Highway Foreperson

Base pay rate: $32.22/hour plus $2/hour special assignment pay.

About the role

The Highway Foreperson serves as a field-based working supervisor responsible for leading and coordinating the work of hourly personnel in the Highway Department. This role bridges the gap between labor and management by overseeing the safety, quality, efficiency, and timeliness of road, bridge, and right-of-way maintenance and construction activities.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead highway maintenance and construction crews in the field, acting as a working supervisor.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, quality standards, productivity goals, purchasing policies, and budgetary constraints.
• Assist with the planning and coordination of daily, weekly, and seasonal work activities.
• Communicate project status, issues, and changes to management in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate records related to labor, materials, and equipment; assist with inventory and procurement as needed.
• Monitor and report field conditions; perform inspections and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Operate heavy equipment and vehicles, including snowplows and motor graders, especially during winter operations.
• Serve in a rotating on-call capacity for after-hours and emergency response, including weekends and nights.
• Perform yard, building, and facility maintenance as needed.
• Respond to emergency call-ins and assist with related operations.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Assignment-Specific Skills

Asphalt Plant

• Strong math and mechanical skills; ability to monitor and adjust plant operations.
• Knowledge of asphalt mixing, materials, temperature control, and safety in flammable environments.

Bridge / Concrete Crew

• Expertise in concrete, steel reinforcement, and bridge construction/maintenance.
• Ability to organize personnel and equipment efficiently and safely.

Paving Crew

• In-depth understanding of paving techniques, mix designs, compaction, and traffic safety.
• Capable of training and mentoring crew members in dynamic field conditions and asphalt characteristics.

Grading & Drainage

• Ability to function as "competent person" on behalf of department excavation activities.
• Familiarity with WDNR practices, soil types, compaction, drainage, and culvert installation.
• Competency in interpreting construction plans and communicating project needs effectively.

Lift Bridge Operations

• Knowledge of bridge mechanical and electrical systems, safety standards, and Coast Guard regulations.
• Skilled in preventative maintenance, recordkeeping, and incident reporting.

Road Maintenance

• Proficiency in pavement preservation, crack sealing, patching, and preventative maintenance.
• Ability to identify and resolve road safety issues proactively.

Traffic Operations

• Working knowledge of traffic signals, signs, pavement marking, and MUTCD standards.
• Leadership in the safe deployment of traffic control systems and maintaining accurate inventory records.

Requirements

• Proficiency in roadway grading, excavation, paving, concrete construction, and snow/ice control.
• Ability to operate and maintain heavy equipment under varying conditions.
• Knowledge of MUTCD traffic control standards, temporary/permanent traffic management practices, and detour and flagging operations.
• Working understanding of construction materials, including concrete, asphalt, and aggregate products.
• Ability to read blueprints, interpret survey data, and perform job-related calculations.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to lead and mentor a team.
• Capacity to work extended hours during snow events or emergencies and respond promptly to call-ins.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to conduct minor equipment repairs.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work under a variety of environmental conditions.