Highway Engineer and Assistant Commissioner

Position Title: Highway Engineer & Assistant Commissioner 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Highway Commissioner 

Pay Grade: U- $44.55- $49.19

Department: Highway

I. Position Summary
This position description has been prepared to assist in evaluating duties, responsibilities,
and skills of the position. It is not intended as a complete list of specific responsibilities and
duties, nor is it intended to limit duties to those listed.
This position is responsible for designing, supervising, coordinating and surveying highway
and bridge maintenance and construction projects. Responsibilities also include supervising
employees and planning day-to-day activities in the maintenance of State and/or County
highways. Employee exercises considerable independent judgment in decision making
within general guidelines under the administrative direction of the Highway Commissioner.

II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
 Plans, schedules, organizes, and supervises highway maintenance projects and work
crews.
 Responsible for carrying out maintenance and repair of highways in the County.
 Keeps Commissioner and/or Patrol Superintendent informed of progress on projects,
equipment needs or need for additional employees. Requisitions materials for job.
 Assumes supervision of the Department in the absence of the Highway Commissioner.
 Computes technical data for design and building highways and bridges in compliance
with Department of Transportation (DOT) facilities development manual and standards.
 Obtains constructions permits for all off right of way work.
 Prepares and procures applicable local, state and federal permits for road and bridge
maintenance and construction projects. Documents and monitors permit requirements.
 Performs special assignments as directed by the Highway Commissioner.
 Surveys design and draws bridge and road projects, which includes accurately
determining drainage structure size by analyzing hydraulic capacity for location, and
documenting that analysis and designing the proper structure for that capacity.
 Inspects County and Town bridges under supervision of the Highway Commissioner.
Acts as program manager for the County/Town bridge program.
 Performs construction site surveys.
 Maintains availability and accessibility by phone for overtime work during snowstorms
or when other road damage occurs.
 Assigns work and supervises individuals or crews performing maintenance on state
and/or county roads, including paving, patching, grading, ditching, snowplowing,
monitoring/ replacing road signs, placing gravel on roadways and shoulders as needed,
or related work.
 Prepares daily work schedules and work assignments. May be on an on-call rotation to
call in individuals or crews after regular working hours when necessary to handle
emergency road repairs, or plowing, salting or sanding. This duty requires some nights
and weekends.
 Attempts to get work completed within allocated budgets for each project.

III. Related Job Functions
 Responsible for working safely and following safety practices and standards of the
facility; responsible for reporting and/or correcting any existing or potential safety or
accident hazard.
 Uses breathing apparatus, hearing, gloves, and eye protection as necessary.
 Establishes and maintains effective working relationship with co-workers and others.
 Attends staff meetings and training sessions.
 Responsible for advising supervisor if valid driver’s license and good driving record are
not maintained.
 Supports the Landy and water and Zoning departments as needed.
 Performs related work as required or directed.

IV. Physical Demands
Approximately 60% of the time, work is performed driving, patrolling roads, walking, writing
reports; 20% performs other duties which involve lifting, bending, carrying, walking,
climbing on uneven terrain; 20% sits at desk, uses hearing, near vision and writing. Will talk
to clients, callers, and department staff. Work is performed in all types of weather,
including rain, snow, and extreme cold and heat; dramatic shifts in temperature, and noise,
vibrations and mechanical hazards are factors. Requires near and far vision for driving
vehicles, inspecting road and operating equipment. Reads and writes instructions and
records. Communicates with the public. Operates road maintenance and construction
equipment occasionally.

V. Education and Training Requirements
 Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
 Certification as a Professional Engineer preferred.
 Four years experience in highway engineering preferred.


 Must have valid driver license, good driving record, and Class AD commercial driver
license preferred. Must have reliable transportation with adequate auto insurance to
meet minimum County requirements, or access to reliable transportation for city and
rural travel.
 Bridge Inspection Certificate preferred. Must be obtained within two years of hire.
 Experience and knowledge with hydrologic and hydraulic studies preferred.

Vernon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current
employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.