Driver/Operator

Position: Driver/Operator Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-time

Department: Road & Bridge Department Reports to: Road Foreman

Posting Date: October 21, 2026 Application Deadline: Until Filled

Rate of Pay: $30.32/hour with $2.12 deferred to union pension

Benefit Eligible: Full Benefits/PERS, Represented by Bargaining Unit

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Road and Bridge Foreman (and/or Crew Leaders), the Equipment Operator – Truck Driver operates a variety of heavy equipment and heavy-duty trucks and participates in the construction and maintenance of the Ravalli County Road and Bridge system, and performs manual labor as necessary to achieve program objectives.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Travel Required:

• Frequent travel throughout Ravalli County (300 -500 miles per week)

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Operates Heavy equipment that may include crawler tractors, wheel loaders, motor graders, hydraulic excavators, tractor-backhoes, steel-drum and pneumatic compactors, tractor- mounted mowers and brush cutters, aerial lift trucks, paving machines, asphalt distributors, aggregate spreaders and crushing equipment.
• Operates heavy-duty trucks, including tandem-axle dump trucks with trailers, tractors with equipment trailers, belly and side dumps and snow removal equipment and street sweepers
• Performs manual labor on Road and Bridge construction and maintenance projects
• Performs all work, as assigned within the Work Zone Assistant classification.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Working knowledge of roadway and bridge design, construction and operation including road surfaces, drainage, vegetation, traffic operations and public safety.
• Extensive knowledge of the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of a variety of heavy equipment units and heavy-duty trucks & related attachments.
• Working knowledge of road construction grades and basic surveying practices.
• Considerable knowledge of safety regulations and personal protective equipment.
• Ability to communicate well with other employees and the public
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive, ethical, effective and professional working relationship with other department employees in a collaborative team setting.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience in the operation of heavy equipment units and heavy – duty trucks, and in the construction and operation of road and bridge systems.
• Three years’ experience in operation of heavy equipment and heavy-duty trucks.
• Valid Montana Commercial Driver’s License(A) with an acceptable driving record.
• CDL endorsements for tanker, hazardous materials and air brakes.

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

• Ability to obtain and maintain CDL medical certification.
• Ability to obtain work zone traffic control (flagger) certification.

Work Environment:

• Works outside during all seasons, including exposure to weather extremes.
• Often works in construction work zones with heavy volumes of traffic.
• Exposure to dust, exhaust, vapors, noise and other potential hazards.
• Participates in emergency response activities, including on-call status for after-hours response relating to the safety and operation of the County road system
• Participates in the mandatory Ravalli County drug testing program.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting, operating heavy equipment.
• Heavy lifting is routinely required, up to 100 lbs.
• Must be physically able to effectively perform all position requirements in adverse conditions including weather extremes and steep, uneven or unstable terrain.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Ravalli County is an equal employment opportunity employer (EEO). Ravalli County does not refuse employment or discriminate in compensation or the other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment based upon race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, or veteran’s status.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.