Top 12 Highway Maintenance Worker Skills to Put on Your Resume

As a highway maintenance worker, showcasing a blend of technical skills, physical stamina, and safety awareness on your resume can significantly enhance your employability in this demanding field. Highlighting your top skills not only demonstrates your proficiency and experience but also positions you as a valuable candidate who can contribute to the efficiency and safety of highway operations.

Highway Maintenance Worker Skills

1. Asphalt Repair
2. Concrete Paving
3. Traffic Management
4. Snow Plowing
5. Sign Installation
6. Landscaping Maintenance
7. Heavy Equipment Operation
8. Roadside Safety
9. Bridge Inspection
10. Drainage Systems
11. Pavement Marking
12. Emergency Response

1. Asphalt Repair

Asphalt repair involves fixing and restoring damaged or deteriorated sections of asphalt pavement on highways, often through patching holes, filling cracks, and smoothing surfaces to ensure safe and efficient travel.

Why It's Important

Asphalt repair is crucial for maintaining road safety, ensuring smooth vehicle travel, and preventing minor damages from escalating into major, costly repairs. It extends the lifespan of highways, reducing long-term maintenance costs and disruptions.

How to Improve Asphalt Repair Skills

To improve asphalt repair, especially for a Highway Maintenance Worker, follow these concise steps:

1. Assessment: Quickly evaluate the extent of damage. Use visual inspection and tools like ground-penetrating radar (FHWA Guide).

2. Cleaning: Remove debris and standing water from the damaged area using blowers or brooms. A clean surface ensures better adhesion (Asphalt Magazine).

3. Application of Tack Coat: Apply a tack coat to enhance the bond between the old and new asphalt layers (Pavement Interactive).

4. Material Selection: Choose the appropriate repair material based on the type of damage and environmental conditions. Cold mix for temporary fixes, and hot mix for permanent repairs (Asphalt Institute).

5. Proper Compaction: Use vibratory plate compactors or rollers to ensure the repair material is densely compacted and flush with the surrounding surface (National Asphalt Pavement Association).

6. Quality Control: After repair, inspect the site to ensure the surface is smooth and there are no gaps or overfilled areas. Regular monitoring helps assess the longevity of repairs (Federal Highway Administration).

By adhering to these steps and utilizing the linked resources for deeper understanding, highway maintenance workers can significantly improve the quality and durability of asphalt repairs.

How to Display Asphalt Repair Skills on Your Resume

2. Concrete Paving

Concrete paving involves laying and finishing concrete to create durable road surfaces, essential for highways to withstand heavy traffic and environmental conditions.

Why It's Important

Concrete paving is crucial for highway maintenance because it provides a durable and long-lasting surface that withstands heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions, reducing the frequency of repairs and ensuring safe, smooth travel for road users.

How to Improve Concrete Paving Skills

Improving concrete paving, especially for a Highway Maintenance Worker, involves several key steps to ensure durability, safety, and longevity of the pavement. Here are concise strategies:

1. Use High-Quality Materials: Opt for high-quality concrete mix and reinforcement materials. Portland Cement Association provides guidelines on material selection.

2. Proper Mix Design: Implement a mix design that suits specific environmental conditions and traffic loads. The American Concrete Institute offers resources on mix designs.

3. Efficient Water Drainage: Ensure efficient water drainage by maintaining proper slope and installing adequate drainage systems. Federal Highway Administration has resources on drainage design.

4. Joint Construction and Sealing: Construct and seal joints properly to control cracking. Guidelines can be found on the American Concrete Pavement Association website.

5. Curing: Apply appropriate curing methods to enhance concrete strength and surface durability. Refer to National Ready Mixed Concrete Association for curing practices.

6. Regular Maintenance: Conduct regular inspections and maintenance to repair minor damages before they escalate. Federal Highway Administration Maintenance offers maintenance tips.

7. Use of Modern Technologies: Incorporate modern technologies like roller-compacted concrete for rapid construction and durability. Information available through Portland Cement Association's guide on Roller-Compacted Concrete.

By adhering to these practices, a Highway Maintenance Worker can significantly improve the quality and lifespan of concrete paving.

