Deputy Highway Commissioner

Outagamie County • Appleton, WI

9h • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to Highway Commissioner, the Deputy Highway Commissioner oversees all operational divisions of the highway department to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, safety of employees and traveling public, performance objectives are met, and customer experience metrics are achieved. Through leadership, accountability, and stakeholder engagement, the Deputy Highway Commissioner is responsible for short term and long term strategic direction of the department, promoting efficient and deliberate use of resources, and planning innovative solutions for the betterment of the entire community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in highway, transportation, or public works operations, including at least five (5) years performing engineering-related work and at least five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered only to the extent they provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and satisfy any mandatory engineering qualifications for the position.
• Valid driver’s license required at time of hire and maintain.
• Ability to hear, speak, walk, stoop, climb ladders, bend, stretch; push, pull, and lift objects up to 50 pounds, understanding and using proper safety equipment and body mechanics.
• Thorough knowledge of county highway operations, including roadway maintenance, winter operations, construction coordination, traffic safety, drainage, and equipment/fleet oversight.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, State of Wisconsin, and local laws, regulations, and standards related to highway operations, workplace safety, and procurement.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to direct staff, manage daily operations, set priorities, and maintain accountability across multiple functions.
• Ability to plan, administer, and monitor operating and capital budgets and manage public resources in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Skill in analyzing operational, financial, and technical information and making sound decisions during routine operations, emergencies, and severe weather events.
• Knowledge of roadway maintenance standards, construction methods, work zone traffic control, and safe operating practices applicable to county highway operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with employees, elected officials, municipalities, WisDOT, contractors, and the public.
• Experience or skill in contract administration, procurement processes, bid review, and oversight of vendors, consultants, and construction contractors.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with law enforcement, emergency management, fire/EMS, municipalities, and other agencies during incidents, storms, and infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Directs, administers, and manages the operations of the Highway Department; develops and monitors internal policies and procedures; develops and administers the annual department budget; supervises, directs and evaluates the activities of all department staff, either directly or through senior staff.
• Builds strategic vision and goals for the highway field operations including maintenance, construction, bituminous, and bridges.
• Develops relationships with key stakeholders and maximizes partnerships for the Win-Win-Win.
• Oversees the development, distribution, and compliance with the Highway Operating Procedures with all staff, vendors, and contractors.
• Explore the implement solutions to increase revenue, reduce expenses, push innovation and/or elevate customer experience throughout the highway department.
• Oversees in the development and implementation of the budget process for highway operations.
• Assists in preparing cost estimates for new construction/renovation projects and acquisition of equipment.
• Oversees inspections of the buildings, roadways, parking lots and grounds to determine necessary repairs and coordinates associated cost estimates.
• Ensures that all work and work orders conform to federal, state, county, and department standards and policies, and is completed in a timely manner.
• Plan and develop the annual operating budget and capital improvement plan for the Operations and Maintenance Division.
• Develop and direct training programs for highway staff, on highway security, safety, and other operational issues and goals.
• Prepares and presents to the Highway Commissioner annual budgets highway operations and maintenance programs.
• Remains on-call twenty-four (24) hours a day for emergency situations.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance, works overtime/extra hours as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Wisconsin Retirement System Pension
• On-site and near-site clinic
• Benefit options and paid time off for team members that work 20+ or more hours per week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager