Highway Superintendent (Patrol)

Application Deadline: 2026-08-21 | County Job

About the Role

Provides leadership in attracting, retaining, and developing an engaged workforce in the delivery of superior services to County residents and businesses. Directs the work of and manages subordinate staff, including selection, training, task assignment, performance evaluations, coaching, and disciplinary recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Inspects and monitors County, State, and Local roads and structures for maintenance and repairs; organizes repairs and prepares estimates for road maintenance activities for other municipalities within the County.
• Oversees day-to-day operational activities, including coordination of scheduled maintenance, construction, and responses to emergency situations and weather events.
• Monitors weather and road conditions to determine dispatch of crews for plowing, salting, and sanding during winter months.
• Organizes and coordinates road construction and maintenance activities, including resurfacing, grading, repair, and signs and markings.
• Responds to emergency situations, providing technical expertise to ensure proper and legal handling of all aspects.
• Schedules and manages winter maintenance (snow and ice removal) for State, County, and most town roads; handles related complaint calls.
• Assists in preparation, monitoring, and tracking of the department budget, including project budgets and unit costs of maintenance.
• Authorizes expenditures for activities, uniforms, equipment, staff, or other operational needs.
• Participates in long- and short-range departmental planning, reviews progress, and reports results.
• Reviews, verifies, and assists in coding timecards, crew reports, invoices, requisitions, and accident repair costs.
• Prepares and submits State-required reports, including road construction, sign repair, storm, bridge repair, salt delivery, and accident repair cost reports.
• Inventories County and State materials and supplies.
• Ensures all activities are carried out safely, adhering to County safety regulations and equipment operation laws.
• Reports and investigates accidents, incidents, or personal injuries as assigned.
• Coordinates work needs with other management personnel and provides backup assistance to other Superintendents as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of principles and practices of highway and local government highway maintenance administration, methods, procedures, and related activities.
• Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions.
• Knowledge of Wisconsin Statutes and Transportation Administrative rules as they apply to Town, City, County, and State Transportation programs.
• Knowledge of civil engineering principles as applied to construction and maintenance of highways, bridges, and related infrastructure.
• Knowledge of budgeting, fiscal management, and project management principles and techniques.
• Ability to utilize strategic and long/short-range planning principles effectively.
• Skill in analyzing complex administrative information, defining problems, evaluating alternatives, and recommending solutions.
• Ability to research, analyze detailed information, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to develop department goals, objectives, projects, and programs; interpret and implement regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of management and supervisory practices, including employment recommendations, performance evaluations, and personnel records.
• Ability to adapt and take control of situations, instruct and train staff, and organize or modify work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records and prepare concise reports.
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Knowledge of current office practices, procedures, and standard office equipment and software.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required for the position.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively in English, both written and verbally.
• Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in resolving problems and interpreting policies.
• Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully while maintaining professionalism.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships within and outside the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files and conversations, within open records laws and applicable statutes.

Physical and Work Environment

• Occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force.
• Regularly requires sitting; frequently requires standing, speaking, hearing, using hands to finger, handle, or feel, and repetitive motions.
• Occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Standard vision requirements; vocal communication and hearing required for normal spoken word levels.
• Requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing surroundings and activities.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting with periodic field visits.
• Exposure to outdoor and construction-based environmental conditions.