Operations Manager

Job Description:

Operations Manager

Description

This position is responsible to provide leadership, planning, and coordinating for the Highway Department, in collaboration with the Highway Commissioner; responsible for the repair and maintenance of the County infrastructure and oversees its operations and crews.

Directs the work of and manages subordinate staff. Participates in the selection of new employees. Provides training and instructions and ongoing training needs. Assigns tasks, reviews work and prepares performance evaluations. Provides staff coaching/counseling. Recommends employee transfers, promotions, disciplinary action, and discharge to the Commissioner.Provides leadership and management to all assigned staff. Identifies staff development needs and notifies Commissioner of department training recommendations.Inspect and monitors County, State and Local roads and structures for maintenance and repairs. Monitors budgets and organizes repairs. Inspects and prepares estimates for road maintenance activities for other municipalities within the County at their request.Oversees the day-to-day operational activities of assigned areas, including coordination of scheduled maintenance and construction and responses to emergency situations and weather events. Monitors effectiveness of operations to provide adequate coverage for responsibilities.Monitors weather and road conditions to determine if/when to dispatch crew members to perform plowing/salting/sanding functions during winter months of snow/ice conditions. Organizes and coordinates road construction and maintenance activities including road and bridge construction, resurfacing, drainage grading, repair, landscaping and signs and markings.Responds to emergency situations as needed and provides technical expertise to ensure that all aspects of the situation are handled in a proper and legal manner.Schedules and manages winter maintenance of (snow and ice removal) of all State, County and the majority of all town roads within the county; handles related complaint calls. Assists in preparation of the department budget as it relates to highway operations; monitors and tracks budgets as well as project budgets; monitors 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 County accident repair costs.Prepares and sends state required reports including road construction reports, monthly sign repair reports, storm reports, bridge repair reports, salt delivery reports, repair cost reports, accident repair cost reports, etc.Inventories county and state materials and supplies.Ensures all activities are carried out in a safe manner; adheres to all County safety regulations; ensures equipment is safely operated and driving laws are obeyed; 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.Coordinates work needs with other management personnel.Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field.
• Five years’ experience construction management or highway management experience.
• Three (3) years previous supervisory experience.
• Valid Class B CDL.
• Appointment will be conditional upon successful completion of pre-employment drug test.

• Knowledge of laws/regulations relating to planning, construction and highway maintenance.
• Ability to read and understand basic engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of road and bridge maintenance and repair procedures and equipment.
• Knowledge of county and town road systems.
• Knowledge of materials, equipment, and practices used in highway construction and maintenance.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and necessary safely precautions.
• 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: 12/7/2025 4:00 PM Central

Salary:

$84,760.00 - $111,862.40 Annually