Highway Technician - Columbus Unit
Date Posted: Feb 9, 2026
Requisition ID: 472045
Location:
Columbus, IN, US, 47203
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Transportation:
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state's quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.
Role Overview:
As a Highway Technician you will work on Indiana highways and interstates performing general maintenance to keep the roads clean and safe. Duties will include picking up trash and other debris, filling potholes, maintaining drainage systems, plowing snow during the winter, assisting with traffic control, especially during emergency road closures. This is an entry level position with opportunities for career advancement. Position requires mandatory overtime for emergency operations, including winter.
Location:
This position is located in INDOT's Columbus Unit.
CDL Positions:
Candidates with a current CDL will earn an additional $1 per hour for this position. Candidates without a CDL will be given 90 days to obtain their CDL, with training provided by INDOT, and will then earn an additional $1 per hour upon successfully obtaining their CDL.
Pay Rate:
This position traditionally starts at an hourly rate of $20.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experienc
A Day in the Life:
The essential elements of the job duties:
Comply with all Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) safety policies and procedures.
Operate basic highway maintenance/ traffic equipment to maintain, repair and clean highways and rights-of-way.
Move and load supplies and materials.
Perform winter operations duties including snow and ice removal.
Perform emergency response activities such as clean-up, traffic control, lane closures, placement of signs and erecting barricades.
Perform regular inspections and routine equipment maintenance such as: minor repairs, preventative maintenance, refueling, and pre-trip inspections.
Perform miscellaneous labor tasks.
These additional duties may be performed depending on the job assignment:
Traffic Inventory Specialist:
Maintain, repair, and install traffic signs, route markers and pavement markings.
Receive, inspect, and record new materials, supplies, and equipment arriving in District Traffic for distribution (e.g., signs and sign hardware, lighting poles, arms, and luminaries).
Maintain perpetual inventory of supplies and dispense the required materials. (e.g., traffic signal equipment, signs and sign hardware).
Operate and maintain new computerized inventory control system.
Workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) is an essential function of this position.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
What You'll Need for Success:
This person must have the following requirements to be considered for employment:
Must possess a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or obtain one with the first 90 days of employment.
Pass and submit to a drug test as a condition of employment.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Ability to perform physical activities such as lifting, dragging, stooping, standing, and walking for long periods of time.
Must be able to endure exposure to inclement weather.
Ability to operate specialty traffic equipment (e.g. bucket trucks, paint equipment, etc.)
Ability to follow directions and work as part of a team.
These additional requirements may be required depending on the job assignment:
Knowledge of electronic data processing as applied to inventory control computer systems.
Ability to understand system of bookkeeping procedures.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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