You are interested in becoming a Maintenance Worker huh? If you read the duty statement it tells you what we do, but does it really? The office people really know how to write a description with no real experience. Ok I am going to break down the duty statement to give you an idea of the tasks we do.
10-32 is a radio code for dead animals on the roadway and yes, we pick up everything you can think of dead on the highway. If your uncomfortable with this then good luck because guess what, I don't wana pick up that thing either. Once you got it loaded in your vehicle then it's off to the pound. Sorry wanted to start out with the grossest part of the job, now with that out of the way now to the normal duties.
Asphalt repair and crack sealing will be something you do typically during the summer and your shift could be in the day or night depending on your yard location. Its messy, smells bad, and you're going to be hot doing it. The machines required to do these tasks use "hazardous or dangerous" materials that aren't really that bad but don't stand in the smoke too long. If you have never done crack sealing or gap patch (asphalt repair) don't worry because your co-workers will show you how to do it, somewhat. Crack sealing is simply covering cracks in the highway with a glue-like tar which is fairly simple to do. Gap patching is filling in large potholes that a crack sealing job can't fix with a rock/sand mixed with a glue type of material. Gap patching will ruin your boots so wear old ones.
Sign and guardrail installation/repair is something you will be doing often throughout your career at Caltrans. Sign repair is the main thing you will be doing since there is a fence and guardrail crew. When some idiot driver takes out that stop sign or exit sign, we have to fix it. Sign repairs include fixing the actual sign, pole/metal, and the base with concrete. These can be pretty easy unless your base is messed up then you have to dig it out and pour concrete. You'll be using basic tools such as a band saw, impact driver, and a concrete mixer.
Brush and small tree removal is something you're going to be doing year-round. You will be using chainsaws, weed eaters, hedgers, pole saws and chippers. If you don't have much experience with some of these items, you we will be trained. These tasks usually involve working with other crews which can be great to meet other yards and get information on other job opportunities.
Traffic control duties include lane closures, shoulder closers, flagging operations, and emergency closures. Closures are one of the major things a Maintenance Worker does for daily operations. When working in an area more than 20 minutes you are required to put up one of the closures mentioned previously. If you read my other blogs, I mention Chapter 8 and this explains the types of closures we do in detail. Chances are your training will be just jumping in the truck and listening to the senior maintenance worker. Most maintenance workers who have worked in this position for at least a year will have no problem explaining the ins and outs of closures. Closing this out I want to mention emergency closures. If there is an accident that is your area that requires assistance from Caltrans, you will be putting out an emergency closure. Most of the rules that apply to closures are out the window and you will adjust on the fly.
Chain control is briefly mentioned in the duty statement, and this is during the snow season. Typically, you can volunteer for snow duty, or you can be mandated if there are not enough people going. You will be assigned a snow yard to report to and travel time is compensated on your first and last day. You get to stay at either a hotel or at the dorms available. Your shift will be days or nights which are typically 10/12 hours. Then once your set up you get a buddy to work a chain station where you check to see if people have the correct chain set up. It's pretty laid back but you're freezing your butt off sometimes. Once you're up in the snow you won't come back down until it stops snowing. The pays great but your away from home for an extended period of time. So make sure you pack accordingly! Oh, also while you're up there breakfast, lunch, and dinner are covered!
When working you will always be with someone so you will be getting to know your coworkers fairly well. Once you have your morning meeting and understand the job for the day your out on the road with a fair amount of freedom, as long as you get your task done. Overall, it's pretty laid back other than working on a busy freeway. If you like doing something different every day and working outside, then you will enjoy this position.
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