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Highway Emergency Response Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maryland Department of Transportation

MD · On-site

$52K - $82K/yr

Description (INTERVIEW AND HIRE) State Highway Administration Emergency Response Technician Grade ... operators, perform traffic control at incident scenes, assist disabled motorists, and report real ...

USES GROUP

Emergency Response Technician

Chalmette, LA

$16.75 - $22/hr

... emergency response operator preferred. * Valid Driver's License and valid TWIC card * 40 Hour ... HAZWOPER Certification * OSHA Basic Orientation Plus * Clear results on physical, hair follicle ...

Work For Warriors Georgia

HERO Trainee

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Attend training sessions in order to complete requirements for Highway Emergency Response Operator (H.E.R.O) certification THIS IS AN EXTERNAL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT. THIS IS AN UNCLASSIFIED POSITION. THE ...

Work For Warriors Georgia

HERO Trainee

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$29K/yr

Attend training sessions in order to complete requirements for Highway Emergency Response Operator (H.E.R.O) certification. THIS IS ANEXTERNAL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT. THIS IS AN UNCLASSIFIED POSITION. THE ...

Dupont

Emergency Response Team Member

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

... operating equipment, emergency vehicle driving and operation, positioning ladders, rescuing victims ... Emergency Response: Responding to various emergencies, including hazardous material spills and ...

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Highway Emergency Response Operator information

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How much do highway emergency response operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for highway emergency response operator in the United States is $21.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Highway Emergency Response Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Highway Emergency Response Operator, you need knowledge of traffic management, emergency response procedures, and a valid driver’s license, often supported by specialized safety training. Familiarity with two-way radios, GPS navigation systems, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong communication, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure effective and safe incident management, minimizing risks and restoring normal highway operations efficiently.

What is the difference between Highway Emergency Response Operator vs Road Maintenance Worker?

AspectHighway Emergency Response OperatorRoad Maintenance Worker
Required CertificationsDriver's license, safety training, possibly emergency response certificationsDriver's license, equipment operation training
Work EnvironmentOn highways, responding to accidents, hazards, and emergenciesRoads, construction sites, maintenance areas
Employer & Industry UsageState and local transportation departments, highway agenciesPublic works departments, construction companies

Highway Emergency Response Operators focus on responding to accidents and hazards on highways, requiring emergency response skills and safety certifications. Road Maintenance Workers perform routine maintenance and repairs on roads and infrastructure. While both roles involve working outdoors and operating equipment, their primary responsibilities and training differ, with emergency response being central to Highway Emergency Response Operators.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 a week without a degree often include roles such as certain emergency response operators, commercial drivers, sales managers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers. These positions typically require specialized training, certifications, or experience rather than a college degree, and may involve working long hours or in high-pressure environments.

What are Highway Emergency Response Operators?

Highway Emergency Response Operators (HEROs) are specialized professionals responsible for assisting motorists and managing incidents on highways to ensure safety and minimize traffic disruptions. Their duties often include responding to accidents, removing debris, providing first aid, offering motorist assistance, and coordinating with law enforcement and emergency services. HEROs are trained to act quickly and efficiently in high-pressure situations, keeping roadways clear and safe for all drivers. They play a critical role in reducing traffic congestion and improving overall road safety.

What are some common challenges faced by Highway Emergency Response Operators on the job?

Highway Emergency Response Operators often encounter challenges such as working in hazardous weather conditions, managing traffic flow around accident scenes, and responding quickly to unpredictable incidents. The role requires maintaining composure under pressure, ensuring personal and public safety, and coordinating effectively with law enforcement and emergency medical teams. Continuous training and strong communication skills are essential to manage these demanding situations efficiently.

What job pays the most in emergency response?

In emergency response roles, high-paying positions include emergency management directors, paramedics with specialized skills, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incident commanders. These roles often require advanced certifications, leadership skills, and experience, and they tend to offer higher salaries compared to other emergency response jobs.