How to Display Concrete Paving Skills on Your Resume

3. Traffic Management

Traffic management involves the planning, monitoring, and control of vehicle and pedestrian traffic, especially around construction or maintenance zones on highways, to ensure safety, minimize congestion, and maintain smooth flow of traffic.

Why It's Important

Traffic management is crucial for ensuring the safety of both highway maintenance workers and road users, while minimizing disruptions and maintaining efficient traffic flow during roadwork or maintenance activities.

How to Improve Traffic Management Skills

Improving traffic management, especially from the perspective of a Highway Maintenance Worker, involves a combination of strategies focused on safety, efficiency, and communication. Here are concise steps with relevant resources:

1. Implement Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS): Utilize technology to monitor and manage traffic flow. Federal Highway Administration offers insights into how ATMS can be integrated into current practices.

2. Use Smart Work Zone Technologies: Deploy portable smart work zone systems that provide real-time information to drivers. Smart Work Zone Deployments guide by the FHWA details technologies and practices.

3. Enhance Signage and Markings: Improve visibility and understanding of signs and road markings for better guidance. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) sets standards for signage and markings.

4. Implement Traffic Incident Management (TIM): Develop strategies to quickly clear traffic incidents to reduce congestion. The TIM program by FHWA provides guidelines and training.

5. Educate the Public: Use social media and local news to inform the public about construction schedules, detours, and how to drive safely in work zones. National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse offers resources and tools for public education.

6. Continuous Training: Ensure all workers are up-to-date with the latest traffic management practices and safety protocols. National Highway Institute (NHI) offers courses and seminars on traffic management and safety.

By focusing on these areas, Highway Maintenance Workers can significantly contribute to the improvement of traffic management on highways.

How to Display Traffic Management Skills on Your Resume

4. Snow Plowing

Snow plowing is the process of removing snow and ice from roadways using specialized vehicles equipped with plow blades, aiming to ensure safe and accessible driving conditions.

Why It's Important

Snow plowing is crucial for maintaining road safety and accessibility, ensuring that highways remain open and safe for travel during winter conditions by removing snow and ice accumulations.

How to Improve Snow Plowing Skills

To enhance snow plowing efficiency as a Highway Maintenance Worker, consider the following strategies:

1. Pre-Treatment: Apply anti-icing chemicals before a snowfall to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement, making plowing more effective.
2. Equipment Maintenance: Regularly maintain and inspect snow plow equipment to ensure optimal performance during operations.
3. Training: Participate in training programs to stay updated on the latest snow plowing techniques and safety measures.
4. Route Optimization: Use GPS and route planning tools to identify and prioritize critical areas, optimizing plowing routes for efficiency.
5. Collaboration: Coordinate with local weather services and other agencies for real-time updates to adjust strategies as needed.

Implementing these strategies can significantly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of snow plowing operations.

How to Display Snow Plowing Skills on Your Resume

5. Sign Installation

Sign installation refers to the process of mounting and securing traffic signs along highways to guide, warn, and inform drivers, ensuring road safety and efficient traffic management. This task involves selecting appropriate locations, digging holes for signposts, and attaching signs at specified heights and angles, according to regulatory standards.

Why It's Important

Sign installation is crucial for a Highway Maintenance Worker as it ensures road safety by providing essential information and guidance to drivers, thereby preventing accidents and enhancing the overall flow of traffic.

How to Improve Sign Installation Skills

Improving sign installation for a Highway Maintenance Worker involves adhering to safety protocols, using the right tools, and staying updated with industry standards. Here's a concise guide:

1. Safety First: Prioritize safety by wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and following OSHA guidelines.

2. Use Proper Tools: Ensure you have the right tools for installation, such as post drivers and appropriate fasteners. Familiarize yourself with the tools by consulting resources like 3M Road Safety.

3. Follow MUTCD Standards: The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) sets the standards for sign installation. Stay updated by regularly reviewing the MUTCD guidelines.

4. Continuing Education: Engage in ongoing training opportunities to learn about new materials, techniques, and technologies in sign installation. Resources like the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) offer courses and certifications.

