VLR Workshop

Topics that will be covered:

• Proper flagging techniques with safety as the top priority
• Proper use of cones, signals, barricades, attire, and flaggers
• Parts of the typical work zone and how to deal with common problems
• Participants will plan a work zone set-up after discussing a scenario pertinent to the workshop site

Instructor: Todd Eaton is the Vermont Local Roads Branch Manager. He has over 20 years of experience in various disciplines of construction, including 10 years in heavy highway construction supervision, inspection, and design of maintenance projects and traffic safety plans. Safety inspection and compliance have always been the focus and expectation throughout Todd’s career. He also holds several professional certifications, including the Northeast Transportation Technician Certification Program (NETTCP), the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Roads Scholar Category - 4 Safety hours

REGISTER via VLR Website
REGISTER via LMS

This class is designed for anyone in the Highway Department Directors, Foreman, Operators, and Laborers, it is an interactive, engaging, and comprehensive maintenance class covering the following:

• Importance of Drainage
• Importance of Aggregate Selection
• Compaction of base course materials (Paved and Unpaved)
• The need for dust control and soil stabilization
• The importance of installing culverts and cross pipes properly
• Good Cross Sections and proper alignment
• How to make pavements last longer
• And much more.

Instructor: Paul Brown is the owner and president of Roadtech Inc, a training and consulting company focused on highway-related issues. Paul has over 40 years in the road and winter maintenance operations, pavement preservation, and pavement management industry.  Paul comes most recently from Massachusetts DOT; as the Director of Snow and Ice Operations/ Roadside Engineer. He has extensive knowledge of Public Works Operations and Road Maintenance Techniques and has shared his knowledge across the country by working with Municipal and State agencies as a consultant. He has served on many national committees and peer exchanges to assist the industry in improving methods and techniques.  

The techniques discussed will give them the firm foundation to move on to more advanced programs in road maintenance.  Roads are constructed from the bottom up and it is important to see the relationship between the several components for long-term success in building and maintaining highways in rural America.

The class objectives are to provide proper techniques to highway personnel to make better use of Equipment, Time, and Materials. Each student should leave the class understanding the importance of proper drainage, compaction, and aggregate selection for both paved and unpaved roads.

Roads Scholar Category - 6 Technical hours

REGISTER via VLR Website
REGISTER via LMS

This class is designed for anyone in the Highway Department Directors, Foreman, Operators, and Laborers, it is an interactive, engaging, and comprehensive maintenance class covering the following:

• Importance of Drainage
• Importance of Aggregate Selection
• Compaction of base course materials (Paved and Unpaved)
• The need for dust control and soil stabilization
• The importance of installing culverts and cross pipes properly
• Good Cross Sections and proper alignment
• How to make pavements last longer
• And much more.

Instructor: Paul Brown is the owner and president of Roadtech Inc, a training and consulting company focused on highway-related issues. Paul has over 40 years in the road and winter maintenance operations, pavement preservation, and pavement management industry.  Paul comes most recently from Massachusetts DOT; as the Director of Snow and Ice Operations/ Roadside Engineer. He has extensive knowledge of Public Works Operations and Road Maintenance Techniques and has shared his knowledge across the country by working with Municipal and State agencies as a consultant. He has served on many national committees and peer exchanges to assist the industry in improving methods and techniques.  

The techniques discussed will give them the firm foundation to move on to more advanced programs in road maintenance.  Roads are constructed from the bottom up and it is important to see the relationship between the several components for long-term success in building and maintaining highways in rural America.

The class objectives are to provide proper techniques to highway personnel to make better use of Equipment, Time, and Materials. Each student should leave the class understanding the importance of proper drainage, compaction, and aggregate selection for both paved and unpaved roads.

Roads Scholar Category - 6 Technical hours

REGISTER via VLR Website
REGISTER via LMS

This is an American Heart Association Heartsaver® First Aid Adult & Child CPR AED course. The Heartsaver® Total course covers the following topics:

• Scene Assessment & Safety Medical Emergencies (asthma, allergic reactions, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and seizures)
• Injury Emergencies (bleeding, shock, wounds, spinal inquiries, broken bones, and sprains) Environmental Emergencies (bites, stings, temperature-related injuries, and poison emergencies)
• Adult & Child CPR (Compressions and Breaths)
• AED Use (Automated External Defibrillator)
• Adult & Child Relief from Choking Optional: Infant CPR & Relief from Choking

Instructor: VT SafetyNet, Tamara McLaughlin

Roads Scholar Category - 4 Safety hours

The course will consist of both classroom lecture and practicing rating roads in the field.
 
