17 Highway Maintenance Worker Interview Questions and Answers

Highway maintenance workers are responsible for the upkeep of our nation’s roadways. This includes everything from filling potholes and repairing broken traffic lights to clearing debris and repairing bridges. If you’re looking for a career that’s always changing and challenging, then a job as a highway maintenance worker may be perfect for you.

Before you can start working on the nation’s highways, you’ll need to go through a job interview. One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to know what questions to expect. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of common highway maintenance worker interview questions and answers. We’ve also included tips on how to dress and what to bring to the interview.

Are you comfortable working with heavy machinery?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with heavy machinery and how comfortable you are operating it. You may also be asked about your safety practices when using heavy machinery, so make sure to highlight any training or certifications you have that support your answer.

Example: “Yes, I am very comfortable working with heavy machinery. In my last position, I was responsible for maintaining all of our heavy machinery, including front-end loaders, dump trucks and backhoes. I completed a certification program through the National Heavy Equipment Training Association where I learned proper maintenance techniques for these machines. This helped me develop safe work habits while operating them.”

What are some of the most important skills you have for this job?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills they’re looking for in a candidate. They also want to know if your skills match their job listing. Before your interview, read through the job description and highlight any skills that are important for the position. Make note of these skills and explain how you possess them.

Example: “The most important skill I have for this job is my attention to detail. As a highway maintenance worker, it’s essential to keep an eye out for potholes or other road damage. If I see something that needs repair, I can report it to my supervisor so they can fix it. Another important skill is communication. When working with a team, it’s important to be able to communicate effectively. This allows me to work well with others and get feedback on my work.”

How would you handle a situation where you disagreed with a supervisor about how to complete a task?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ability to work with others and collaborate on projects. Use your answer to show that you can respectfully disagree with a supervisor while still completing the task they assign you.

Example: “If I disagreed with my supervisor, I would first try to explain why I think my approach is better than theirs. If they are still not convinced, I would offer to complete the task using both methods so we could compare the results. This way, we can see which method works best for the project.”

What is your experience with using asphalt?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with asphalt and how you use it. You can answer this question by describing a time when you used asphalt to complete a project or repair work on a road.

Example: “I have worked with asphalt before, but I’ve mostly focused on concrete. However, I did recently apply an overlay of asphalt to a section of a highway that was in need of repairs. The area had potholes and cracks, so I first patched those areas using hot asphalt. Then, I applied a layer of cold asphalt over the top of the hot asphalt to create a smooth surface.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or client.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know how you would handle a situation where someone was upset or angry with you. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm and professional in these situations. Try to focus on the steps you take to diffuse the situation and make sure the person feels heard.

Example: “In my previous position as a highway maintenance worker, I had a client who called me several times per week with questions about our services. He often became frustrated when I couldn’t give him an exact time frame for when we would be at his property. After talking with him about it, I realized he just wanted reassurance that we were working hard to get to his home as soon as possible. So, I started telling him exactly what we were doing each day so he could see progress. This helped him feel better and made him less likely to call me.”

If you saw another employee engaging in behavior that could be dangerous, what would you do?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to keep your coworkers safe. They want to know that you would speak up if you saw a coworker doing something unsafe, and they also want to know how you would handle it. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure your coworker was aware of their behavior and how you would prevent any accidents from happening.

Example: “If I saw another employee engaging in dangerous behavior, I would first approach them privately to let them know about my concerns. If they didn’t change their behavior after our conversation, I would report it to my supervisor so they could address the issue. I believe it’s important for everyone to feel comfortable speaking up when they see someone else engaging in potentially dangerous behavior.”

What would you do if you noticed a pothole on the road but your partner’s equipment was broken and they couldn’t help you fix it?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. You can use it to show the interviewer that you are able to work independently and solve problems on your own.

Example: “If I noticed a pothole but my partner’s equipment was broken, I would first make sure that no cars were coming before I filled in the hole with sand or gravel. Then, I would call for backup from another crew so we could fix the pothole properly once my partner’s equipment was fixed.”

How well do you communicate with other workers on your team?

Highway maintenance workers often work in teams, so employers ask this question to make sure you can communicate with your coworkers. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific time when you had to collaborate with other people on a project.

Example: “I have always been good at communicating with my teammates and coworkers. In my last position, I worked as part of a team that was responsible for maintaining the state’s highways. We would meet every week to discuss our progress and any issues we were having. This helped us stay organized and productive throughout the week.”

Do you have a driver’s license?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary transportation to get to and from work. They also want to know if you can drive large vehicles, such as dump trucks or front-end loaders. If you do not have a driver’s license, explain why and what your alternative is for getting to work on time.

Example: “I do have a driver’s license, but I prefer public transportation because it helps me avoid traffic jams. It also allows me to read while commuting, which helps me relax before starting my shift. However, I am willing to learn how to drive large vehicles if needed.”

When is it appropriate to take a break?

Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of safety and how it relates to your job. They want to know that you will take breaks when needed, but also that you can prioritize your work so you don’t need a break as often. In your answer, explain why taking breaks is important and give an example of when you took a break during a previous shift.

Example: “Taking regular breaks is essential for maintaining safety on the road. I always try to wait until my crew has finished their current task before taking a break because I like to keep everyone together. However, if I’m working alone or with one other person, I’ll take a break after every two hours of work. If I’m working with a larger group, I’ll take a break after every hour.”

We want to ensure our roads are safe for all motorists. What would you do if you noticed a crack in the pavement?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you would apply your skills and knowledge to ensure the safety of drivers. Use examples from previous experience in which you noticed a crack or other road defect, reported it and helped repair it.

Example: “If I saw a crack in the pavement, I would report it immediately so that my team could address it before any accidents occurred. In my last position, I noticed a small crack in the pavement while driving on the highway. I pulled over and called my supervisor to let them know about the issue. They sent someone out to fix it right away.”

Describe your process for completing a task on your work list.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize your work and complete tasks efficiently. Use examples from previous jobs to describe a time when you had multiple projects or assignments to complete in one day, week or month.

Example: “I always start with my most important task for the day. In my last position, I would check my email first thing in the morning to see if there were any urgent issues that needed immediate attention. If not, I would then review my daily work list to determine which project was due first. After checking my supplies, I would begin working on the project until it was completed. Then, I would move onto the next task on my list.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this job?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that qualify you for this role. Consider including any certifications or training you have as well as previous work experience.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate for this position because I have five years of highway maintenance experience. In my last job, I worked with a small crew to maintain roads in a city. We used specialized equipment to repair potholes and clear debris from the roadways. I also have certification in repairing asphalt and concrete.”

Which industries have you worked in previously?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your experience and how it relates to the position you’re applying for. When answering, be sure to mention any relevant skills or knowledge that will help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I’ve worked as a highway maintenance worker for five years now, but before that I was an auto mechanic for two years. Both of these positions have helped me develop my problem-solving skills and taught me how to use tools like power drills and wrenches. In both roles, I also learned how to work with others and communicate effectively.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of safety on the job?

Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of safety on the job. They want to know that you will take all necessary precautions when working in a potentially dangerous environment. In your answer, explain what you think is most important about workplace safety and how you would implement it into your daily tasks.

Example: “Safety is definitely one of the most important aspects of any job. I believe that by being safe, we can avoid accidents and injuries. On my last job, I always made sure to wear appropriate safety equipment while performing my duties. For example, I wore steel-toed boots whenever I was operating heavy machinery or driving a truck. This helped me stay safe from injury.”

How often do you perform maintenance on your equipment?

This question can help the interviewer determine how much experience you have with maintaining your own equipment. It can also show them that you are willing to take care of your tools and machines, which can be important for a job like this one. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific steps you take when performing maintenance on your equipment.

Example: “I perform regular maintenance checks on my equipment at least once per week. I start by checking all the tires for air pressure and making sure they’re properly inflated. Then, I check the oil levels and make sure there’s enough in each tire. After that, I inspect the brakes and ensure they’re working correctly. Finally, I clean off any debris from the equipment.”

There is a pothole on the road but you don’t have the materials to fill it. What do you do?

This question is a test of your problem-solving skills. It’s important to show that you can think on your feet and come up with solutions quickly. In your answer, explain how you would assess the situation and find a solution.

Example: “If I didn’t have the materials to fill the pothole, I would first call my supervisor for permission to use other materials to fill it in temporarily. If they said yes, I would then ask if there was any way I could get the materials needed to fix the pothole by the end of the day. If not, I would make sure to mark the location so that we could return to it later.”