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Highway Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Winslow, AZ · On-site

$37K - $50K/yr

The preferred candidate for this position will have: 6 months of Roadway/Highway job related experience as determined by the assigned area's needs which may include operating motorized vehicles and ...

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Tempe, AZ · On-site

$37K - $50K/yr

The preferred candidate for this position will have: 6 months of Roadway/Highway job related experience as determined by the assigned area's needs which may include operating motorized vehicles and ...

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Tucson, AZ · On-site

$37K - $50K/yr

The preferred candidate for this position will have: 6 months of Roadway/Highway job related experience as determined by the assigned area's needs which may include operating motorized vehicles and ...

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Mayer, AZ · On-site

$37K - $50K/yr

The preferred candidate for this position will have: 6 months of Roadway/Highway job related experience as determined by the assigned area's needs which may include operating motorized vehicles and ...

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Mesa, AZ · On-site

$37K - $50K/yr

The preferred candidate for this position will have: 6 months of Roadway/Highway job related experience as determined by the assigned area's needs which may include operating motorized vehicles and ...

SMF Loop 202 AZ -IM - Highway Maintenance Tech

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

... highway and other surfaces including potholes, striping, adding or replacing reflectors. Creates ... Transports crew and equipment to work sites operating vehicle pickup trucks and specialized motor ...

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Highway Operator information

What is a highway operator?

Highway Operators are professionals responsible for maintaining and monitoring roadways to ensure traffic flows smoothly and safely. Their duties often include operating traffic control equipment, responding to road incidents, conducting inspections, and performing minor repairs or maintenance. They may also provide assistance during emergencies, adverse weather, or road construction projects. Highway Operators work closely with other transportation agencies to keep roads safe for the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a highway operator?

To thrive as a Highway Operator, you need a solid understanding of road maintenance, traffic regulations, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and a commercial driver's license (CDL). Familiarity with operating heavy machinery, traffic management systems, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help ensure effective coordination and quick response to incidents. These abilities are crucial for maintaining road safety, minimizing disruptions, and ensuring efficient highway operations.

What are some common challenges faced by highway operators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Highway Operators often encounter challenges such as working in all weather conditions, responding quickly to emergencies, and maintaining focus during long or overnight shifts. New hires can prepare by developing strong problem-solving skills, staying physically fit, and becoming familiar with safety protocols and equipment. Building good communication with team members is also essential, as Highway Operators regularly coordinate with maintenance crews, law enforcement, and dispatch centers to ensure road safety and efficiency.

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

AspectHighway OperatorRoad Maintenance Worker
CredentialsDriver's license, equipment operation certificationsBasic safety training, sometimes specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentHighways, construction sites, outdoorRoadways, construction zones, outdoor
Employer & IndustryTransportation agencies, construction companiesMunicipalities, state agencies, contractors

Both roles involve outdoor work on roadways and require safety training. Highway Operators typically focus on operating heavy machinery and maintaining highway infrastructure, while Road Maintenance Workers perform general repairs and upkeep. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in equipment use and specific duties.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Highway Operator jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Highway Operator job openings:

Highway & Construction Laborer ($4,000 Hiring Incentive)

Tempe, AZ • On-site

The State of Arizona
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$24.44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


State Of Arizona rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Highway & Construction Laborer ($4,000 Hiring Incentive)

Apply now Job No: 542544
Work Type: Full-time
Location: TEMPE
Categories: Skilled Trades/Crafts, Misc/Other/Not Applicable

DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION Take a look at how our dedicated and strong highway and road maintenance team keeps us safe on the roads! This could be you!
Highway & Construction Laborer
($4,000 Hiring Incentive)
Job Location:
Tempe Maintenance
2540 W. Broadway
Tempe,AZ 85282
Posting Details:
Salary: $37,838 - $50,848
Hourly: $18.1918 - $24.4464 
*This position is eligible for a $4,000 hiring incentive
Grade: 14-19
Closing Date: Sep 10, 2026
Job Summary:

This series exists to provide and preserve a safe and efficient transportation system for the traveling public as well as being courteous, considerate and prompt in dealing with and serving the public. Note: Positions will be assigned based off of experience and qualifications listed below.
*This position is eligible for a $4,000 hiring incentive

Job Duties:

Highway Operations Worker: $18.19 Grade 14
Highway Operations Worker is the entry level position for the Highway Operations Technician series. The scope of the duties and basic tasks to be learned include; operation of motorized vehicles and equipment, pavement care, and preservation, landscape care and preservation, roadside shoulder restoration and repairs, signing and striping, delivery of equipment and materials, environmental compliance, vehicle and equipment care.
Highway Operations Tech 1: $20.46/hr. Grade 17
Highway Operations Tech 1 is the apprentice classification for the series. Will be trained to perform more advanced duties which include; operation of motorized vehicles and equipment, pavement care and preservation, landscape care and preservation, roadside shoulder restoration and repairs, signing and striping, delivery of equipment and materials, environmental compliance, vehicle and equipment care.
Highway Operations Tech 2: $22.45/hr. Grade 18
Highway Operations Tech 2 is the entry journey classification for the series. Responsible for performing a broad scope of intermediate level highway operational duties and/or lead responsibilities. Some duties and basic tasks include; operation of motorized vehicles and equipment, pavement care and preservation, landscape care and preservation, roadside shoulder restoration and repairs, signing and striping, delivery of equipment and materials, environmental compliance, vehicle and equipment care.

In this series the employee will also take on the duties of scheduling, assigning, and overseeing subordinates work, inspecting work, training, and guiding staff in duties mentioned above for the series.
Highway Operations Tech 3: $24.44/hr. Grade 19
Highway Operations Tech 3 is the full journey classification for the series. Responsibility for performing a broad scope of high level highway operation duties and/or supervisor responsibilities. Some duties and basic tasks include; operation of motorized vehicles and equipment, pavement care and preservation, landscape care and preservation, roadside shoulder restoration and repairs, signing and striping, delivery of equipment and materials, environmental compliance, vehicle and equipment care.

In this series the employee will also take on the duties of scheduling, assigning, and overseeing subordinates work, inspecting work, training, and guiding staff in duties mentioned above for the series.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Highway Operations Worker:
The preferred candidate for this position will have: 6 months of Roadway/Highway job related experience as determined by the assigned area's needs which may include operating motorized vehicles and heavy-duty equipment and maintenance, signing/striping of roadways, pavement care and preservation, roadway operations, tunnel maintenance, or landscape care and preservation.

Highway Operations Tech 1:
To qualify for this position you must have: 1 year of job related Roadway/Highway experience as determined by the assigned area's needs which may include operation of motorized vehicles and heavy-duty equipment and maintenance, signing/striping of roadways, pavement care and preservation, roadway operations, tunnel maintenance, or landscape care and preservation.

Highway Operations Tech 2:
To qualify for this position you must have: 2 years of job related Roadway/Highway experience as determined by the assigned area's needs which may include operation of motorized vehicles and heavy-duty equipment and maintenance, signing/striping of roadways, pavement care and preservation, roadway operations, tunnel maintenance, or landscape care and preservation.
Highway Operations Tech 3:
To qualify for this position you must have: 3 years of job related Roadway/Highway experience as determined by the assigned area's needs which may include operation of motorized vehicles and heavy-duty equipment and maintenance, signing/striping of roadways, pavement care and preservation, roadway operations, tunnel maintenance, or landscape care and preservation.

Selective Preference(s):

Highway Operations Worker: Preference of six months experience in related fields.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Highway Operations Worker Requirements:
Employees must obtain their Arizona CDL (Class "A") permit within 90 days from the date of hire and a Arizona Class "A" Commercial Driver's license (CDL) is required within 6 months of hire.

Highway Operations Tech 1-3 Requirements:
An Arizona Class "A" Commercial Driver's license (CDL) for a manual or automatic transmission and a (N) tanker endorsement is required prior to the start date. Based on the assigned area additional endorsements may be required.

All Positions

  • Registration with the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) is a requirement for all CDL holders. Selected candidates will be required to register and authorize ADOT to conduct limited queries on their CDL for the duration of their employment in order to be considered for this role. Register by visiting https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/Register
  • The position responds to emergency call outs (24 hours a day, seven days a week); must be able to respond to the Maintenance yard within 30 minutes.
  • Depending on the work location and assignment may encounter extremes of cold and heat, considerable time away from home base, rugged terrain, and high speed traffic conditions.
  • This position requires one to lift/carry - push/pull 50 lbs.
  • May require licensing through the State Board of Pesticide Control to dispense herbicides/pesticides.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

 For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Employee Referral Program
This position is eligible for an employee referral incentive if all criteria are met.

Retirement:

Mandatory participation in the Arizona Retirement System (ASRS) is required.

Contact Us:

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact ADOT Human Resources Recruitment via email at srecruitment@azdot.gov or phone call at (602) 712-7279.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 712-8188 option 3. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. ADOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
*Certain criteria must be met in order to receive the hiring incentive pay-out.

Advertised: 04 Sep 2026 US Mountain Standard Time
Applications close: 10 Sep 2026 US Mountain Standard Time

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About State of Arizona

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of Arizona is not a conventional company, but the governmental structure presiding over the U.S. state of Arizona, headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. The State of Arizona operates within the industry of government administration and public services across various sectors including education, health, public safety, transportation, and economic services. These services are aimed to ensure the security, prosperity, and well-being of the Arizona citizens and communities. Founded on February 14, 1912, when Arizona became the 48th state to join the Union, the State of Arizona is committed to providing people-centric, efficient, and effective government. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for all Arizonans by providing a secure environment and advancing the state's economy.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

Year founded

1912