Transportation Maintainer 3 (Skilled Tree Climber)

Transportation Maintainer 3 (Skilled Tree Climber)

Recruitment #260729-2347FM-001

Location Vernon, CT

Date Opened 7/30/2026 12:00:00 AM Salary $66,690 - $85,996/year Job Type Open to Agency Employees Close Date 8/10/2026 11:59:00 PM

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Introduction

Are you a current Department of Transportation (CTDOT) employee looking to advance your career within the agency?

Do you want to continue to help make commuting and traveling throughout CT safe?

If so, read below & apply today!

The State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) invites its eligible agency employees to apply for the position of Transportation Maintainer 3 (Skilled Tree Climber) within the Bureau of Highway Operations at the Vernon Maintenance Garage.

CONTINUE TO ENJOY

• Our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
• Working for an award winning agency! CTDOT was recently awarded the Employer of the Year award by the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE) and named the Womens Transportation Seminar (WTS) CT Employer of the Year for 2024!

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Monday - Friday.
• Full Time, 40 hours per week.
• First Shift, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Location: Vernon Maintenance Garage, Vernon, CT
• Office/On-Site

THE ROLE

The purpose of this position is to perform tree and roadside maintenance to ensure safety and clear travel zone within the District 1 area. Responsibilities include:

• Removing hazardous trees
• Trimming limbs and brush for visibility
• Assessing tree hazards
• Operating equipment such as chainsaws, bucket trucks, and climbing gear

The role also supports snow and ice removal, storm cleanup, pothole patching, guardrail repairs, and may respond to traffic incidents.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class are required to possess and maintain a current CDL Class A or B with tank endorsement, as well as a valid Medical Examiner's Card (MEC).

• Incumbents in this class must be willing to accept assignment to emergency duties, including snow and ice removal, whenever his or her services are needed; to include mandatory winter overtime from November 1 through April 30. Various storm events will require employees to stay at work for the duration of the storm, which at times could be up to a period of several days, including holidays and weekends.

• Incumbents in this class will be required to have 30-mile residency from the posted job location.

• Prior to being eligible for interview and the skill evaluation practicum, applicants must be certified through the Department in aerial bucket truck operation and fall protection, which includes the use of a safety harness and trauma strap.

• Eligible candidates must complete an interview before participating in the skill evaluation practicum. The Agency will conduct a practicum, in accordance with Department of Transportation Administrative Guidelines, to assess whether applicants possess the necessary skills for the position. The practicum is part of the interview process.

• View the Tree Climber Maintainer Practicum Study Guide.

• Candidates invited to interview must bring a completed Employment of Relatives Form, an Acknowledgement of Ethics Receipt, a valid CDL Class A or B with tank endorsement, and a valid Medical Examiner's Card (MEC).

ABOUT US

As one of Connecticut's largest State agencies, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) employs roughly 3,300 individuals across five bureaus. CTDOT is guided by its mission to improve lives through transportation. Our infrastructure and transit systems are essential to the safety and mobility of Connecticut residents, and our work strengthens both economic and community development. CTDOT is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, and individuals with broad-ranging backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply.

Learn more about our mission, vision, and values by clicking here.

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee of the agency listed above for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

• Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates-such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links-please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select "Update My Contact Information."
• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
• This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.

QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Sharon McIntosh, at Sharon.McIntosh@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Transportation and the Connecticut Airport Authority this class is accountable for performing a variety of skilled tasks at less than the journeyperson level in the construction, maintenance and repair of state roadsides, roadways, bridges, airports and other departmental facilities; operates and maintains the more complex mechanical equipment; works as a skilled mechanic at less than the journeyperson level in the repair of mechanical equipment.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The following is a listing of examples of trucks, equipment, tasks or related duties, the operating, maintaining or performing of which are considered to be the responsibilities and duties of positions in this class:

TRUCKS:

• Elevation platform;
• Line marking machine (Ten (10) wheel, barrel type).

EQUIPMENT:

• Concrete saws;
• Core drills;
• 12-22 foot flail mower (tractor);
• Four (4) wheel drive airport snow fighter;
• Front end loaders;
• Hand operated pavement marking machine;
• Mechanical catch basin cleaning;
• Power Driven Rollers;
• Power pickup sweepers;
• Shotcrete, gunite machines;
• Tilt Bed Trailers;
• Post Pounder (driver only);
• Vactor (driver only);
• Track-mounted skid steer with various attachments including but not limited to:
• Standard bucket;
• Grapple bucket;
• Mower;
• Snow blower;
• Sweeper;
• Dozer blade.

DUTIES:

• Drainage pipe setting;

• Driver of wing truck with plows attached during snow and ice truck operations;

• Performing skilled tasks in one or more of the following areas or trades:

• Construction;

• Maintenance;

• Mechanical repair;

• Electrical;

• Carpentry;

• Masonry;

• Welding;

• Automotive and heavy equipment mechanical repair;

• Plumbing;

• Painting;

• Test boring;

• Skilled tree climber;

• Inspector of VIP projects;

• District Office Radio Operator (backup);

• Service patrol;

• Sign erector (general);

• Pothole patcher operator;

• May supervise a materials management stockroom;

• In addition to other duties, may assist a Transportation Maintenance Manager in preparing and checking reports;

• Wildlife hazard control;

• Radio monitoring and communication;

• Escort vendors, contractors, etc. in secure areas (state owned airports only);

• In addition to other duties incumbents in this class may be required to receive training in, stand by for and respond to fire and/or crash emergency situations at state-owned airports;

• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable knowledge of construction, maintenance and repair techniques of roadsides, roadways, bridges or airports;
• Knowledge of processes and materials used in construction and maintenance trades;
• Oral and written communication skills;
• Considerable ability to use and make ordinary repairs to more complex mechanical equipment;
• Ability to
• operate equipment as listed on attached Addendum;
• keep shop records and prepare reports;
• use, set up and maintain ordinary bench and other shop machine tools and equipment;
• understand and follow written and oral instructions;
• utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of experience in the construction, landscaping, commercial driving, snow plowing, maintenance and repair of roadsides, roadways, bridges or airports, in work involving the operation and care of mechanical equipment, or in work in one of the recognized maintenance trades.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

Graduation from a vocational or technical school with a diploma designating completion of the subject requirements in one of the maintenance trades may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience performing tree-related maintenance
• Experience climbing trees using ropes, harnesses, and other climbing equipment
• Experience identifying tree species and assessing tree hazards

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain appropriate current licenses, permits and/or certifications.
• Incumbents in this class must be willing to accept assignment to emergency duties, including snow and ice removal, whenever their services are required.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

At state airports: In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness in order to perform the duties of the class.
• A physical examination will be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Incumbents in this class are exposed to extremes of weather conditions, to frequent lifting of heavy weights, to highly dangerous road and traffic conditions, including exposure to heights when working on bridges, to poison ivy, insect bites and allergy irritants during summer months, and to loud and potentially dangerous machinery.
• The appointing authority may require completion of an asbestos removal program consistent with EPA guidelines for operations and maintenance during employment in this class. Incumbents may be required to use protective equipment such as respirators and safety goggles.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online