5. Regular Maintenance Checks: Conduct regular inspections of installed signs to ensure they are in good condition and properly positioned. This proactive approach can prevent future issues and ensure safety.

By focusing on these areas, Highway Maintenance Workers can enhance their sign installation processes, contributing to safer roadways for all users.

How to Display Sign Installation Skills on Your Resume

6. Landscaping Maintenance

Landscaping maintenance for a Highway Maintenance Worker involves the upkeep and care of roadside vegetation, including mowing grass, pruning trees and shrubs, removing weeds, and ensuring the natural areas adjacent to highways are healthy, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.

Why It's Important

Landscaping maintenance is crucial for a Highway Maintenance Worker because it ensures safety by keeping sight lines clear, prevents debris from obstructing the roadway, and promotes drainage to avoid water buildup on the road. It also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the highway, contributing to a positive driving experience.

How to Improve Landscaping Maintenance Skills

To enhance landscaping maintenance, especially for a Highway Maintenance Worker, focus on these concise strategies:

1. Regular Inspections: Routinely check for damage, litter, and signs of disease. Early detection ensures timely interventions (FHWA Maintenance).

2. Proper Plant Selection: Choose native or low-maintenance plants that are suited to the local climate and soil conditions. This reduces the need for water, pesticides, and fertilizers (USDA Plant Database).

3. Mulching: Apply mulch around trees and plants to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth (EPA Landscaping).

4. Efficient Irrigation: Implement drip irrigation systems for direct water delivery to the plant roots, minimizing water wastage (EPA WaterSense).

5. Regular Pruning: Trim trees and shrubs to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape them, promoting healthy growth and reducing hazards (ISA Pruning).

6. Litter Removal: Consistently clear trash to prevent it from clogging drainage systems and detracting from the landscape’s beauty (Keep America Beautiful).

7. Pest Management: Use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to control pests with minimal environmental impact (EPA IPM).

8. Sustainable Practices: Adopt sustainable landscaping practices, such as using permeable materials for pathways to reduce runoff and enhance groundwater recharge (Sustainable Landscapes).

By implementing these strategies, Highway Maintenance Workers can effectively maintain and improve landscaping along highways, ensuring safety, aesthetics, and environmental benefits.

How to Display Landscaping Maintenance Skills on Your Resume

7. Heavy Equipment Operation

Heavy Equipment Operation, in the context of a Highway Maintenance Worker, involves the skilled use of machinery such as bulldozers, graders, loaders, and backhoes to build, maintain, and repair roads and highways, including tasks like clearing debris, grading surfaces, and paving.

Why It's Important

Heavy equipment operation is crucial for a Highway Maintenance Worker as it enables the efficient execution of construction and repair tasks on roads and bridges, ensuring public safety and the smooth functioning of transportation infrastructure.

How to Improve Heavy Equipment Operation Skills

To enhance your skills in heavy equipment operation as a Highway Maintenance Worker, consider the following concise steps:

1. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest techniques and safety protocols. Online platforms like Coursera and edX offer courses on heavy machinery operation.

2. Safety Certification: Obtain certifications from recognized bodies such as OSHA for safety training specific to heavy equipment.

3. Hands-On Training: Engage in apprenticeships or practical training sessions. Organizations like the National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools (NAHETS) provide specialized training.

4. Use Simulation Tools: Practice with simulation tools to gain experience. Companies like Caterpillar offer realistic simulators for various types of heavy equipment.

5. Maintenance Knowledge: Understand the basic maintenance of your machinery. Resources like Heavy Equipment Maintenance Basics can be instrumental.

By following these steps and continuously improving your skills, you will enhance your efficiency and safety in operating heavy equipment for highway maintenance.

How to Display Heavy Equipment Operation Skills on Your Resume

8. Roadside Safety

Roadside safety refers to the measures and practices implemented to protect highway maintenance workers, drivers, and pedestrians from accidents and hazards along the roadside during maintenance and repair activities.

