How to become a highway maintenance worker

How to become a Highway Maintenance Worker

Becoming a highway maintenance worker typically involves a combination of education, hands-on training, and gaining relevant experience. Here are the general steps to become a highway maintenance worker:

• Obtain a High School Diploma or GED: A high school diploma or its equivalent is usually the minimum educational requirement for highway maintenance positions. Basic education is essential for understanding written instructions, safety protocols, and basic mathematics used in the field.
• Gain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL): Many highway maintenance positions require a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) as workers are often required to operate heavy machinery and vehicles. Obtaining a CDL involves passing written and practical exams specific to the type of vehicle you intend to operate.
• Acquire Basic Skills: Familiarize yourself with basic hand tools, machinery, and equipment commonly used in highway maintenance. Skills such as operating small vehicles, using shovels, rakes, and other tools are fundamental.
• Consider Vocational Training: While not always mandatory, enrolling in vocational training programs related to heavy equipment operation, construction, or road maintenance can enhance your skills and employability. These programs provide hands-on training and cover topics such as safety procedures, equipment operation, and road maintenance techniques.
• Gain Practical Experience: Seek entry-level positions or apprenticeships in construction, road maintenance, or related fields. Practical experience is invaluable for learning on-the-job skills, understanding specific equipment, and becoming familiar with industry standards and protocols.
• Obtain Certifications (Optional): While not always required, obtaining certifications related to heavy equipment operation or specific highway maintenance skills can enhance your qualifications. Organizations like the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) offer certifications that are recognized in the industry.
• Demonstrate Safety Awareness: Highway maintenance workers must prioritize safety. Demonstrate your understanding of safety protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and following traffic control measures. Employers value workers who prioritize safety on the job.
• Stay Physically Fit: Highway maintenance work can be physically demanding. Maintain good physical fitness to handle tasks that may involve lifting, bending, and operating heavy equipment for extended periods.
• Apply for Positions and Gain Experience: Apply for highway maintenance positions with local government agencies, state departments of transportation, or private contractors. Gain practical experience, learn from experienced colleagues, and continue building your skills on the job.
• Pursue Career Advancement (Optional): With experience, consider pursuing specialized roles or additional training. Some highway maintenance workers may advance to supervisory positions or specialize in specific areas such as bridge maintenance or road construction.

Certifications
Here are a few certifications and organizations that highway maintenance workers might consider:

• National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER): NCCER offers various certifications related to construction and maintenance skills. The certification programs cover topics like heavy equipment operation, safety procedures, and construction fundamentals, which are valuable for highway maintenance workers.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Certification: OSHA provides training programs and certifications related to workplace safety. A certification in OSHA safety standards can demonstrate a highway maintenance worker's knowledge of safety protocols and regulations, which is essential in their line of work.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL): While not a certification, obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is often a requirement for highway maintenance workers operating heavy equipment or vehicles. Different classes of CDL allow workers to operate specific types of vehicles, and obtaining the appropriate class demonstrates the worker's proficiency in vehicle operation.
• Equipment-Specific Certifications: Some highway maintenance workers may operate specialized equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, or forklifts. Equipment-specific certifications from manufacturers or industry organizations can validate a worker's proficiency in operating these machines safely and efficiently.
• State or Local Department of Transportation Training Programs: Many state or local transportation departments offer training programs and certifications specific to their region's road maintenance needs. These programs often cover state or local regulations, safety procedures, and specialized maintenance techniques tailored to the area's infrastructure.
• American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) Certification: ATSSA offers various certifications related to traffic control and road safety. Highway maintenance workers involved in traffic management, signage, or temporary road closures may benefit from ATSSA certifications, demonstrating their expertise in these areas.