Road Superintendent

Job Description

The Road Superintendent is responsible for the administration, maintenance, and management of the County’s road network. This role oversees day-to-day operations across five (5) divisions, including three (3) geographical maintenance areas, the sign shop and the equipment repair and replacement (ER&R) program. Reporting directly to the County Engineer, the Superintendent provides strategic guidance for the planning and scheduling of roadway and storm drainage system maintenance and fleet management.  This position exercises substantive independent judgment and directly supervises five (5) division supervisors.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Operations & Program Management

• Plan, organize, and evaluate road maintenance programs to ensure department long- and short- range goals and objectives are met.
• Oversee the construction of department-led projects, ensuring work aligns with approved plans and specifications.
• Direct the maintenance and preservation of the county road network, storm drainage systems, and rights-of-way.
• Oversee and coordinate emergency response efforts for natural disasters (floods, landslides, etc.); ensure crew and resource readiness.
• Coordinate work performed for other agencies through cooperative agreements.
• Conduct periodic inspections of all county roads and rights-of-way to identify maintenance needs and review project quality.

 

Financial & Administrative Leadership

• Lead annual budget preparation and monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with approved limits.
• Prepare project cost estimates and analyze outcomes to determine program efficacy.
• Develop, update, and implement maintenance policies, regulations, and standards.
• Maintain accurate, auditable records for all departmental activities. Prepare departmental work plans and reports.
• Manage the purchase, sale, and maintenance of equipment in cooperation with the Fleet Manager (ER&R).

 

Supervision & Personnel

• Supervise, assign, and review the work of subordinate staff, ensuring adequate coverage and productivity.
• Develop performance metrics, conduct evaluations, and recommend disciplinary action as necessary.
• Lead the recruitment and selection process for new employees and respond to staff grievances.
• Review staffing levels and effectiveness of field personnel to maintain a workforce that is able to accomplish work, meeting the required standards.
• Plan and schedule county-wide maintenance training and safety programs to ensure compliance with regulations.

 

Public Relations & Liaison

• Serve as the primary liaison between contractors, utilities, public agencies, and the community.
• Investigate and resolve public inquiries and complaints related to transportation and stormwater systems.
• Professionally represent the County at conferences, public meetings, and training courses.
• Perform other duties as directed or required.
• This list is illustrative and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed in this position.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Federal, State, and Local laws and codes governing roadway and stormwater system maintenance.
• Municipal operations, budgeting, and financial management principles.
• Modern maintenance shop practices, fleet management (ER&R), and record-keeping techniques.
• Emerging maintenance and construction techniques.
• Federal, State, and Local procurement requirements and standards.

 

Skilled in:

• Public relations, negotiation, and dispute resolution.
• Use of computers and mobile devices, including Microsoft word processing and spreadsheets applications, GIS programs and asset and project management software.
• Strategic planning and organizational leadership.

 

Ability to:

• Interpret engineering plans and specifications to direct complex construction and maintenance activities.
• Analyze maintenance data and project costs to optimize resource allocations.
• Effectively coordinate, perform and manage multiple duties and assignments concurrently and complete duties in a timely manner.
• Balance competing priorities and provide solutions to emergent or difficult maintenance situations.
• Communicate effectively—both verbally and in writing—with diverse audiences, including County officials, staff, and the public.
• Understand, explain, and apply collective bargaining agreements.
• Work independently with minimal direction while fostering a productive team environment.
• Physically perform the essential functions of the position, including travel to various work locations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position exercises direct supervision over five (5) division supervisors and indirect supervision over all maintenance and shop crews. Performance is reviewed by the County Engineer through periodic evaluations, reports, and the overall effectiveness of the maintenance division.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment:  Work is performed in an office and in the field, with exposure to heavy construction equipment, traffic, and various weather conditions.

Physical Demands: Requires sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and walking on uneven terrain. Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds to waist height.

Technical: Ability to operate computer equipment, drive vehicles, and visually inspect infrastructure, construction projects and site conditions.

Schedule: May require alternative schedules, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Regular travel for projects and meetings is required.

RECRUITING REQUIREMENTS

Experience:

Six (6) years of supervisory infrastructure maintenance management experience.  Supplemental Education and Experience: Relevant education or experience in engineering, construction, or management may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.

Licenses:

Valid Washington State Driver’s License with CDL Class A and X endorsements. Drug and Alcohol testing is required if a job offer is made.  Testing positive on either test may be considered grounds for disqualification from employment for this position.  Position is also required to pass CDL random Drug and Alcohol testing.

Certifications: Washington State flagging card and a current First Aid card (or the ability to obtain both within 8 months of hire).

Background: A security background check may be required upon a conditional job offer.