Highway Commissioner

Job Description:

Highway Commissioner

Description

This position is responsible for the oversight, visioning, leadership, planning, directing, managing and supervising all aspects of the County highway infrastructure and related assets, including County road and bridge construction and maintenance; carries out duties as specified in Wisconsin Statutes; provides leadership over all department personnel involving work assignments, operations, financial management and related work under the general direction of the County Administrator.

Ensures essential services are provided to maintain the public infrastructure and provide for public safety, health and welfare.Directs the work of and manages the staff of Highway Department. Interviews and selects new employees. Provides training and instructions and ongoing training needs. Provides coaching and/or counseling. Assigns tasks, reviews work and prepares performance evaluations. Recommends employee transfers, promotions, disciplinary action, and discharge.Provide leadership and management to all assigned staff. Audits work as needed to ensure adherence to pertinent regulations. Directs staff on complex work and interpreting the application of policy and procedure.Administers all services assigned to the responsibility of the Department and oversees the operations of the Department. Ensures inspection of county and state roads for establishing maintenance and construction programs. Recommends and plans long range goals, objectives, organizational structure and overall direction for the Department. Ensures the objectives of the Department are developed and maintained in accordance with the objectives of the County Board and County Administrator.Determines department funding needs and supervises in the preparation of the annual operating budget, with input and advice from the County Finance Director/County Auditor. Identifies funding sources and directs the application for grants/aids when appropriate. Monitors budget, contracts, services, costs and other factors throughout the year to identify problem area and recommend adjustments. Responsible for the financial management of the Department and to insure the adherence to financial accounting principles. Manages the maintenance of federal, state, and US highway systems under contract for the Wisconsin DOT.Negotiates intergovernmental cooperation projects and programs with other units of government.Responds to and resolves public inquiries and complaints. Analyzes and takes the appropriate action with respect to correspondence and generate correspondence to multiple interests.Prepares, presents and provides information to individuals, groups, media, businesses, officials, County personnel and the general public regarding Department activities and transportation issues. Provides technical information and assistance to local governments and officials.Presents, with assistance from the Finance Director, the Department’s operational annual report to the County Board, oversight committee and others as needed.Attends, participates and make recommendations to various governmental committees, the Highway Committee, other County Board committees and the County Board of Supervisors, on a variety of topics, including transportation and public works. Oversees, designs and directs engineering, surveying, staking and purchase of right-of-way for projects with professional staff.Schedules projects; estimates costs; writes funding applications; negotiates state and federal funding.Reinforces a safe working environment and ensures all activities are carried out in a safe manner; adheres to all safety regulations; ensures equipment is safely operated; ensures all regulations pertaining to the safe use of equipment are understood and followed.Reports all accidents to the appropriate authority. Follows all policies for reporting, investigating, and follow-up of equipment incidents, or personal injuries. May investigate incidents as assigned.Manages department machinery, equipment, fixed assets and tools; procures buildings, supplies and materials.Active participation and involvement in Wisconsin County Highway Association as approved by County Administrator.Also involvement in NACE, NACo, TDA, as approved.Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, business administration, or related field with eight (8) years of progressive administration experience in transportation and infrastructure.
• Five years’ previous supervisory experience.

• Comprehensive knowledge of principles and practices of highway and local government highway maintenance administration, methods, procedures and related activities and services.
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and necessary safely precautions.
• Knowledge of the Wisconsin Statutes and Transportation Administrative rules as they apply to and impact Town, City, County and State Transportation program areas.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to construction and maintenance of highways, bridges, and other related infrastructure.
• Knowledge of the County and Department’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of budgeting, fiscal management, project management principles and techniques.
• Ability to effectively utilize the principles of strategic and long and short-range planning.
• Skill in analyzing complex administrative information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives and recommending methods, procedures and techniques for resolution of issues.
• Ability to research and analyze detailed information and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to develop department goals and objectives.
• Ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate projects and programs.
• Ability to develop, interpret and implement regulations, policies, procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and other department specific documents.
• Ability to prepare, recommend and monitor an operating budget, including line item budgeting.
• Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the County.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
• Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; federal, state, and local regulations.
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Knowledge of management and supervisory practices & principles, including the ability to make final employment recommendations, preparing performance evaluations, managing time off, and maintaining personnel records.
• Ability to adapt and take control of situations, dictating subordinate activities in a responsible manner.
• Ability to instruct and train in methods and procedures.
• Ability to organize, assign, and modify the work assignment of others, and (re)-establish priorities to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
• Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.
• Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of Open Records laws and other applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.

Barron County values the health and wellbeing of our employees and offers a very competitive benefit package prioritizing work-life balance and along with stable employment and supportive work environment!
* Wisconsin Retirement System (6.9% Employer match; 6.9% Employee pre-tax contribution - Higher rates for Protective/Law Enforcement)
* Paid leaves upon hire (104 hrs vacation; 11 paid holidays; 8 hrs of sick leave per mo)
* Health insurance with option to enroll in a Health Savings Account ($50/mo-single plan/ $100/mo-family plan). Effective 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.Non-Embedded in-network Deductible of $2,000/Single & $4,000/Family. Deductible must be met before insurance applies. Out-of-pocket max: $3,500S-$7,000F. Prescription drug savings program offering zero costs for eligible prescription drugs. Optionto sell up to 96 hrs Sick Leave and/or Vacation into HSA during open enrollment.
* Dental insurance
* Life insurance (County pays $5/mo towards Basic plan)
* If working night shift - receive an additional $0.75 per hour
* Flexible spending account
* Deferred Compensation Programs
* Employee Achievement Program
* Paid Parental leave
* Potential for telework opportunities (varies by department/position)
* Whole Life Insurance plan
* Eligibility for Student Loan Repayment program throughPublic Service Loan Forgiveness(PSLF)
* Recognition Program
* Annual Training Day & Lunch
* Annual Employee Milestone Recognition Lunch
* On-site Blood Drives (paid 1 hour to donate blood)
* 15% Verizon Wireless cell-phone discount
* On-site food truck vendors during summer months
* Ed-Vest College Savings plan
* Supportive work environment and culture
* Opportunities for growth and advancement
* Meaningful and impactful work for the betterment of our community

Closing Date/Time: 8/10/2025 11:00 PM Central

Salary:

$115,710.40 - $141,024.00 Annually