Highway Equipment Operator
Date Posted: Jul 9, 2026
Requisition ID: 480486
Location:
Chesterton, IN, US, 46304
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:
The Heavy Equipment Operator operates various @types of heavy and specialized equipment to include, but not limited to; Gradall, Backhoes, Dozers, Vactors, Sweepers, SewerJets, Loaders, Skidsteers, Ag-spreaders, Pavers, Rollers, etc. Performs maintenance and repair of light and heavy equipment and hand tools (e.g., dump truck, grader, forklift, tractor-trailer, chain saw). Position is also responsible to perform snow and ice removal and related maintenance duties by operation of snow plow and other winter operations duties as required.
Location:
This position is located in INDOT's Chesterton Unit.
Pay Rate:
This position traditionally starts at an hourly rate of $22.00 but may be commensurate with relevant work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator (https://in.accessgov.com/spd/Forms/Page/spd/compensation-calculator/0) to view the total compensation package.
CDL Positions:
Candidates with a current CDL and endorsements required by the district will earn an additional $1 per hour. Candidates without a CDL will be given 90 days to obtain their CDL and endorsements required by the district and will then earn an additional $1 per hour. CDL training provided onsite by certified INDOT staff.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this roles are as follows:
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.
Perform winter operations duties including snow and ice removal.
Perform emergency response activities such as: clean-up, traffic control, bridge closures, 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 job documentation tasks such as entry into the Work Management System (WMS).
Maintain, repair and install traffic signs, route markers, pavement markings, etc.
Coordinate work assigned by the Supervisor ensuring that the needed materials and equipment are available.
Communicate and provide feedback on employee issues to the Supervisor.
Workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) is an essential function of this position.
These additional duties may be performed depending on the job assignment:
Asset Inspector:
Perform a visual and physical inspection of INDOT owned and maintained assets to evaluate maintenance needs and assign condition rating.
Operate inspection equipment to determine location, condition rating, and operation of small culvert assets.
Bridge Maintenance & Repair Specialist
Operate basic highway maintenance equipment, specialized bridge repair and inspection equipment for maintenance, repair, and inspection of bridge structures.
Investigate complaints related to bridges and large culverts and coordinate to ensure follow up action is taken.
Contracts Inspector:
Perform inspections activities and complete the related paperwork on all maintenance contracts.
Heavy Equipment Operator:
Operate various @types of heavy and specialized equipment to include, but not limited to; Gradall, Backhoes, Dozers, Vactors, Sweepers, SewerJets, Loaders, Skidsteers, Ag-spreaders, Pavers, Rollers, etc.
Perform maintenance and repair of light and heavy equipment and hand tools (e.g., dump truck, grader, forklift, tractor-trailer, chain saw).
Herbicide:
Operate, calibrate and set application rates for all the different @types of herbicide and pesticide equipment that will be used on a routine basis. Must maintain appropriate record of all application data. .
Serve as an independent chemical applicator and undertake landscape projects throughout the District.
Shared workforce:
May support construction project ensuring compliance with contracts and quality of work being performed.
Perform sampling procedures for different @types of materials.
May perform and/or assist in aggregate testing and other @types of testing such as Indiana Test Methods (ITM).
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:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
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.
General Knowledge of federal, state, and local highway guidelines, laws and regulations, principles, and practices for purposes of construction inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of highway.
Broad knowledge of Microsoft computer programs to include Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Ability to read, interpret and follow technical documents.
Must be able 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.
May need additional requirements depending on the assigned specialty:
Heavy Equipment Operator:
Must have valid commercial driver's license (CDL Class A).
Six months training or 6 months experience in operation of heavy construction equipment
Herbicide:
Must be able to obtain, and maintain, a Core Herbicide and Class 6 Herbicide license.
Shared workforce:
Must complete Certified Highway Technician Construction Courses or Highway Technician Testing Courses as applicable.
A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Individuals should have the ability 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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