Missouri Department of Transportation

The MoDOT High Achiever Award recognizes individual team members whose measurable performance is above and beyond what might be expected of them in their position. Both part time and full time team members can receive this award. Achievements should support the department’s values and tangible results. Examples of achievements that may be recognized include:

How to nominate: Supervisors should submit the names of any team members they would like to nominate, along with a description of their achievements to the District Engineer or Division Leader/State Engineer (or other designee). While there is no deadline for nominations, nominations should be submitted soon after the achievement is noticed to ensure awards are provided timely. It is important to note that a team member can only receive this recognition two times per calendar year.

Who can nominate: Only a MoDOT team member’s supervisor can submit a nomination for this award.

Reward: Team members selected for this award will get a choice between 2 hours of paid administrative leave or an extra $40 on an upcoming paycheck (taxes will apply).

This award is a tangible way for district engineers and division leaders/state engineers (or designees) to recognize a team member’s achievement if it does not already qualify for an incentive program or High Achiever Award. Team members can be full time or part time to be considered for this award.

How to nominate: Supervisors should submit the names of any team members they would like to nominate, along with a description of their achievements to the District Engineer or Division Leader/State Engineer (or other designee).

Who can nominate: Only a MoDOT team member’s supervisor can submit a nomination for this award.

Reward: Team members who are selected will receive a thank you note, certificate of appreciation, or another tangible gift (valued at less than $40).

MoDOT Service Awards offer an opportunity to honor team members (part time or full time) for their years of service with MoDOT during annual presentation programs. Service Awards are provided in 5-year intervals, beginning when team members complete 5 years of employment.

How to nominate: There is no nomination process for this award. An annual listing of MoDOT team members who are eligible for Service Awards will be verified by the Human Resource Division, who will then provide recognition material to the districts, divisions, or offices.

Who can nominate: There is no nomination process for this award, recipients are simply selected based on their years of service.

Reward: Team members will receive a certificate showing the number of years of service achieved with MoDOT. If the team member has been with MoDOT for 10 years or more, they will also receive a small gift. A banquet will also be held for team members with 20 years or more of service.

This recognizes individual team members in safety sensitive jobs who have demonstrated a history (15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 or more years) of working safely, including no recordable incidents, no at-fault fleet incidents, no breaks in service, and no disciplinary action taken.

How to nominate: There is no nomination process, team members are simply awarded once they meet the requirements.

Reward: Team members who qualify will receive a token of recognition each year they qualify from the department.

The Certificate of Appreciation is a special recognition presented to team members or members of the general public for extraordinary actions in ensuring the safety of others. This award is meant to recognize individuals who may have helped another person in need, but did not directly save their life.

How to nominate: Complete and submit a Recommendation Form to the Risk and Benefits Management Office. 

Who can nominate: Anyone can nominate any individual for a Certificate of Appreciation.

Reward: Individuals selected will receive an official Certificate of Appreciation signed by the MoDOT director.

This special recognition may be presented to any MoDOT team member or member of the general public for life-saving actions taken during and emergency or life-threatening situation, on or off the job. Lifesaving efforts may or may not be successful, but an attempt was made and/or the recipient put their own safety in jeopardy in an attempt to save another life.

How to nominate: Complete and submit a Recommendation Form to the Risk and Benefits Management Office.

Who can nominate: Anyone can nominate any individual for a Certificate of Appreciation. Final determination for this award will be made by the Director of Risk and Benefits Management, or their designee.

Reward: Individuals selected will receive an engraved plaque that describes the lifesaving event.

The Leadership Coin is part of MoDOT’s Leadership in Action Program. The purpose of the Leadership in Action program is to recognize those within MoDOT who go above and beyond their daily job requirements and demonstrate the qualities of a leader. A person who possesses a Leadership In Action coin awards the coin to a fellow employee whom they feel meets these requirements. The coin could come from top leadership, a manager or from a peer. The coins are retired after they pass through ten employees and are displayed on a commemorative plaque. The goal of the program is to strengthen MoDOT as an organization and foster a culture of leadership. 

How to nominate: The coin holder keeps the coin until they observe a fellow employee demonstrating the Leadership in Action values. They then hand the coin off and let Human Resources know. The process continues to “pay it forward” from there.

Who can nominate: Anyone holding a leadership coin can pass the coin to any MoDOT team member.

Reward: When someone receives a coin, the number and name of the person is recorded in a database administered by Human Resources. Employees who have received three or more leadership coins are honored by MoDOT leadership and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission at a yearly Legacy of Leadership banquet, where they are presented with a special cased keepsake coin. Employees receiving three to five coins receive a bronze coin at the banquet. Those receiving six to nine coins receive a silver coin at the banquet, and those receiving 10 coins receive a gold coin at the banquet.