Operations Superintendent

Highway Operations Superintendent

Come be a part of the team in Kenosha County’s Highway Division!  We are looking for an influential leader responsible for planning, organizing and directing all field maintenance operations and project activities within the Highway Division.  The Operations Superintendent directs snow operations, road maintenance, and construction while effectively leading an active workforce. 

2026 Hiring Range:  $78,396 – $93,329 annually

As an organization, Kenosha County prides itself on engaging in the adoption of new leadership styles, continuous improvement and innovation, and a willingness to invest in new technology to support operations.  As a Kenosha County employee, you are provided a very competitive salary and benefit package and have access to a wide range of training and learning opportunities.

Work Schedule

Regular work hours are generally Monday through Thursday from 5:30 am to 4:00 pm.
On-call availability for emergency response and rotating weeklong on-call shift with highway operations leadership.
Required to work outside of regular hours for winter maintenance which includes days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Required to work outside of regular hours for emergency responses.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides effective direction and supervisory support to the highway operations leadership team.
Promotes a positive, respectful, and high-performing work environment for all staff through open communication, employee engagement and collaboration.
Leads operations and develops culture of continuous improvement in coordination with the Director of Public Works, Highway Commissioner, and Division Leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Communicates regularly and effectively with leadership, supervisors, and staff to ensure clarity of expectations, operational priorities, changes in staffing, and organizational goals.
Demonstrates accountable, ethical, and transparent decision making while maintaining confidentiality as necessary.
Promotes a safe work environment by maintaining and executing applicable safety programs, guidelines, and regulations while ensuring consistent compliance with established procedures.
Leads the development, implementation, and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and policies for highway operations.
Works closely with Human Resources to identify staff development and technical training needs, creating programs to address those needs. 
Identifies staff for succession planning and leadership development to ensure continuity with long-term organizational goals.
Executes short-term and long-term scheduling to ensure crews are efficient and productive; assists supervisory team in scheduling work operations.
Responsible for ensuring all staff are held accountable in a manner consistent with all County policies.
Assists in completion of direct report’s tasks during absences.  
Actively participates in hiring, onboarding, performance management, and disciplinary actions in coordination with Human Resources.
Conducts effective and timely performance evaluations for direct reports.
Works closely with Highway Shop Superintendent to develop equipment needs, maintenance schedules, repairs, and replacements in a timely and effective manner.
Manages highway operations activities within authorized budgets and financial controls; reviews all project cost estimates for outside agency work order requests.
Oversees winter maintenance operations, including updating plow section maps and supervising crews throughout the winter season.
Performs other work as required or assigned.

Success Factors

Knowledge of principles and practices of supervisory leadership, employee management, and creating a positive, respectful, and productive work environment.
Knowledge of performance management techniques, including coaching, performance improvement planning, progressive discipline, and employee recognition.
Knowledge of safety programs, regulations, and best practices applicable to highway and public works operations.
Knowledge in developing, implementing, and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures related to roadway construction and maintenance operations.
Knowledge in workforce development, training program design, succession planning, and leadership development.
Knowledge of project scheduling, work planning, and resource allocation to ensure efficient use of staff, equipment and materials.
Knowledge of requirements related to environmental regulations, licensing, certifications, and workplace policy compliance.
Knowledge of winter maintenance operations, snow and ice control strategies and emergency response coordination.
Skill in leading and motivating staff to create and sustain a positive, respectful and high-performing work environment.
Skill in providing clear direction, setting expectations, and holding supervisors and employees accountable for performance, safety, and personal conduct.
Skill in conflict resolution, problem solving, and facilitating effective issue management.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of scheduling practices.
Ability to lead, direct and support operations while fostering a positive, collaborative, and accountable work environment.
Ability to develop short-term and long-term work plans.
Ability to provide clear guidance and direction to supervisory and field staff while ensuring alignment with County, Department, and Division goals.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of staff.
Ability to plan, organize, and direct maintenance and project work activities.
Ability to remain professional, ethical, and courteous at all times.
Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience

High School diploma or GED equivalent.
At least 5 – 7 years in a supervisory role in highway road maintenance with construction experience and heavy equipment operation.
Some post-secondary education, preferred.

Licenses or Certifications

Class A CDL with tanker, air brake, and manual transmission endorsement.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The position involves moderate physical demands, such as exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally, and up to 50lbs. of force very seldom. This position may require sitting for long periods of time.  May require driving large trucks and operating equipment on occasion.  Work hours may be long during weather or other emergent situations.  

Work Environment

This position involves a combination of indoor work as well as driving county, state and highway roads to monitor construction projects and extreme weather during snow operations.   

Benefits:

Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) participating employer.  Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.

Health, dental and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off
Paid Volunteer Time
Twelve Paid Holidays
Retirement Plan:  Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Pet Insurance

 Selection Process

Application Review – Qualifying
Oral Interview – Qualifying
Background Investigation – Qualifying
Physical Examination/Drug Screen – Qualifying

If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, March 6, 2026, at noon.

To learn more about the Kenosha County Highway Division, please visit: 

https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/504/Highways

The full pay grade for this position is E10 (Min. $78,396 – Max. $108,262).

To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, please visit:  https://www.visitkenosha.com/

Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County! 

https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov

Deadline Note: