County Highway Superintendent

Open until Filled.

Job Summary

The Highway Superintendent is responsible for the overall leadership, planning, administration, and operation of the Butler County Highway Department. This position directs the maintenance, repair, improvement, and construction of county roads, bridges, drainage structures, gravel pit and related infrastructure. The Highway Superintendent oversees department personnel, equipment, budgeting, project management, regulatory compliance, and emergency response activities while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the county transportation system.

The Highway Superintendent works closely with the Butler County Board of Supervisors, state and federal agencies, contractors, engineers, landowners, and the public to maintain and improve transportation infrastructure throughout Butler County.

Essential Functions

Administration and Leadership

Direct, plan, organize, and manage all activities of the Butler County Highway Department.
Develop departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and operational plans.
Supervise, train, evaluate, discipline, and mentor department employees.
Establish work schedules and prioritize departmental activities.
Promote a safe, productive, and professional work environment.
Attend County Board meetings and provide reports, recommendations, and updates regarding department operations.
Develop long-range strategic plans for transportation infrastructure improvements.
Coordinate departmental activities with other county departments and governmental agencies.

Road and Bridge Operations

Direct and oversee maintenance and repair of all county roads, bridges, culverts, drainage structures, and rights-of-way.
Conduct infrastructure inspections and establish maintenance priorities.
Plan and oversee grading, graveling, paving, patching, shoulder maintenance, ditch cleaning, and vegetation control projects.
Ensure roadway signs, traffic control devices, and safety features are properly installed and maintained.
Assess road and bridge conditions and recommend repairs, replacements, or upgrades.
Monitor transportation infrastructure for safety and regulatory compliance.
Evaluate and implement cost-effective maintenance methods and practices.

Construction and Capital Improvement Projects

Plan, manage, and oversee highway construction, bridge replacement, drainage improvement, and infrastructure development projects.
Coordinate activities with consulting engineers, contractors, utility companies, and governmental agencies.
Review engineering plans, specifications, permits, and project documents.
Monitor project schedules, budgets, and performance.
Conduct project inspections and ensure quality workmanship.
Recommend capital improvement projects and infrastructure investments.
Participate in bid preparation, contract administration, and procurement processes.

Gravel Pit Operations and Aggregate Management

Direct and oversee all Butler County gravel pit operations and activities.
Develop and implement extraction, crushing, screening, stockpiling, and distribution plans for county-owned aggregate resources.
Monitor gravel reserves and recommend long-term resource management strategies.
Maintain accurate records of production, inventory, sales, purchases, and usage of aggregate materials.
Coordinate gravel crushing, hauling, stockpiling, and material processing operations.
Ensure aggregate materials meet quality standards and project specifications.
Evaluate future gravel resource needs and recommend acquisition or development of additional resources when necessary.
Oversee gravel pit budgets, operating costs, and production efficiency.
Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, reclamation requirements, permits, and safety standards applicable to gravel pit operations.
Coordinate with contractors, suppliers, engineers, and regulatory agencies regarding gravel pit activities.
Develop and implement reclamation and restoration plans for county-owned gravel pits as required.

Budget and Financial Management

Prepare and administer the annual Highway Department operating budget.
Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of county funds.
Develop cost estimates for projects and departmental operations.
Recommend equipment purchases, infrastructure investments, and capital improvements.
Review invoices, purchase requests, contracts, and expenditures.
Manage departmental inventories and materials usage.
Maintain accurate operational and financial records.

Equipment and Fleet Management

Oversee maintenance, repair, replacement, and utilization of county vehicles, machinery, and equipment.
Develop equipment replacement schedules and long-term capital equipment plans.
Monitor equipment performance, maintenance costs, fuel usage, and operating expenses.
Ensure vehicles and equipment are operated in a safe and efficient manner.
Maintain equipment records and service schedules.
Evaluate equipment needs and recommend purchases or replacements.

Emergency Management and Winter Operations

Direct departmental response efforts during emergencies, severe weather events, floods, storms, road failures, and disasters.
Coordinate snow and ice removal activities throughout Butler County.
Maintain emergency response plans and operational readiness.
Coordinate emergency response activities with law enforcement, emergency management personnel, municipalities, and state agencies.
Establish road closures, detours, and other public safety measures during emergency situations.
Require on-call availability as necessary to address emergency situations.

Public Relations and Customer Service

Respond to public inquiries, complaints, and concerns regarding county roads, bridges, drainage issues, and other infrastructure matters.
Meet with landowners, contractors, utility companies, and the general public.
Provide professional and courteous customer service.
Represent Butler County at meetings, conferences, and professional organizations.
Promote positive public relations and maintain effective communication with stakeholders.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety

Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits, and standards.
Administer department safety programs and training initiatives.
Conduct workplace safety inspections and investigations.
Maintain required permits, certifications, records, and reports.
Implement corrective actions following accidents or incidents.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Experience, Education & Training

Education

High School Diploma or GED required.
Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, or related field preferred.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in highway maintenance, road construction, transportation operations, public works, gravel pit operations, or related field.
Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
Experience with budgeting, personnel management, project management, and heavy equipment operations preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

Valid Nebraska Driver's License required.
Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
Certifications in road maintenance, safety management, construction management, equipment operations, or public works administration are desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Road and bridge maintenance practices.
Gravel pit management and aggregate production.
Highway construction methods and materials.
Drainage systems and erosion control practices.
Heavy equipment operations and maintenance.
Budget preparation and financial management.
Personnel supervision and labor management.
Federal, state, and local transportation regulations.
Occupational safety and environmental compliance requirements.

Skill in:

Leadership and employee supervision.
Budget management and fiscal oversight.
Project planning and coordination.
Strategic decision-making.
Public relations and customer service.
Conflict resolution and problem-solving.
Oral and written communication.

Ability to:

Manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Interpret engineering plans, specifications, contracts, and technical reports.
Establish effective working relationships with employees, officials, contractors, and the public.
Respond effectively during emergency situations.
Make sound operational and financial decisions.
Maintain accurate records and prepare reports.

Physical Requirements

Ability to walk, stand, sit, bend, kneel, climb, and traverse uneven terrain.
Ability to inspect roads, bridges, drainage systems, gravel pits, and construction sites.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to operate county vehicles and equipment when necessary.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in both office and field environments. The position regularly involves exposure to construction sites, equipment yards, gravel pit operations, roadway traffic, dust, noise, vibration, weather extremes, and other conditions associated with highway maintenance and aggregate production activities.

The Highway Superintendent is expected to be available outside normal working hours for emergencies, severe weather events, snow removal operations, flooding events, and other situations requiring immediate response.

Apply Today!