Road maintenance technicians inspect and manage roads in enclosed areas for maintenance and repair. They help to relieve traffic safely and smoothly, and check if traffic signs, roads and pavements are in good condition.
An associate’s degree in construction, civil engineering, or a related field is generally required to work as a road maintenance technician. However, it is also possible to enter in such role without formal educational credential, provided that you have some previous on-site or groundwork experience, or via an apprenticeship.
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
Road maintenance technician is a Skill level 3 occupation.
These occupations require some skills and knowledge of road maintenance technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of road maintenance technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.
This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of road maintenance technician.
Road signage standards: National and European regulations on the placement and properties of road signage, including size, height, reflectance and other important characteristics.
Traffic signs: The signals and road signs used in traffic, their meaning and what to do or not to do when you come across them.
Road traffic laws: Understand road traffic laws and the rules of the road.
Civil engineering: The engineering discipline that studies the design, construction and maintenance of naturally built works such as roads, buildings, and canals.
Traffic engineering: The subdiscipline of civil engineering that applies engineering methods to create safe and efficient traffic flows of people and goods on roadways, including sidewalks, traffic lights, and cycle facilities.
These skills are necessary for the role of road maintenance technician.
Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
Inspect construction sites: Ensure health and safety during the construction project by inspecting the construction site regularly. Identify risks of putting people in danger or of damaging construction equipment.
Inspect construction supplies: Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
Perform traffic sign maintenance: Install and secure road signs, and replace them if needed. Maintain traffic lights by resolving issues, replacing light bulbs and cleaning the glass covering. Control telematic systems for proper functioning.
Place temporary road signage: Place temporary traffic signs, lights and barriers to alert road users of activities on the road.
Secure working area: Secure the operation site fixing boundaries, restricting access, placing signs and taking other measures in order to guarantee public and staff safety.
Inspect paintwork: Inspect a painted surface, either one recently painted or an old layer. Watch for dents, cracks, flaking, air bubbles, mould and other issues.
Inspect asphalt: Inspect the placement of asphalt concrete ensuring that the specifications are met and no flows are present.
Interpret traffic signals: Observe lights on the road, road conditions, nearby traffic, and prescribed speed limits to ensure safety. Interpret traffic signals and act accordingly.
Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
Inspect road signs: Inspect road signs for signs of corrosion, outdated information, nicks and dents, legilibility and reflectance. Decide on the course of action when problems are found.
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of road maintenance technician. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Types of asphalt coverings: Different types of asphalt covering, based on their bitumen content and composition. The strengths, weaknesses, and price points of each type. Special properties such as porosity, resistance to skidding and noise characteristics.
Construction product regulation: Regulations on construction products quality standards applied throughout the European Union.
National road network: The national road transport network with its routes, restrictions, congestion areas, and regulations.
Asphalt mixes: The properties, advantages and disadvantages of asphalt mixes such as Marshall and Superpave mixes and the way they are best applied.
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of road maintenance technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Advise land owners of bridge inspection: Coordinate with land owners to decide on the necessity of inspection or repairs on a bridge. Educate the land owner about basic bridge health checks and bridge inspection services.
Carry out de-icing activities: Spread salt or other chemical products on the ice-covered surface in public spaces to ensure de-icing and safe usage of such spaces.
Estimate repair priority: Estimate the urgency of a certain repair or replacement, based on the severity of the defect, the importance of the damaged or worn element, any other planned repairs and the expected lifespan of the bridge.
Design customised maps: Design maps taking into account the customer’s specifications and requirements.
Advise on bridge replacement: Estimate the need for a bridge to be replaced and report to the responsible owner or institution.
Work in a construction team: Work as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible manner.
Regulate traffic: Regulate the flow of traffic by using assigned hand signals, assisting travellers on the road, and aiding people to cross the street.
Analyse road traffic patterns: Determine the most efficient road traffic patterns and peak times in order to increase schedule efficiency.
Use measurement instruments: Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
Monitor traffic flow: Monitor the traffic that passes by a certain point, like for instance a pedestrian crossing. Monitor the amount of vehicles, the speed at which they go by and the interval between the passing by of two successive cars.
Set up temporary construction site infrastructure: Set up a variety of temporary infrastructure used on building sites. Put up fences and signs. Set up any construction trailers and make sure that these are connected to electricity lines and water supply. Establish supplies stores and garbage disposal in a sensible manner.
Clear accident site: Remove large objects such as a damaged vehicles, clear debris and dispose of it in compliance with legislation, clean the place and remove temporary traffic signs.
Coordinate construction activities: Coordinate the activities of several construction workers or crews to make sure they do not interfere with each other and to ensure that the works are done in a timely manner. Keep up to date on the progress of the teams and update the schedule if called for.