This is a 1-day course intended to dive deeper into the concepts taught in the beginner course and including chipper safety, bucking techniques, and safely managing storm tree clean up.

Instructor: Mike Smith of Chainsaw Strategies has been operating chainsaws for over 30 years. He is also a 25-year veteran firefighter. Mike has taken extensive training in the field of chainsaw operation. His teaching style includes a healthy portion of humor and student interaction.

Roads Scholar Category - 6 Equipment hours

REGISTER via VLR Website
REGISTER via LMS

The course will consist of both classroom lecture and practicing rating roads in the field.
 
This is a 1-day course intended to dive deeper into the concepts taught in the beginner course and including chipper safety, bucking techniques, and safely managing storm tree clean up.

Instructor: Mike Smith of Chainsaw Strategies has been operating chainsaws for over 30 years. He is also a 25-year veteran firefighter. Mike has taken extensive training in the field of chainsaw operation. His teaching style includes a healthy portion of humor and student interaction.

Roads Scholar Category - 6 Equipment hours

REGISTER via VLR Website
REGISTER via LMS

This course is a 2-day program focused on safety procedures for understanding the equipment, personal protective equipment, and cutting techniques in felling roadside trees.
 
The course will consist of both classroom lecture and practicing rating roads in the field.
 
Instructor: Mike Smith of Chainsaw Strategies has been operating chainsaws for over 30 years. He is also a 25-year veteran firefighter. Mike has taken extensive training in the field of chainsaw operation. His teaching style includes a healthy portion of humor and student interaction.
 
Roads Scholar Category - 12 Equipment hours

Roads Scholar Category - 12 Equipment hours

REGISTER via VLR Website
REGISTER via LMS

Topics that will be covered:

• Beaver biology, history, and management
• Best management practices (BMPs) for resolving beaver/human conflicts
• An overview of water control devices – beaver baffles, exclusion fences & other non-lethal techniques
• Explain the laws about beaver management and wetlands
• Resources to be better prepared for resolving beaver-human conflicts
• Participants will visit a water control device that has been installed to protect public infrastructure. 

Instructors: Tyler Brown is a wildlife biologist with Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s Furbearer Program. He has many years of experience in understanding and resolving beaver management and conflict, including public relations, beaver baffles, and removal.

Roads Scholar Category - 5 Environmental hours

REGISTER via VLR Website
REGISTER via LMS

One-Day Workshop Objectives:
This comprehensive workshop is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed for safe and responsible equipment operation. Key topics include:

1. Becoming a Responsible Operator – Understanding the role and responsibilities of equipment operators.
2. Managing Hazards and Risks – Identifying and mitigating potential dangers in the workplace.
3. Pre-Operations Safety – Conducting necessary safety checks before using equipment.
4. Operations Safety – Best practices for safe equipment handling during operation.
5. Equipment Shutdown Safety – Proper procedures for safely shutting down equipment.
6. Maintenance Safety Practices – Ensuring routine maintenance is performed safely and effectively.
7. Equipment Walkarounds & Pre-Operation Inspections – Conducting thorough safety inspections before use.
8. Safe Mounting & Dismounting – Proper techniques for getting on and off tractors and other equipment.
9. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Understanding and using the right safety gear.
10. Best Practices for Mowing in Various Environments – Safe mowing techniques for right-of-way areas, highways, rural roads, and urban settings.

This training provides essential safety measures and operational best practices to help operators work confidently and safely in any tractor/mower environment.

Roads Scholar Category - 6 Equipment hours

REGISTER via VLR Website
REGISTER via LMS

Itinerary:

9:00 am - 11:30 am: Introductions & Roundtable Discussion:

Topics include Deadlines, Compliance, Funding, Standards

Bring feedback and questions!

- What can assist your town in submitting upgrades?

- Have you had difficulty getting funding for projects you’d like to work on?

- Have there been issues with specific standards, if any?

- Have you had issues with repetitive losses?

 11:30 pm – 12:00 pm: Lunch (provided by RPC’s)

 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Technical Training for Road Erosion Inventories

 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: One-on-one time (optional) inquiries, feedback, technical assistance

For additional information contact DEC Municipal Roads Coordinator Chad McGann at chad.mcgann@vermont.gov or 802-636-7239.

Roads Scholar Category - 5 Technical hours

REGISTER via VLR Website
REGISTER via LMS