated benefits for positions less than 40 hours per week.
01
Do you have a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with airbrakes and tanker endorsement?
02
Are you willing and able to obtain a valid Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with airbrakes within one year of employment, if you do not currently have one?
03
Important - Review application and additional materials prior to clicking on the submit button. Once submitted you will not be allowed to change or add to your application information.
Required Question
Location : Whitehall
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202200198
Department: Highway
Division: Highway
Opening Date: 06/02/2026
Purpose of Position
The Trempealeau County Highway Department is currently advertising to fill a General Operator position.
The starting wage for this position is $27.43 an hour, with a pay increase to $28.43 an hour after 6 months, with a satisfactory work history.
This position will remain open until filled; however, the posting may be closed once a qualified applicant pool has been identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early as the posting may be closed once a satisfactory candidate pool is identified.
This is a skilled position in the County Highway Department to operate a variety of small, light and heavy-duty equipment to perform designated route patrol, general road maintenance, paving and construction tasks, as well as general equipment, building, and ground maintenance tasks.
Essential Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily and in a timely manner. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.
Operates and maintains heavy duty highway construction vehicles, machinery and equipment, such as dump truck, tractor-trailer, fuel truck, water tanker, oil distribution truck, road grader, bulldozer, roller, shoulder machine, backhoe, excavators, fork lift, end-loader, ditch mowers and tractors, road sweepers, earth moving equipment, asphalt paver, skid steer, chip sealing spreaders, and low-boy semi. May operate other equipment, as assigned, such as skid steers, tar kettles, crack routers, duro patchers, tandem trucks, tri-axle trucks, and quad-axle trucks,
Operates and maintains snow removal and ice control equipment such as salt/sand spreaders, liquid de-icing equipment, plow trucks, wings, and sanders, dump trucks, end-loaders, etc. to remove snow and ice on roadways. Shovels snow.
Operates and maintains light equipment such as: compressor, jackhammer, chainsaws, weed trimmers, lawn mowers, culvert steamer, road sweepers, trucks (excluding pick-ups), wheel tractor (wheel-type all sizes), rotary boom mower, and rotary brush mower.
Removes debris and obstructions from roads, bridges, ditches, culverts, picks up trash, conduct asphalt pothole patching and tar crack filing operations, maintains fencing, and corrects other problems with roads, bridges and right-of-way.
Patrols designated routes to perform road and right-of-way maintenance and report hazards and major repair needs such as replacement of signs, guardrails, fencing and other road and right-of-way components.
Assists with construction, excavation, and maintenance projects such as traffic control and sign set-up, flagging, guardrail replacement/repair, filling cracks, clearing brush and trees. Operates hand and power tools, clear debris from work sites, tear down and replacement of fences, cleans work areas. Performs manual labor in asphalt paving projects including setting grades and lines, shoveling and raking asphalt.
Performs landscaping, erosion control, top soiling, seeding and raking for new grass on road project and excavation sites. May include handling herbicide chemicals and performs roadside chemical herbicide spraying of weeds and vegetation.
Performs culvert removal and installation duties, and operate soil compaction equipment and machines. Operates culvert steamer machine and assist with culvert steaming and unplugging frozen culverts.
Performs and assist with electronic GPS inventory logging system of culverts, bridges, guardrail, and road signs.
Performs routine maintenance on truck, snow plow and sander. Changes oil, lubricates moving parts, and checks and replenishes fluid levels, washes and cleans equipment. Also, monitors equipment operation and reports need for parts replacement and repairs to Patrol Superintendent.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the operation of various small, light, and heavy-duty mechanical highway equipment, and the methods and materials used in servicing highway mechanical equipment.
Working knowledge of methods, materials and equipment used in highway construction and maintenance.
General knowledge and experience in snow plowing, sanding, mowing, patching and road maintenance operations.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to work in varying climatic conditions.
Ability to use a variety of highway construction and maintenance equipment proficiently and safely; mechanical aptitude.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
Ability to work with the general public.
Ability to keep records and make reports of time and activities.
Ability to work without direct supervision when necessary.
Training, Experience and Other Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent. A valid Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brakes, or willing to obtain within one year of employment. A tanker endorsement and small, light, and heavy equipment operating experience are preferred. Must pass pre-employment drug screening due to CDL requirements.
Highway Commissioner can extend the one year requirement to obtain a valid Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brakes at his discretion.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to participate in the Trempealeau County offered training program, to obtain a Valid Class A commercial license (CDL) with airbrakes. Those who participate in the program are asked to enter into an agreement with Trempealeau County. Agreement available for review upon request.