Why It's Important

Roadside safety is crucial for highway maintenance workers to prevent accidents, ensure the safety of both workers and road users, and minimize disruptions to traffic flow. It helps in creating a secure environment for maintenance activities, reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities.

How to Improve Roadside Safety Skills

Improving roadside safety, especially for highway maintenance workers, involves a multifaceted approach focused on awareness, engineering, and enforcement. Here are concise strategies:

1. Enhance Visibility: Use high-visibility clothing for workers and reflective signage for work zones. 3M Road Safety
2. Implement Barrier Systems: Deploy physical barriers or cones to create safe work zones. Traffic Safety Store
3. Driver Awareness Campaigns: Educate the public on the importance of slow and cautious driving in work zones through media and signage. National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse
4. Use Technology: Employ smart work zone technologies, such as variable message signs (VMS) and speed radar displays, to inform and calm traffic. Smart Work Zone Deployment Initiative
5. Training for Workers: Regular safety training sessions for workers on how to stay safe and handle emergencies. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
6. Enforcement: Stronger law enforcement presence in work zones, including the use of speed cameras to deter speeding. Governors Highway Safety Association

Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce risks for highway maintenance workers and improve overall roadside safety.

How to Display Roadside Safety Skills on Your Resume

9. Bridge Inspection

Bridge inspection is the process of systematically checking the condition of a bridge's components, such as its deck, supports, and structure, to ensure its safety and functionality. It involves identifying any defects or damages that require maintenance or repair to prevent failures and extend the bridge's lifespan.

Why It's Important

Bridge inspection is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of bridges, allowing for the early detection of potential issues and the timely maintenance or repair to prevent accidents and extend the bridge's lifespan. This helps in keeping the highways safe and operational for all users.

How to Improve Bridge Inspection Skills

Improving bridge inspection, especially for a Highway Maintenance Worker, involves adopting a systematic approach that integrates the latest technologies and best practices. Here are concise steps to enhance the process:

1. Utilize Drones and Robotics: Drones and robotic systems can access hard-to-reach areas, providing high-resolution images and data for thorough inspections. FAA Guidelines offer regulations on drone usage.

2. Incorporate Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Methods: Techniques like ultrasonic testing, ground-penetrating radar, and magnetic particle inspections help detect internal and surface-level defects without damaging the bridge. ASNT provides resources on NDT techniques.

3. Implement Bridge Inspection Software: Use specialized software for data management and analysis, which helps in planning maintenance and repairs more efficiently. FHWA Software Tools list available options.

4. Regular Training and Certification: Ensure inspectors are up-to-date with the latest inspection techniques, safety protocols, and certifications. FHWA Training and Education offers courses and resources.

5. Follow National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS): Adhere to the standards and guidelines set by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for consistent and comprehensive inspections. FHWA NBIS outlines these standards.

6. Adopt a Preventive Maintenance Approach: Focus on regular maintenance based on inspection findings to prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems. AASHTO Maintenance Manual for more on preventive strategies.

By integrating these steps, a Highway Maintenance Worker can significantly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of bridge inspections, ensuring the safety and longevity of infrastructure assets.

How to Display Bridge Inspection Skills on Your Resume

10. Drainage Systems

A drainage system in the context of highway maintenance involves the infrastructure designed to channel water off and away from road surfaces and foundations to prevent water accumulation and damage, ensuring safe and durable road conditions. This includes culverts, ditches, storm drains, and catch basins.

Why It's Important

Drainage systems are crucial for preventing water accumulation on roads, which can lead to surface damage, erosion, and hazardous conditions for vehicles, ensuring road safety and longevity.

