Operations Supervisor - Highway

  • County of Marathon
  • Wausau, WI
  • 7mo ago
  • Full-Time
  • On-site

Job Posting End Date:

10-21-2025

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Position Summary:

The Operations Supervisor is one of a team of five supervisors responsible for leading department staff and overseeing daily operations related to general road maintenance and the winter maintenance program. Together, the supervisory team shares responsibility for department-wide functions such as permit administration, materials management, staff training, and operational coordination. Work is performed under the direction of the Operations Manager and Highway Commissioner.

Examples of Work Performed:

The following duties are typical of this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.

Highway Maintenance & Construction (State and County)

  • Provides organizational leadership and partners with management to implement strategies for continuous improvement of agency services.

  • Participates in management and supervisory meetings; collaborates with the team to develop work plans and lead organizational change.

  • Schedules, coordinates, and oversees county road maintenance, repair, and construction, as well as the winter maintenance program.

  • Supervises projects including tree and brush clearing, grading, culvert replacement, minor asphalt paving, and other municipal or intergovernmental work.

  • Develops daily work schedules, assigns equipment and personnel, and provides on-site direction regarding work practices and traffic control.

  • Conducts field inspections to ensure quality standards, safety compliance, and adherence to departmental policies.

  • Participates in employee evaluations, approves leave, conducts disciplinary actions, and assists in interviewing and hiring.

  • Coordinates contract work and quality control; attends preconstruction meetings; arranges specialized equipment rentals and subcontracted work as needed.

  • Estimates and coordinates delivery of materials for maintenance and construction projects; maintains material and inventory records.

  • Implements and oversees traffic control plans following MUTCD Part 6 standards; ensures proper use of signage, barricades, and safety devices.

  • Maintains records of Diggers Hotline locate requests and associated work.

  • Monitors utility work.

  • Supervises the winter maintenance program on a rotating schedule (on-call one day per week year-round and every fifth weekend); manages response to snow and ice events and deploys appropriate staff and equipment.

Financial Responsibilities

  • Obtains price quotes and purchases materials in accordance with County procurement procedures.

  • Maintains spreadsheets and reports to track material usage, costs, labor, equipment, and reimbursements.

  • Reviews employee timesheets for accuracy and ensures correct project coding.

  • Prepares cost estimates for municipal or inter-county projects (e.g., culvert installations, patching, ditching, lane wedging).

  • Prepares and submits bids for PBM (Performance-Based Maintenance) projects.

  • Reviews and files scale tickets and monthly reports.

Miscellaneous Duties & Record Keeping

  • Investigates and resolves complaints or concerns regarding roadway conditions, drainage, brush, or other maintenance issues.

  • Schedules and supervises repair or replacement of signs, mailboxes, guardrails, and other roadside infrastructure.

  • Responds to emergencies such as washouts, floods, and traffic incidents; coordinates labor and traffic control as needed.

  • Attends DOT and preconstruction meetings related to road and bridge maintenance.

  • Completes and/or reviews various reports, including accident investigations, storm reports, brine usage, anti-ice logs, and monthly scale reports.

  • Processes property damage claims and ensures required documentation is complete.

Shop and Material Oversight

  • Provides supervision and support for employees across all five shop locations, including both State and County staff.

  • Ensures shop supply needs are met and that facilities and equipment are kept clean and organized.

  • Monitors material inventories (salt, sand/salt mix, asphalt patch material, etc.).

  • Ensures timesheets, charge-out sheets, and storm reports are collected promptly.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in road construction or maintenance required.

  • Supervisory experience preferred.

  • Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license and maintain a driving record that meets County standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Strong leadership and organizational development skills; ability to foster teamwork and continuous improvement.

  • Thorough knowledge of road construction, maintenance methods, materials, and safety practices.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and related software.

  • Ability to read and interpret construction plans and traffic control documents.

  • Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

  • Skilled in supervision, coaching, and performance evaluation.

  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.

  • Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with municipalities, contractors, utilities, and the public.

  • Strong record-keeping and reporting skills.

  • Commitment to a positive work culture emphasizing customer service and teamwork.

  • Ability to interpret and apply Wisconsin DOT specifications, manuals, and maintenance standards.

Compensation:

Annual salary: $67,204.80- $75,275.20 + Marathon County benefits

Physical Requirements:

Moderate Physical Requirements - Job requires a combination of desk work and some physical activity.

All physical requirements are described with the intent to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job.

Selection Procedure:

The selection of the successful candidate may be made by assessment of education and work experience, oral interview, review of references, and/or other job-related selection procedures. Depending on position requirements, the selected candidate may be required to satisfactorily complete post-offer assessments, including but not limited to education verification, background checks, driver license verification, physical examination, psychological assessment, and drug screening paid for by the County.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Marathon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status.

Special Accommodations:


Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone (715) 261-1451 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.




Notice to Applicants:


Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information.  If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law