2026 BENEFIT SUMMARY
Trempealeau County (Regular Full-time/part-time employees) BENEFIT
Non-Represented Benefit Package for 2026. A complete packet of benefits information will be provided to the candidate selected for the position. This illustration summarizes the benefits presently offered by Trempealeau County and is not a guarantee of benefits.
Benefit TypeWhat you receiveEligibleWho PaysMedical*
County participates in the State of Wisconsin offered Health Plan.
$500 individual / $1000 family deductible.
Routine/Preventative services- plan pays 100%. Emergency Room copay - $60 per visit. Annual Wellness Incentive - $150 gift card for employee & spouse when annual physical/wellness screens complete.First of the month following 30 days of employment
County contributes 88%. Employee Contribution for lowest cost plan available within the County is:
Single Plan: $126.42/per month
Family Plan: $310.83/per month
Premiums vary by plan. Other plan networks available.Flex
Spending Account
(FSA)$500 -Single Health Plan
$1000-Family Health Plan
County contributes either $500/$1000 for each employee enrolling in the county sponsored medical plan.First of the month following 30 days of employmentOption to contribute up to an additional $3,400 for medical and $7500 for dependent care per year. Expenses must be incurred 1/1/26 - 3/15/27 and submitted for reimbursement by 5/31/27.Pension
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). Pension plan provides a lifetime retirement payment once vested (after 5 years) and have reached minimum retirement age (age 55 for most employees). Pre-taxed.
Date of Hire
(may not be eligible for part-time positions)General Employees
Employee contribution: 7.2%
County contribution: 7.2%
Total: 14.4Dental
Delta Dental WI Plan: Uniform Dental Benefit (UDB)/Preventative offers basic coverage for routine cleanings, x-rays, fillings (100% no deductible), orthodontics (50% for those 19 and under with $1500 individual max). Supplemental plans (Select or Select Plus) offer coverage for crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals, oral surgery, surgical extractions and additional orthodontics (regardless of age). Pre-taxed. First of the month following 30 days of employment
County contributes 88% of Uniform preventive dental when enrolled in group health insurance.
Uniform Preventative Dental stand-alone cost (no enrollment in group health insurance):
Single: $37.18 / month
Family: $92.98 / month
Supplemental plans also available for individual, individual plus children, individual plus spouse and family coverage at an additional cost- employee pays 100%.VisionMetLife Vision: Eye exams ($15 copay in-network), $150 for frames $150 for contact lenses and discount on Laser Vision Correction. Pre-taxed. First of the month following 30 days of employment
Employees pay 100%
Employee: $4.72 / month
Individual Spouse: $9.40/ month
Individual Children: $10.60/ month
Family: $16.94 / monthDeferred Compensation
Available plans: WI Deferred Comp (WDC) and Nationwide (NACO). Allows you to invest today in retirement. Federal/State taxes are deferred until your assets are withdrawn.
Anytime
Employees pay 100%
Available through payroll deduction (flat rate or percentage).Additional Voluntary Benefits
Provided by Trustmark Benefits
- Accident Insurance
- Critical Illness
- Universal Life Insurance
- Hospital Indemnity
- Short Term Disability
Provided by The Insurance Center
Term Life Insurance Anytime
Employees pay 100%
Employee direct pay to vendorVacation*Accrues per pay period per year as follows.
First year of service: 12 days
1-4 years of service: 15 days
5-9 years of service: 18 days
10-15 years of service: 20 days
16-20 years of service: 24 days
21-25 years of service: 26 days
26-29 years of service: 28 days
30 years of service: 30 days
Accrual begins Date of Hire
Payout Upon Separation
100% following 1 year introductory period.
Sick Leave*
Accrues per pay period up to 12 days per year. Max 960 hours.
Accrual begins Date of Hire
Payout Upon Retirement:
100% max 480 hours.
Holidays*
New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, Two Personal Holidays. Exceptions may be necessary in some County departments.
Normally granted Holiday off with pay as listed
Payout Upon Separation
None.
*Exception for certain Sheriff's Office employees for holidays, sick & vacation accrual. Pro-rated benefits for positions less than 40 hours per week.
01
Do you have a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with airbrakes and tanker endorsement?
- Yes
- No
02
Are you willing and able to obtain a valid Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with airbrakes within one year of employment, if you do not currently have one?
03
Important - Review application and additional materials prior to clicking on the submit button. Once submitted you will not be allowed to change or add to your application information.
- Yes
- No
Required Question
Salary : $27 - $28