How to Improve Drainage Systems Skills

Improving drainage systems, particularly for a Highway Maintenance Worker, involves a few key steps focused on maintenance, planning, and implementation of effective drainage solutions. Here's a concise guide:

1. Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of drainage systems to identify blockages, damage, or wear. FHWA Drainage Maintenance

2. Clear Debris: Remove debris, sediment, and vegetation that can obstruct water flow in ditches, culverts, and drains. This is crucial for preventing water accumulation on road surfaces. Debris Removal Guide

3. Install Adequate Infrastructure: Ensure that culverts, ditches, and stormwater drains are correctly sized and installed to handle the expected water flow, considering both current and future needs. Design of Highway Drainage Facilities

4. Use Permeable Materials: In areas prone to waterlogging, use permeable pavement materials to facilitate the absorption and drainage of rainwater. Permeable Pavements

5. Routine Maintenance: Regularly clean and repair culverts, drainage pipes, and catch basins to ensure optimal performance. This includes checking for and repairing any structural damage. Maintenance Guidelines

6. Implement Erosion Control: Use vegetation, riprap, or geotextiles around drainage pathways to reduce erosion and sedimentation, which can clog systems. Erosion Control Techniques

7. Educate and Enforce: Educate the public on the importance of keeping drains clear of litter and debris, and enforce regulations prohibiting the dumping of waste into drainage systems. Public Awareness Campaigns

By focusing on these areas, a Highway Maintenance Worker can significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of highway drainage systems, ensuring safer and more durable roadways.

How to Display Drainage Systems Skills on Your Resume

11. Pavement Marking

Pavement marking refers to the application of lines, symbols, and markers directly on road surfaces to guide and control traffic, enhance safety, and provide information to drivers.

Why It's Important

Pavement marking is crucial for maintaining road safety and order by guiding drivers on lane usage, road alignments, and traffic regulations, directly contributing to reducing accidents and ensuring smooth traffic flow.

How to Improve Pavement Marking Skills

Improving pavement marking as a Highway Maintenance Worker involves a combination of best practices, quality materials, and the right equipment. Here are concise steps:

1. Assessment: Regularly assess the visibility and condition of existing markings. Use guidelines from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to evaluate needs.

2. Cleaning: Ensure the pavement surface is clean and dry before application. This improves adhesion and longevity of markings.

3. Material Selection: Use high-quality, durable paint or thermoplastic materials that meet American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards for reflectivity and wear resistance.

4. Application: Follow manufacturer guidelines for application. Consider temperature and weather conditions. Use equipment calibrated for even distribution and correct thickness.

5. Reflectivity: Incorporate glass beads into markings for enhanced nighttime visibility. Follow the guidelines from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) on reflectivity standards.

6. Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance checks and reapplication cycles based on traffic volume and weather conditions to ensure markings remain visible and effective.

7. Innovation: Stay updated with new technologies and materials for pavement marking, such as durable tapes and preformed thermoplastic, through resources like the Transportation Research Board (TRB).

8. Safety Measures: Always follow safety protocols for traffic control and worker safety during application, as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

By adhering to these steps, you can significantly improve the quality and longevity of pavement markings, enhancing road safety for all users.

How to Display Pavement Marking Skills on Your Resume

12. Emergency Response

Emergency response for a Highway Maintenance Worker involves quickly reacting to and addressing urgent situations on roadways, such as accidents, hazardous spills, or severe weather damage, to ensure public safety and restore normal traffic flow.

Why It's Important

Emergency response is crucial for a Highway Maintenance Worker to swiftly address incidents, ensure public safety, and minimize traffic disruption, maintaining road integrity and functionality.

How to Improve Emergency Response Skills

To improve emergency response as a Highway Maintenance Worker, focus on the following strategies:

1. Training: Regularly update your skills in emergency response procedures, first aid, and the use of safety equipment. FEMA's Emergency Management Institute offers courses that can be beneficial.

2. Communication: Use reliable communication tools and protocols to ensure swift reporting and coordination during emergencies. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides a standardized approach.

3. Equipment: Ensure all emergency response equipment is readily available, well-maintained, and everyone is trained on its use. OSHA’s Guidelines can help determine what is necessary.

4. Planning: Develop and regularly update emergency response plans, including evacuation routes and safe zones. Ready.gov’s Plan Ahead for Disasters offers guidance.

5. Collaboration: Work closely with local emergency services, and participate in joint training exercises to improve coordination. The National Highway Institute’s Courses on incident management can improve collaboration skills.

Focusing on these areas can significantly enhance the effectiveness of emergency responses for Highway Maintenance Workers.

How to Display Emergency Response Skills on Your Resume