Operator I/Road Crewperson

Operator I/Road Crewperson

Salary

$29.60 - $31.17 Hourly

Location

1600 13th Ave. S, Kelso, WA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-024

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

09/22/2026

Closing Date

10/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

334

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Position Summary

Road Crewperson - General Position Summary: This position reports to any assigned work area and receives work instructions and assignments from a foreman or lead person. It is an entry-level position in the road operations division, which provides manual labor support in the repair, maintenance, or construction of county roads, facilities, equipment, and outside agencies. This position may be assigned to work in or be trained for a higher classification after acquiring required certifications for the higher classification.

Operator I - General Position Summary: This position operates County equipment and handles materials necessary to repair, maintain and construct County roads and other facilities; performs general inspections and maintenance on County equipment and tools to ensure safety and optimum performance; and is expected to work under all weather conditions, during any emergency, and under a variety of physical conditions such as, but not limited to, dust, dirt, grease, oil, chemicals, heights, and noise. This position receives work instructions from the Foreman or project lead person.

Salary Information:

The starting hourly wage is $29.60 - $31.17/hour ($29.60 with no CDL or class B CDL, and $31.17 with class A CDL).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Roads Crewperson:

• Assist and collaborate in the road construction, maintenance and repair, in a team environment. Assist with snivi patching, road patrol, oiling and graveling.
• Set out traffic control signs. Flag and control traffic flow through construction/maintenance sights.
• Patch road surfaces using hot or cold mixes. Repair roadway shoulders.
• Assist in snow removal, sanding operations, clearing of any roads hazards, and other emergency road maintenance tasks as a result of weather and/or unexpected events.
• Put up road signs and guardrails, and assist with striping.
• Clean and wash equipment and facilities.
• Cut vegetation, including brush and small trees, above and alongside roadways to improve vehicular visibility, utilizing a variety of tools appropriate for the task. Seek permission, as needed, from property owners to trim vegetation encroaching on County right-of-way and impeding visibility. Assist loading road debris onto trucks.
• Replace, repair or install mailboxes, fences, signs and other fixtures damaged or moved during road operations projects.
• Clean and clear of debris culverts, ditches and catch basins, and unplug pipes. Collaborate in the installation of culverts and catch basins.
• Promptly and effectively communicate work related issues to the foreman or lead. Effectively and courteously communicate with the public, provide general information within your the scope of duties or refer them to the foreman or lead.
• Attend and participate in team and staff meetings. Communicate ideas that would improve work, safety and overall operations. Attend to county sponsored and/or required classes and seminars.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Foremen, Lead Person, or Manager. Collaborate in the training and guidance to same, lower classifications or temporary workers.

Operator I:

• Operate two-axle trucks to include hauling and spreading of various materials, plowing snow, washing and watering roads, sanding, and towing trailers or equipment.
• Perform regular safety and maintenance inspections of equipment and assist maintenance personnel with equipment repairs.
• Perform clean-up work on equipment.
• Perform duties required of Road Crewperson and Operator I including, but not limited to, those duties listed in Appendix B of the Union Agreement.
• Attend and participate in regular staff meetings. Contribute ideas for the improvement and efficiency of general operations.
• Actively participate in job related and required training. Attend training classes, schools, and seminars for the purpose of staying up-to-date on modern technical skills and knowledge, compliance and other job related issues. Attain and maintain required certifications.
• Train and guide new or supporting personnel as well as collaborate in the effective implementation of operation and maintenance programs and procedures.
• Collaborate with other Public Works divisions and outside agencies during projects and emergencies.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Roads Crewperson:

• High School graduate or GED Certificate.
• Possess a valid driver's license, without restrictions. Must obtain and maintain a Class A CDL with tanker and airbrake endorsements within one year of occupying the Road Crewperson position.
• At least one (1) year of experience in any one or combination of the following areas: construction, roads maintenance, logging, landscaping, traffic control, use of hand and power tools, powered equipment operation, heavy or commercial vehicle/equipment operation, mechanics, or related fields.

Operator I:

• High School diploma or GED certification.
• Possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted (except for vision), Class A Commercial Drivers License with Tanker and Airbrake endorsements.
• Able to effectively demonstrate the operation of a 5-yard truck and other equipment commonly used in road repair, maintenance and construction, as identified in the current Union Agreement for Operator I including, but not limited to, equipment as defined in appendix B of the Local 334 bargaining agreement.
• Must have an adequate background in mathematics, ability to use good English, and have legible handwriting.

Required Skills and Abilities

Road Crewperson:

• Sufficient strength and agility to perform manual labor, and regularly use manual and power tools.
• Speak, write and read English adequate or sufficient to effectively communicate with staff and the public. Possess and use legible handwriting. General mathematic applications common to the construction field.
• Effectively communicate with team employees and other County employees. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Be tactful and courteous with the public, following department guidelines.
• Perform duties in a team and collaborative environment, as well as in a safe manner. Attention to detail and safety hazards.
• Basic knowledge of manual and powered tools and equipment common to general construction and landscaping.
• Maintain a valid flagger's certification (provided by the County).

Operator I:

• Sufficient strength and agility to perform manual labor, and regularly use manual and power tools.
• Speak, write and read English adequate or sufficient to effectively communicate with staff and the public. Possess and use legible handwriting. Comprehend and interpret complex technical data and make mathematical calculations.
• Diagnose equipment problems, arrive at conclusions, take corrective action or make recommendations for plans of action.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships and effectively communicate with team employees and other County employees. Be tactful and courteous with the public, vendors and contractors, following established guidelines.
• Basic knowledge of manual and powered tools and equipment common to general construction and landscaping field.
• Effectively work either independently or in a collaborative team environment.
• Effectively prioritize and manage work time in a multi-task work environment with demands from diverse sources.
• Work efficiently while attending to applicable safety regulations standard to the trade.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Effectively lead and direct work activities of a team.

Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another persons medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
• 11 Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
• Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.

01

Do you have flagging experience?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you currently have your flagging card?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have your CDL?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have experience in road repair? If yes, please explain.

05

Do you have experience in grading and reading grade stakes? If yes, please explain.

06

Do you have tree falling experience? If yes, how many years?

07

Do you have any landscaping experience? If yes, how many years?

08

If you have a Class A CDL, is it unrestricted (except for vision) and does it have Tanker & Airbrake endorsements?

Required Question

Employer Cowlitz County

Address 207 4th Ave. N

Kelso, Washington, 98626

Phone 360-577-3065

Website http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us