Highway Debris Removal Technician

Position Summary 

The Highway Debris Removal Technician (Highway Maintenance Technician) supports the safety, appearance, and operational readiness of the Florida Turnpike system by identifying and removing roadway debris from roadways, highway rights-of-way, shoulders, ramps, bridges, and other transportation corridors. This position is responsible for patrolling assigned routes, removing large debris and hazards, performing routine inspections, documenting work performed, and communicating roadway concerns to project leadership.

The role serves as a critical support function for roadway maintenance operations by ensuring mowing and maintenance crews can work safely without encountering debris that could damage equipment or create hazards for employees and motorists. Typical debris removed includes tires, vehicle parts, furniture, televisions, boxes, tree limbs, cargo materials, and other large objects that have fallen from vehicles or accumulated along the roadway.

This position operates independently for much of the workday and requires sound judgment, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safety. Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and includes participation in a mandatory on-call rotation to support emergency traffic control operations associated with roadway incidents and accidents.

Training and certification opportunities are provided, including Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) certification. Team members gain valuable roadway maintenance and traffic control experience while helping keep Florida's highways safe, clean, and operational. This role reports to the Ocoee, FL office.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Maintain a strong safety-first mindset in all tasks, following company, client, and regulatory safety requirements to protect yourself, fellow employees, and the traveling public.
• Patrol assigned highway corridors, ramps, shoulders, rights-of-way, bridges, and interchanges to identify and remove roadway debris and hazards.
• Remove large debris items such as tires, vehicle parts, cargo materials, furniture, appliances, televisions, tree limbs, boxes, and other objects that may pose a safety risk or interfere with maintenance operations.
• Conduct routine visual inspections of assigned roadway segments and report safety concerns, damaged infrastructure, hazardous conditions, or maintenance needs to project leadership.
• Load, transport, and properly dispose of collected debris in accordance with company procedures and environmental requirements.
• Operate company pickup trucks and related equipment safely and responsibly while complying with all traffic laws and company policies.
• Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and promptly report maintenance concerns or equipment deficiencies.
• Accurately document daily work activities, debris removal quantities, inspections, incidents, and assigned work orders using manual and electronic reporting systems.
• Maintain assigned vehicles, tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean and serviceable condition.
• Assist with traffic control activities and roadway maintenance support functions as assigned.
• Participate in a mandatory on-call rotation, typically one week per month.
• Respond to after-hours roadway emergencies, vehicle accidents, storm events, and other incidents requiring temporary traffic control or lane closure support.
• Work alongside law enforcement, fire rescue personnel, towing operators, and other first responders to establish and maintain safe traffic patterns around emergency scenes.
• Set up, maintain, monitor, and remove Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) devices, lane closures, merges, and traffic control zones in accordance with approved traffic control plans and applicable standards.
• Obtain and maintain required Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) certifications within company-established timelines. Training and certification costs are provided by the company.
• Work overtime, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs as operational needs require.
• Perform other duties as assigned by project leadership.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• May perform general landscaping and groundskeeping functions such as weed eating, edging, blowing, etc. along roadways or waterways.
• May aid in the installation or repair of fences, property boundaries, guardrail, attenuators, or other diving components.
• May perform tree trimming/pruning and tree felling, with the use of ladders, chain saws, and chippers when necessary.
• May clean/remove debris or overgrowth from ditches, drains, sewage grates, and stormwater systems.
• May repair or install roadway signage at ground or elevated levels.
• May repair or pour damaged concrete, depressed asphalt, or surface cracks to include sidewalks, curbs, ditches/gutters, or roadways.
• May pressure wash or paint surfaces for beautification or buildup or graffiti removal.
  
  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

Knowledge

• Basic understanding of safe work practices in roadway, construction, landscaping, maintenance, or outdoor or field related work environments.
• Awareness of hazards associated with working near moving traffic and operating vehicles along active roadways.
• Familiarity with safe vehicle operation, basic equipment inspections, and hazard recognition.
• Understanding of the importance of maintaining clean and safe roadway corridors for motorists and maintenance personnel.
• Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) knowledge is preferred but not required; training will be provided.

Skills

• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify roadway hazards quickly and accurately.
• Effective verbal communication skills and ability to work professionally with coworkers, supervisors, law enforcement, and emergency responders.
• Ability to use smartphones, tablets, GPS systems, and electronic reporting applications.
• Ability to safely operate company vehicles and follow established procedures.

Abilities

• Work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining productivity and safety standards.
• Lift up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally move heavier objects with proper equipment or assistance.
• Frequently bend, kneel, walk, climb in and out of vehicles, and work on uneven terrain adjacent to active traffic.
• Work outdoors in heat, humidity, rain, wind, dust, noise, and varying weather conditions.
• Remain available and able to respond during assigned on-call rotations, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.
• Adapt to changing priorities and respond effectively during emergencies and roadway incidents.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:  

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 23 years old (per company insurance requirements).
• Must possess an active and valid Florida driver's license with no restrictions and be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review and maintain insurability under company policy.
• Ability to safely operate pickup trucks and work around active traffic environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) certification within company-established timelines.
• Basic reading, writing, math, and recordkeeping skills.
• Must be willing and able to participate in a mandatory on-call rotation and respond to after-hours emergencies as required.
• Compliance with the company's Drug and Alcohol Policy, including pre-employment and random testing requirements.
• Ability to pass a background check and job-related physical, if required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in roadway maintenance, traffic control, construction, landscaping, public works, transportation, towing, utility operations, or a related field.
• Previous experience working around highways, roadway incidents, or emergency response environments.
• Current Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) or Flagger certification.