State Agencies Host Information Fair for Veterans

Learn the Duties and Responsibilities of the Highway Maintainer
Learn the Process in Applying for the IDOT Highway Maintainer Position
Get Resources for Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – Class A

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) along with other state government agencies and organizations are teaming up to make Illinois veterans aware of well-paying job opportunities as Highway Maintainers. The state is hosting an Information Fair in the Chicago area on July 14, at Montford Point Marines Center, 7011 S. Vincennes in Chicago. The fair is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

“We all know how hard our veterans have worked to keep our way of life safe and to keep our homeland protected,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “We want to make Veterans aware of good-paying job opportunities right here at home, by keeping our roads clear and safe for the motoring public.”

“The state of Illinois is a leader in providing job opportunities for veterans who have faithfully and courageously served our nation,” said Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Dan Grant. “We commend our colleagues at IDOT for joining the many agencies and institutions that are committed to supporting the employment needs of Illinois Veterans.”

The starting salary for Highway Maintainers is $4,062 per month. Applications should be submitted to the state's hiring agency, the Department of Central Management Services (CMS), where applicants will also need to complete the Highway Maintainer Test. Veteran’s preference does apply to the highway maintainer position.

The main requirement for Highway Maintainer jobs and to take the test is possession of an Illinois Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License, with an endorsement “N” (tankers) or “X” (tankers with hazardous materials) and non-restricted air-brakes. Also required is a one year driving experience free of incidents which could result in license suspension or revocation.

Among other duties, highway maintainers work out of IDOT maintenance yards and are required to drive and operate heavy duty maintenance trucks, plows and salt spreaders, tractors, mowers, pavement marking equipment and other heavy equipment, and to perform arduous manual labor. They are responsible for cleaning and clearing right-of-ways along IDOT highways and roads; and for patching and repairing roads and bridges as needed.

Information about the application and testing process will be available at the information fairs. Employment applications are available online at: www.cms.illinois.gov, and in person at the James R. Thompson Center at 100 W. Randolph, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60601. Information may also be obtained by phone at 312-793-3565.