Highway Commissioner
Purpose of Position:
The County Highway Commissioner is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and operation of the Buffalo County Highway Department. This position plans, directs, and oversees County transportation systems and infrastructure; ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations; manages financial and personnel resources; and represents the County’s transportation interests while working collaboratively with the Highway Committee, County Board of Supervisors, municipalities, and external agencies.
This position is established pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 83.01 and serves as the administrative head of the County Highway Department.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following duties are typical for this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily and in a timely manner. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.
Provides executive leadership and direction for all Highway Department operations, including construction, maintenance, engineering, and administrative functions.
Directly supervises and evaluates senior management staff; establishes performance expectations; and ensures continuity of operations through succession planning and cross-training.
Inspects and evaluates the County Highway system; identifies infrastructure needs; and develops, implements, and monitors short- and long-term transportation and capital improvement plans.
Prepares, recommends, and administers the annual Highway Department budget; oversees fiscal management; monitors expenditures; and ensures compliance with County financial policies and accounting standards.
Maintains current knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and funding requirements related to transportation; ensures departmental compliance and implements changes as necessary.
Serves as the primary liaison for transportation matters with the Highway Committee, County Board, municipalities, State and federal agencies, contractors, and the public.
Responds to public inquiries and complaints; prepares reports and presentations; and provides technical expertise and guidance on transportation-related issues.
Oversees recruitment, selection, training, evaluation, discipline, and termination of Highway Department employees in accordance with County policies and labor agreements.
Develops and oversees employee safety programs, risk management practices, and training initiatives in coordination with the County Risk Manager.
Prepares and administers requests for proposals (RFPs) and contracts for professional services; participates in interviews and selection processes.
Serves as the County’s authorized representative for transportation-related contracts, construction projects, and right-of-way and utility easement negotiations.
Reviews and approves specifications, bids, and purchases for equipment, materials, and services.
Administers access control ordinances, utility permits, and inventory and asset management programs, including PASER, WISHLR, Federal Aid Bridge, GASB 34, signage, and related systems.
Coordinates bridge inspection, replacement, and improvement programs for the County and Town highway systems.
Prepares resolutions, ordinances, and policy recommendations for Highway Committee and County Board consideration and presents information as requested.
Attends and participates in meetings of County committees, municipal boards, professional associations, and intergovernmental organizations.
Performs the duties of the Patrol Superintendent and General Foreman in their absence to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Minimum Requirements
A High School Diploma or equivalent and a bachelor’s degree preferably in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field is required. An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience that provides the necessary skills to successfully perform the position will be considered.
Previous supervisory or management experience in transportation, public works, or construction operations is preferred.
Valid Wisconsin driver’s license is required and a Wisconsin Class B CDL or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment is preferred.
Advanced computer skills.
Ability to provide first-line supervision; lead, train, counsel, and mediate staff; interpret and apply policies and procedures; and communicate effectively with internal staff, contractors, government officials, utility and railroad personnel, law enforcement, and the public.
Ability to utilize and interpret a wide range of laws, regulations, reports, plans, manuals, and technical documents; analyze and classify data; and perform mathematical calculations including percentages, fractions, decimals, volumes, ratios, present values, spatial relationships, and basic descriptive statistics to support informed decision making.
Please review the full job description here that includes the full list of duties, requirements, physical demands and work environment. Highway Commissioner Job Description
Pay
The starting salary range for this position is $107,432 to $122,782 with a maximum salary of $138,132. The position is FLSA exempt for overtime purposes.
Benefits
Wisconsin Retirement System
176 hours of Paid Time Off in the first year
11 Paid Holidays
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Supplemental Insurances
Flex Spending and Health Savings Accounts
To Apply
Visit our website at www.buffalocountywi.gov/jobs. Complete the online application. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled with preference being given to applications received by March 4th, 2026.
Questions
Contact Human Resources at 608-685-6234 or at jobs@buffalocountywi.gov.
Buffalo 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 encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Deadline Note: