The Arkansas Department of Transportation oversees and administers the highways and public transportation system of the state of Arkansas. It administers more than 16,000 miles of state highways and more than 7,000 bridges across the state. The Arkansas highways department has its central headquarters in Little Rock, the state capital, and operates 10 district offices, 85 county maintenance centers, and 31 engineer offices across the state.
Overall, the Arkansas transportation department employs more than 3,500 people in a variety of capacities. The department of transportation (DOT) offers a wide range of jobs and career opportunities for people of varying educational and work backgrounds. These positions range from laborers, truck drivers and equipment operators to inspectors and engineers. Consider the following suggestions to help adhere to Arkansas Department Of Transportation education and training guidelines:
1. Learn basic skills for Arkansas DOT laborer jobs.
2. Supervise a crew after continuing your education.
3. Become an inspector.
Get the appropriate Arkansas DOT license for laborer jobs
Laborers must be able to work with hand tools and small power equipment, while truck drivers must have a sufficient knowledge of English to understand highway traffic signs and signals. Truck drivers must have a Class A Commercial Driver's License with a tanker endorsement, obtained through a department of motor vehicles (DMV). The Arkansas DMV is within the state's Department of Finance and Administration.
Consider furthering education for certain Arkansas DOT jobs
Crew leaders in the Arkansas DOT supervise highway and bridge construction and maintenance crews. Arkansas Department of Transportation education and training requirements for crew leaders include the equivalent of a high school diploma, as well as knowledge of department construction and maintenance procedures. They also must have a commercial driver's license. The Arkansas Highway Transportation Department has a number of opportunities available for engineering professionals. Opportunities include positions for civil engineers who hold a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. All engineer positions with the Arkansas transportation dept. require a license from the state of Arkansas as a professional engineer.
Arkansas State University College of Engineering.
Work with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Arkansas DOT and private companies as an inspector
Inspectors work closely with engineers to see that the Arkansas highway transportation system's bridges are properly inspected to ensure their safety. The inspectors check all public bridges in accordance with National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). Bridge inspectors direct inspection teams, record all necessary measurements and coordinate all aspects of NBIS inspections. Bridge inspectors must have the equivalent of a high school diploma, at least five years of bridge inspection experience, and successful completion of a bridge inspection training course. A commercial driver's license is required, as well.
National Highway Institute has information on bridge inspection training courses, which bridge inspectors in the Arkansas DOT must complete. The
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration has guidelines for continuing education and on the job training for inspectors.
- The Arkansas Highway Transportation Dept provides printed materials full of information needed to secure certain Arkansas DOT licenses. These are available from any Arkansas State Police office or Department of Finance Administration office.