What is the highest paid first responder job?

Highway Emergency Response Operators typically earn moderate salaries compared to other first responder roles. The highest paid first responder jobs are often paramedics, emergency physicians, or fire chiefs, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually depending on experience, certifications, and location.

What is a highway response operator?

A highway response operator is a professional responsible for managing and clearing incidents on highways, such as accidents or disabled vehicles. They often operate specialized equipment, work in various weather conditions, and may require certifications in safety and vehicle operation. Their goal is to ensure safety and restore traffic flow efficiently.
More about Highway Emergency Response Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Highway Emergency Response Operator jobs? Cities with the most Highway Emergency Response Operator job openings:
What states have the most Highway Emergency Response Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Highway Emergency Response Operator jobs include:
Highway Emergency Response Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Highway Emergency Response Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,620 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
TRT020-Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) Trainee

TRT020-Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) Trainee

State of Georgia

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

State Of Georgia rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 50 rated states

Job description

JOB SUMMARY: Under direct supervision, trains to detect, respond to, and manage congestion causing incidents on the metropolitan interstate system Learns various emergency response procedures used to assist motorists with disabled vehicles and removes congestion causing incidents from the metropolitan interstate system
Description of Job Duties: Under immediate supervision, trains to detect, respond to, and manage congestion causing incidents on the metropolitan interstate system. Learns various emergency response procedures used to assist motorists with disabled vehicles, remove congestion causing incidents from the metropolitan interstate system, and observe/notify Transportation Management Center (TMC) of traffic flow/congestion problems. Attend training sessions in order to complete requirements for Highway Emergency Response Operator (H.E.R.O) certification.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The selected candidate must meet the advertised minimum qualifications to include State Entry Qualifications as well as Agency Specific Minimum Qualifications
STATE ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma/GED AND valid driver's license.
AGENCY SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Committed to comprehend, learn and perform various emergency response procedures used to assist motorists with disabled vehicles, remove congestion causing incidents from the metropolitan interstate system, and observe/notify Transportation Management Center (TMC).
  • Must be able to work in and around interstate traffic.
  • Must be able to perform the following physical attributes:
    • Lifts and carries job related equipment and material including but not limited to roadway, accident, and vehicle debris in a variety of environmental and physically demanding conditions.
    • Lifts and carries job related equipment and materials including but not limited to a hydraulic jack (weighing 75 pounds), truck tires, oil adsorbent, and multiple traffic cones, in a variety of environmental and physical demanding conditions.
    • Climbs and/or balances on vehicles, slopes, hills, roadway structures of varying heights to complete tasks in a variety of environmental conditions.
    • Walks, hikes, and/or crawls through incident sites possibly including rough terrain and obstacles to complete tasks in a variety of environmental conditions.
    • Stands and sits for extended periods of time to maintain work zone safety.
  • Must be able to demonstrate exceptional customer service experience.
  • Demonstrated competencies in basic reading and writing, receiving and responding to verbal communications in an appropriate manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn multiple computer programs/systems.
  • Demonstrated competencies in working and communicating with supervisors and co-workers in a professional and cooperative manner.
  • Maintaining composure in stressful situations.
  • Displays a high level of commitment toward work and a high standard of ethical conduct.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule and adapt to change.
  • Display a professional image.

AGENCY PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience in a lead/supervisory role that demonstrates excellent customer service skills.
  • Basic knowledge of operations in emergency services.
  • Work experience in or with EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement, or other first responder positions
  • Possesses a Commercial Drivers License.
  • Basic knowledge of proper radio protocol (i.e. Phonetic alphabet).
  • Basic knowledge of auto repair procedures and/or basic traffic control methods.
  • Demonstrated ability to reason and make routine, sound decisions based on narrowly defined criteria or guidelines.
  • Ability to effectively guide or direct others at an incident scene.
  • Ability to manage own time effectively.
  • Ability to gather and organize information effectively

High school diploma/GED and valid driver's license.

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