Every day, in the rush of a morning commute, thousands of people utilize more than 2,800 miles of county roads to get where they need to be. Understandably, the work that goes into building and maintaining those roads may go unnoticed, as the destination — getting safely to work or the kids safely to school — is a top priority.

However, to Breanne Molinar, who’s helped improve and care for many roads, first as a seasonal worker with the Weld County Department of Public Works and now as a full-time employee in its mining division, county roads are much more than a connecting point. They’re points of pride.

“I get to go by a road and tell my kids, ‘I helped build that,’” Molinar said, smiling as she explained how she’s grown in her career since first joining Public Works as a seasonal employee in February of 2021. “I had the opportunity to learn a lot of new things, and I love to learn.”

That ambition, combined with a strong work ethic, helped her quickly progress. She first started as a seasonal flagger on the road and bridge crew, gradually gained experience operating different types of equipment, and eventually earned a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). In November of 2021, she was hired as a full-time employee, and today she can be found working in the county’s gravel mines as a heavy equipment operator.

Success stories like Molinar’s are possible every year. When Public Works begins its construction season, it also opens many seasonal positions. Currently, the department has several seasonal openings for flaggers/laborers and equipment operators/drivers with a Class A or B CDL to assist with various road projects. In mid-April, there will also be openings for mower operators to help combat noxious weed growth in Weld County.

While seasonal work does not necessarily always guarantee a full-time position, Curtis Hall, Director of the Weld County Department of Public Works, said each position — which typically lasts between eight to 10 months — offers both personal and professional growth.

“If you’re a hard worker, these positions allow an opportunity to get some experience and strengthen a skillset,” said Hall, reflecting on his career, which began more than 25 years ago as a seasonal employee. “Depending on the position, seasonal workers may also work on several different projects, allowing them to see different parts of Weld County and the work we do.

“What’s also unique is the chance to positively impact roads, bridges and the transportation infrastructure we all use,” Hall said. "Chances are, our crews have friends and family who use our roads. It creates a personal connection.”

Seasonal employees can also expect a stable schedule with work totaling, or close to, 40 hours per week, with some opportunities to work overtime available. County benefits, including medical, dental and vision, are available to seasonal employees working more than 30 hours per week.

New seasonal workers can also expect a team atmosphere. The welcoming attitudes of coworkers were noticed by Wayland Daniel when he first joined the county as a seasonal employee in 2001, and it’s an atmosphere he continues to foster in his full-time role as a foreman in Public Works’ road and bridge division. It's also what he said new seasonal employees can look forward to when they join the team.

“Everyone here is willing to help you learn,” Daniel said. “As long as you’re willing to learn, everyone is going to help you succeed.”

In that statement, it becomes clear that experience is not necessary to succeed in seasonal work, as training is available for many positions. Daniel didn’t have experience when he accepted a seasonal role, but with hard work, he saw his opportunities grow from manual labor to running equipment to overseeing projects as a full-time employee.

It’s difficult to pinpoint what Molinar and Daniel have enjoyed most about their time as seasonal and now full-time employees. There are memories about various road projects, stories about operating equipment and examples of teamwork. It’s through this discussion that the word opportunity stands out. Seasonal work presents an opportunity for those looking to gain useful experience and make a difference.

And it’s one not to let pass by.

For anyone looking for work or looking to fill an open position, Employment Services of Weld County (ESWC) is a great local resource to help with both of those tasks. In the next issue of County Roots, we'll highlight the impact of ESWC through the assistance it provides.