Highway Commissioner

County of Door•Sturgeon Bay, WI

17h

About The Position

The Highway Commissioner provides executive leadership and operational direction for the County’s highway functions. This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of highway infrastructure services, overseeing the planning, administration, and operations of the County Highway Department, including maintenance, construction, equipment management, and compliance with safety and environmental regulations. This position ensures effective delivery of public works services through strategic planning, budget oversight, personnel management, and interdepartmental coordination. Serving as Department Head, the Commissioner advises County leadership on public works strategy. The role requires on-call availability and active participation in emergency response operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, Construction Management, or a related field.
At least five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory or management experience in highway operations or a public works environment.
Experience managing and interpreting overall business financials.
Experience interpreting engineering plans or managing infrastructure construction projects, contracts, and budgets.
Valid driver’s license.
Experience using Microsoft Office and ability to learn operational software systems.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Wisconsin.
At least seven (7) years of leadership experience in highway or public works administration.
Prior experience working with public boards or committees and presenting technical issues in public forums.
Familiarity with airport and bridge operations.

Responsibilities

Plans, prioritizes, directs, and evaluates the overall operations of the Highway Department to ensure safe and effective delivery of public infrastructure services including county road construction, resurfacing, and maintenance activities in coordination with the Highway Superintendent, staff, contractors, and consultants.
Develops and administers the department's annual budget, grant programs, and capital improvement plans in collaboration with division heads and the Airport Maintenance Superintendent. Monitors expenditures and ensures fiscal accountability.
Oversees the planning and execution of highway construction, resurfacing, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects; ensures alignment with long-range asset management strategies.
Manages equipment and fleet, facilities, and material operations including procurement, inventory control, and asset replacement planning, making recommendations for purchases, rental, and repairs to maintain operational readiness and cost efficiency.
Establishes and updates departmental goals, policies, procedures, and administrative practices to ensure compliance with county priorities, applicable laws, statutory requirements, and efficient operations.
Supervises staff across multiple divisions, including recruitment and hiring, training and staff development, scheduling, labor relations, performance management, and safety practices in accordance with County policies.
Oversees risk management and safety compliance efforts related to highway operations, aligning with federal, state, and county safety regulations.
Ensures compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards and laws, including emissions reporting, air quality, hazardous materials, water protection, and wetland preservation, especially in the context of highway and bridge projects.
Assists the Emergency Management Director and/or Sheriff in a leadership capacity during County emergency operations, contributing to public works logistics, resource coordination, and damage assessment when needed.
Coordinates property acquisitions, including rights-of-way, for transportation infrastructure projects in consultation with legal and administrative staff.
Serves as the primary representative of the department to the County Board, committees, and regulatory agencies, and responds to public inquiries and at public meetings with community stakeholders to communicate plans, services, and departmental initiatives effectively.
Represents the department at public meetings and with community stakeholders to communicate plans, services, and departmental initiatives effectively.
Maintains accurate and transparent verbal and written communications, including reports to the Facilities and Highway Committee and to the County Board.