Highway Worker Job

The Highway Worker impacts the safety of hundreds of people each day by creating and maintaining optimum driving conditions on the Ashland County Roadway System. This position utilizes construction equipment from hand tools to heavy machinery and requires reliability and attention to detail coupled with a great work ethic.
Highway Worker Job Responsibilities include:
• Performs various physical duties as assigned.
• Moves, secures, installs, builds, loads, or unloads materials.
• Performs some specialized tasks which may require on-the-job training.
• Uses some specialized equipment which may require on-the-job training.
• Follows written and verbal instructions from the Engineer, Road Superintendent, or Foreman.
• Effectively uses hand tools, power tools, and heavy construction tools to complete projects.
• Possibly operates heavy construction equipment based on experience and ability.
• Follows chain of command to deal with or report any issues.
• Adheres to all safety rules and regulations.
• Follows all local, state, and national laws and regulations.

Work Hours & Benefits
This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, permanent position. This position responds to call-outs outside the regular schedule which occur due to weather and other emergencies. Overtime is earned when you work more than 40 hours in a week.

There are two basic schedules during the year. From Labor Day to early May work begins at 7:30 and ends at 4:00, Monday-Friday, giving you five, eight-hour days. From early May to Labor Day things change. During this period, except for weeks that include paid holidays, the schedule is 6:30 to 5:00, Monday-Thursday, giving you four, ten-hour days. In weeks with paid holidays, you will work four, eight-hour days from 6:30 to 3:00. Schedules can change due to organizational needs.

The position’s responsibilities change with the seasons. The need for road patching and paving, brush cutting, roadside mowing, bridge repair, culvert repair and replacement, ditching, and snow plowing cycle through each year. Experience with heavy equipment is a plus. On-the-job training will be provided as needed.

The starting wage is $22.00/hour, plus overtime. There is an annual evaluation with resulting merit-based wage increases. Depending on your skill set you may become eligible for pay bumps when doing specialized work such as Crew Foreman, Welder, Shop Mechanic, and Acting Superintendent.

Because of overtime, in 2025 our most recently hired Highway Workers, hired since 2021, averaged over $29/hour. The rich benefits package offered by the County increases the average to almost $42/hour. Included in the benefits package is:
• paid time off
o sick leave (3 wk/yr – rolls over from year to year with unlimited accumulation),
o vacation leave (begins at 2 wk/yr – rolls over from year to year with a 6 wk max accumulation. Accrual rate and max accumulation increase at years 8, 15, and 25. Credit for prior public employment experience may apply),
o 11 paid holidays
• pension retirement plan (County contributes 14% of your salary toward your account),
• health insurance with spousal coverage regardless of spouse’s employment status (the county pays 90% of the premium, you only pay 10%),
• voluntary wellness program (you earn cash rewards and more),
• annual shoe allowance,
• annual evaluation with merit-based raise,
• and more.

Highway Worker Qualifications/Skills:
• Ability to read labels, safety warnings, and guidelines
• Attentive to detail and alert at all times to ensure safety
• Able to receive and follow instructions and communicate with co-workers
• Handles the physical demands of the job, including standing, walking, kneeling, bending, crouching, pulling, pushing, climbing, and lifting.
• Communicates effectively.
• Works well independently and with a team.

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:
• Commercial Driver’s License is required. Class A is preferred. Class B is acceptable.
• High school diploma is an asset.
• Ability to safely operate heavy construction equipment is preferred.
• Previous construction or farming experience is preferred.

How to Apply
If you feel you possess the qualities we are looking for we encourage you to apply. To be considered you MUST complete an application packet. You can access the printable forms from the Ashland County Ohio Careers webpage or you can stop by the Ashland County Engineer’s Office, 1511 Cleveland Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.

Completed application documents may be mailed or delivered to the Ashland County Engineer's Office, 1511 Cleveland Ave., Ashland, OH 44805 or emailed to [email protected]. Office hours are M-F, 7:30-4:00 excluding government holidays. Call the office with questions.

MUST have a CDL. Class A is preferred. Class B is acceptable.

Health/Dental Benefits, Retirement Benefits, Paid Holidays, Vacations, and Sick Leave, Life and/or Disability Insurance, Casual Dress

The Ashland County Highway Department is a dynamic, responsive organization emphasizing the thoughtful and judicious use of tax dollars to positively impact the health and well-being of the Ashland County community. We are looking for conscientious, dependable, and responsible individuals with strong work ethics. Come join our team to make Ashland County a safe and enjoyable place to live and visit!