Highway Maintenance Workers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Set out signs and cones around work areas to divert traffic.88
• Flag motorists to warn them of obstacles or repair work ahead.84
• Perform preventative maintenance on vehicles and heavy equipment.83
• Drive trucks to transport crews and equipment to work sites.82
• Erect, install, or repair guardrails, road shoulders, berms, highway markers, warning signals, and highway lighting, using hand tools and power tools.81
• Clean and clear debris from culverts, catch basins, drop inlets, ditches, and other drain structures.80
• Drive heavy equipment and vehicles with adjustable attachments to sweep debris from paved surfaces, mow grass and weeds, remove snow and ice, and spread salt and sand.79
• Haul and spread sand, gravel, and clay to fill washouts and repair road shoulders.79
• Inspect, clean, and repair drainage systems, bridges, tunnels, and other structures.76
• Remove litter and debris from roadways, including debris from rock and mud slides.76
• Dump, spread, and tamp asphalt, using pneumatic tampers, to repair joints and patch broken pavement.76
• Apply poisons along roadsides and in animal burrows to eliminate unwanted roadside vegetation and rodents.70

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Operation and Control66

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Operations Monitoring63

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Coordination53

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Monitoring53

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Active Listening50

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Complex Problem Solving50

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Speaking50

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Critical Thinking47

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Judgment and Decision Making47

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Quality Control Analysis47

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Social Perceptiveness47

  Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Troubleshooting47

  Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Public Safety and Security81

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• English Language63

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Transportation57

  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

• Building and Construction55

  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

• Education and Training51

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Administration and Management50

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Mechanical50

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Customer and Personal Service49

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Engineering and Technology47

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Mathematics45

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Production and Processing41

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Design40

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Control Precision72

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Multilimb Coordination72

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness60

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Oral Comprehension60

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Problem Sensitivity60

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Static Strength60

  The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

• Auditory Attention56

  The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

• Manual Dexterity56

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Near Vision56

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Extent Flexibility53

  The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

• Far Vision53

  The ability to see details at a distance.

• Finger Dexterity53

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates85

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships85

  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work82

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials81

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Getting Information79

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment76

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public76

  Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings75

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Assisting and Caring for Others74

  Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

• Developing and Building Teams73

  Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others71

  Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events70

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability84

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Cautiousness59

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Attention to Detail50

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Perseverance49

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Stress Tolerance46

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Cooperation40

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Self-Control33

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Integrity32

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Adaptability31

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Achievement Orientation22

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Initiative20

  A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

• Optimism17

  A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic100

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional42

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Social13

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Investigative12

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Enterprising8

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Artistic1

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

  • Every day94%

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day86%
  • Once a week or more but not every day14%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day86%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day76%
  • Once a week or more but not every day18%

• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

  • Every day69%
  • Once a week or more but not every day26%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important84%

• In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

  • Every day47%
  • Once a week or more but not every day53%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually50%
  • More than half the time49%

• Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

  • Every day50%
  • Once a week or more but not every day44%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others68%
  • Contact with others about half the time17%

• Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

  • Every day35%
  • Once a week or more but not every day55%

• Frequency of Decision Making

  • Every day60%
  • Once a week or more but not every day22%
  • Once a year or more but not every month17%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Less than high school diploma
• Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Presentation software

  Microsoft PowerPoint

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Electronic mail software

  Microsoft Outlook

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Internet browser software

  Web browser software

• Data base user interface and query software

  Database software

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters
• International Union of Operating Engineers

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Miscellaneous construction workers, including solar photovoltaic installers, septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
• Construction Laborers
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
• Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
• Civil Engineers
• Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
• Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
• Mining Machine Operators
• Transportation Inspectors
• Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers
• Miscellaneous transportation workers, including bridge and lock tenders and traffic technicians
• Helpers, Construction Trades

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Direct vehicle traffic.
• Maintain mechanical equipment.
• Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment.
• Install fencing or other barriers.
• Remove debris or vegetation from work sites.
• Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed.
• Operate equipment or vehicles to clear construction sites or move materials.
• Spread sand, dirt or other loose materials onto surfaces.
• Clean equipment or facilities.
• Compact materials to create level bases.
• Inspect industrial or commercial equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Maintain plumbing structures or fixtures.