HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT, TRANSPORTATION & HIGHWAYS (DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION & HIGHWAYS) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Cook County•Chicago, IL

9d•$193,680 - $236,720•Hybrid

About The Position

The Highway Superintendent is responsible for the overall management of operations and employees of the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways. The role oversees development and expenditures for operating, equipment, and capital budgets supporting county road operations, maintenance, and construction. The Superintendent briefs senior leadership on ongoing and proposed projects, personnel and contract matters, and confidential agency operations, and establishes and implements policies for the department’s various bureaus. The position oversees highway improvement planning, right-of-way and easement acquisition, preparation of project plans and contracts, selection of professional services, contractor oversight, roadway traffic controls and permits, and preventive maintenance programs. It also provides policy direction on personnel matters, oversees the department’s annual operating budget, and ensures purchasing procedures comply with County-wide policy. This is a Shakman-exempt, at-will position. Employees who do not live in Cook County at the time of hire must establish residency in the County within six months. The role is based in downtown Chicago. The position is classified as Light Work.

Requirements

At least five years of experience in civil and highway engineering, construction engineering, maintenance engineering, or directly related experience.
Current registration in Illinois as a Licensed Professional Engineer or Licensed Structural Engineer.
Knowledge of highway engineering principles and practices and of organizational capabilities and how they interrelate.
Knowledge of transportation laws established by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Ability to direct and guide organizational leaders, with responsibility for a major operational area.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to speak publicly on behalf of the agency and County.
Ability to handle employee matters and records confidentially and tactfully, consult with attorneys and union representatives, and relate to employees across skill and education levels.
Ability to synthesize complex information and provide guidance toward strategic objectives, including high-level strategic decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Ten years of experience in civil and highway engineering, construction engineering, or maintenance engineering.
Eight years of previous management experience.

Responsibilities

Manage all operations of the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways and oversee agency employees and activities.
Oversee preparation and development of annual and five-year highway improvement programs to support highway capacity and safety.
Oversee acquisition of rights of way and easements needed for highway projects.
Direct preparation of contract plans, specifications, and estimates for highway projects.
Select professional services when needed and oversee contractor work for compliance with contract provisions and contract law.
Operate roadway systems by establishing traffic controls and issuing work permits in fulfillment of the County’s legal obligations under Illinois law.
Oversee physical maintenance of the highway system through preventive maintenance programs.
Provide policy direction on personnel matters, including training, discipline, and payroll.
Oversee development of the department’s annual operating budget and monitor compliance.
Oversee proper use of purchasing procedures in compliance with County-wide policy.
Brief senior leadership on ongoing and proposed projects, personnel matters, contracts, and confidential agency operations.
Establish and implement policies governing the operations of the department’s various bureaus.
Perform other duties as assigned.