Highway Commissioner

Highway Commissioner

The Highway Commissioner directs and administers the operation of the Highway Department for Eau Claire County with all authority vested by state statutes managing assigned operations for the improvement and maintenance of state, county, and town road system in accordance with state and federal law. This position oversees administrative, financial, and personnel management. Determines long range capital planning and improvements involving roadways, fleet, facilities, engineering, and construction, and coordinates department services and programs.

The Highway Commissioner applies general management and program evaluation techniques to provide leadership in the development and implementation of objectives for department services, programs, and short- and long-term goals. Reviews and analyzes the engineering, administrative, financial, and operational procedures for the services and programs of the department; ensures county compliance with state and federal laws, policies, and procedures; manages development and implementation of the biannual six-year highway improvement plan.

The Highway Commissioner transfers infrastructure civil engineering expertise to ensure implementation of highway and bridgework on the County Trunk Highway system; coordinates facility maintenance and improvement work; provides recommendations to the Highway Committee regarding projects and proposed projects involving construction and repair of highways as required; works with, coordinates, and ensures implementation of work for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) and other local government agencies.

The Highway Commissioner prepares or directs the preparation of complex construction bid specifications, special provisions for contract work on projects, and specifications for new equipment; reviews and analyzes proposals and plans; drafts agreements; directs the purchasing and monitoring of contracted services from consultants, contractors, and outside agencies. Demonstrates exceptional fiscal management to prepare and direct preparation and implementation of departmental budget, based on highway objectives and goals, staffing and resource requirements, capital improvement needs, and long-range planning. Formulates and adheres to annual budget; analyzes and interprets budget and cost figures to forecast and plan for the future and evaluate and enhance department proficiencies; ensures that accurate fiscal and operational records are kept in accordance with legally mandated practices and procedures; prepares requests for state and federal funding of improvements; identifies and analyzes additional options for services to look for feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

The Highway Commissioner directs knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision to participate in decisions on hiring, retention, discipline, and other personnel matters; supervises and manages activities of staff that includes determining work procedures and schedules and developing methods for expediting workflow; approves employee requests for leave and overtime as required by operational necessity; evaluates employee performance; coaches and counsels staff to achieve improved performance and productivity; recommends corrective disciplinary action as needed; identifies individual training needs in order to achieve greater departmental performance and productivity. Complies with records management and reporting guidelines and standards; oversees the maintenance of reporting and recording systems, including application of electronic information systems. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external partners; advises and serves as department representative and liaison to state and local government commissions and committees, professional and community groups, elected officials, and the general public. Performs other related work as required or assigned.

The Highway Commissioner requires a bachelor's degree with a major in civil engineering, public administration, business administration or related field. Five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative work experience in highway construction and maintenance involving cost estimates, contract drafting, and budget preparation and monitoring. Three (3) years of supervisory and managerial responsibilities. Appointment will be conditional upon successful completion of a credit and criminal background check. Must have valid driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and access to private transportation for work-related duties. Must possess and maintain personal automobile insurance in the amount of $100,000 / $300,000.