HIGHWAYS DIRECTOR

Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!

HIGHWAYS DIRECTOR

Kenosha County is in search of a Highways Director who will also hold the statutorily defined role of Highway Commissioner, performing all the statutorily defined responsibilities of Commissioner in addition to managing the County’s Highways Division.

Under general direction from the Director of Public Works and Development Services, this position is responsible for the administration, operation, planning, directing, and supervising of the Highways Division and personnel.  It involves responsibility for the construction and maintenance of all County Trunk Highways and State Trunk Highways, bridges, and public areas.  The Highways Director also manages the Division’s professional, field, and contract staff in the performance of roadway maintenance and construction.  The Director is also responsible for identifying, procuring funding, developing/designing, and managing capital improvement projects for CTH and local municipalities.  The Director works with the Finance Division to develop and manage annual operations, capital improvement, and capital equipment budgets.

This position offers competitive pay and benefits under the Wisconsin Retirement System.  Working for Kenosha County will allow you to make an impact on the quality of life for its citizens.

Join our team and help make a difference in Kenosha County!

Kenosha County is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and is an

Equal Opportunity Employer.

2024 Hiring Range: $95,415 to $113,589 annually

Position Summary and Job Duties

• Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of highways construction and maintenance crews, engineering staff, field maintenance supervisory staff, shop supervision, and engineering/consultants
• Manages the development and maintenance of a comprehensive asset management plan for all County transportation infrastructure (i.e. roads, bridges, culverts, etc.); supervises the development of programs, policies, and systems necessary to track data and develop strategic plans for infrastructure improvements including, but not limited to, Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating (PASER) system
• Plans, directs, and supervises project design and construction management (internal and contract staff) activities, assists with the purchase of right-of-way, and coordinates activities with state and local municipalities
• Maintains records, tracks progress and data, and prepares reports regarding project and operations status for senior management and the County Board
• Supervises the reviews and approval of access control, driveway permits, use of highways by utilities, bridge inspections, right-of-way acquisitions, subdivision, signage, and overweight/width/height trucks permit requests
• Prepares, monitors, and coordinates with Engineering and Finance to develop capital project list, budgetary cost estimates, department schedules, and operating reports
• Is responsible for coordinating, securing, and administrating federal and state funds for maintenance and construction projects including, but not limited to, LRIP, STP Urban, STP Rural, Local Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation programs; manages the preparation of designs, drawings, and bid specifications for the construction and maintenance of highways and highway structures
• Performs and supervises field inspections for quality assurance and adherence to plans and specifications
• Responds to public inquiries and complaints; prepares and reports to various community and education groups, towns, cities, state, and the County Board; performs and supervises Division communication regarding public requests/inquiries
• Mentors and trains employees; completes employee performance evaluations annually or more often as needed
• Evaluates performance, prepares reports, and authorizes payment of consultants and contractors
• Provides project status, road conditions, and maintenance activity information for public informational purposes, local municipality administrative and elected staff
• Trains staff and assists them in the development of systems/processes for planning, organizing, and scheduling resources for maintenance activities and projects
• Directs the purchasing and monitoring of contracted services and equipment purchases from outside agencies and vendors
• Performs other work as required or assigned

Success Factors

• Knowledge of laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to the construction and maintenance of highways and related structures
• Knowledge of engineering design concepts related to road construction, maintenance, and related structure design
• Knowledge of project development, budgeting, and management
• Skill in computer software, including Microsoft Office Outlook (email and calendar functions), Word, Excel, and Internet navigation
• Skill in operation of assorted small tools, monitoring tools, and vehicle count systems
• Effective written and verbal communication with diverse groups of individuals
• Ability to plan, direct, and supervise the work of others in all phases of assignments associated with construction and maintenance
• Ability to effectively provide staff guidance and direction to meet expectations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, county, state, and local officials, and the public
• Ability to think strategically, both short- and long-term
• Ability to evaluate technical infrastructure conditions, identify potential issues and related mitigation measures
• Ability to give technical advice and to make comprehensive recommendations regarding problems impacting highways
• Ability to develop a customer-service, team-oriented, continuous-improvement highways maintenance environment
• Ability to lead, train, and manage technical, professional, and skilled-trades staff
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple, competing interests, situations, and people while maintaining composure
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate highways needs, emergency call-ins, public meetings, and snow and ice control operations, as necessary
• Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment

Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or closely related field
• 5 to 10 years of transportation, engineering, construction, and maintenance experience
• 2 to 3 years of supervisory experience
• Alternative combination of education and experience which provides equivalent knowledge and skills
• 2 to 3 years of public administration preferred

Licenses or Certifications

• Valid driver’s license required
• Wisconsin Professional Engineer license preferred

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan:  Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Voluntary pet insurance

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The position involves moderate physical demands, such as exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally

Selection Process

• Application Review - Qualifying
• Oral Interview - Qualifying
• Background Check - Qualifying
• Drug Screen - Qualifying

If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.

To learn more about Kenosha County Public Works, please visit:  http://www.kenoshacounty.org

Applications must be submitted no later than Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer.  Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.

The pay grade for this position is E13 (Min. $95,415 – Max. $131,763 annually).

Kenosha County is located less than an hour away from Milwaukee and Chicago.

To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, visit:

https://www.visitkenosha.com

Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County! 

Kenosha County is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.