HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE WORKER California Occupational Guide Number 537 Interest Area 5-D 1995
THE JOB
HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE WORKERS work for public works departments in cities and counties and are also employed by the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS). They are responsible for the regular upkeep of the 175,000 miles of roads, highways, and freeways in the state.
Maintenance workers perform the manual tasks associated with road upkeep. They fill potholes or broken places in roadways with asphalt or other bituminous material, spread it with rakes, and finish the final surface. The apply oil to the road surface with sprayers. They clean and clear culverts, ditches, and other drain structures of debris, maintain road shoulders, berms and guard rails, and assist in removal of slides from roadways. They may drive trucks to bring personnel and repair equipment to the work site. They may occasionally operate heavy equipment such as steam rollers, tractors with mower attachments, snow removal equipment, and emergency service vehicles. Typical miscellaneous tasks assigned to maintenance workers include traffic control, litter pickup, minor tree trimming, and maintenance of roadside rest areas. Many maintenance workers perform rodent control and landscaping tasks. They scatter poison grain and place poison in rodent burrows. They clear weeds and brush from areas such as
rights-of-way and roadside shoulders and may apply poison sprays.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Highway Maintenance Workers can expect to be outside most of the day in all kinds of weather. The work is physically demanding and requires stamina, agility and strength. The workers are subject to sunburn, poison oak, and snake and insect bites. In addition, the job is hazardous because it is performed at the side of the road or in the roadway itself, where workers are exposed to vehicular traffic. There is also the possibility of injury by working with and around heavy equipment. Workers may be required to work in emergency situations caused by storms or floods.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Employment Projections published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational groups of Paving Tamping and Equipment Operators and Highway Maintenance Workers.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 12,590 Estimated number of workers in 2005 14,350 Projected Growth 1990-2005 14% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 3,580
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Although no estimate of numbers is available, the largest proportion of job openings will occur because of the need to replace present workers in the occupation. The job is usually an entry-level position. Openings can become available as workers are promoted. Some jobs will be created by increased demand for these workers. As the population in the State expands, demand for more as well as better roads will increase. The extent to which this will happen is dependent on public funding. Because this is an entry-level position and has relatively few entrance requirements, there is a large surplus of qualified applicants for the job.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Highway Maintenance Workers' starting pay differs substantially from employer to employer. Depending on the geographical area, these workers may begin at $1,475 per month, and rise to as much as $3,000 per month. Maintenance workers start in State employment at $2,174 and advance through salary steps to $2,360 monthly. Lead workers earn between $2,586 and $2,970 a month.
The standard workweek is a 40-hour, 5-day period. However, some workers may be called on weekends or nights for snow removal or other emergency work. Fringe benefits include paid vacations, paid holidays and sick leave, health benefits, and membership in a retirement system.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Most employers require that applicants have completed the eighth grade or have some experience in the construction or maintenance field. The experience requirement may be for as short as six months or up to one year. A good driving record and a valid California driver's license are essential. Employers look for applicants who have knowledge of the operation and care of automotive equipment, minor construction, requirements, and maintenance work, and safety practices. The ability to read and write, to follow instructions, and to do heavy manual labor is also required.
ADVANCEMENT
The job of Highway Maintenance Worker is usually the entry level in the construction or maintenance occupational series in public works departments. As workers gain skills on the job, they may advance to truck driver positions or heavy equipment operator jobs. A skilled worker may also be promoted to lead worker and be responsible for a crew of laborers. Because these jobs are all in government, promotion is dependent upon meeting civil service requirements.
FINDING THE JOB
Applicants should apply to the California Transportation Department (CALTRANS) and city and county civil service offices. Employers will list this job usually as laborer with the exception of CALTRANS, which uses the title of Highway Maintenance Worker. For CALTRANS jobs, application should be made at a district office. There are 11 districts scattered throughout the State.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California State Department of Transportation 1120 N Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 654-2852
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Truck Drivers, Heavy No. 255 Gardeners and Groundskeepers No. 320
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Asphalt-Paving Machine Operator 853.663-010 Road-oiling-Truck Operator 853.663-018 Highway Maintenance Worker 899.684-014 Maintenance Worker, Utility 899.684-046
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Highway Maintenance Worker 877110 Paving, Surfacing and Tamping Equipment Operators 877080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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