Director of Tribal Roads Maintenance

The Director of Tribal Roads Maintenance provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for the Tribal Roads Maintenance Program, ensuring compliance with P.L. 93-638 contracts, 25 CFR Part 170, Tribal policies, and applicable federal, state, and Tribal regulations. The Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and evaluating all program operations, including budget and contract administration, grant management, transportation asset management, policy development, regulatory compliance, workforce leadership, and maintenance program planning. This position oversees departmental personnel, ensures fiscal accountability, directs maintenance priorities, develops strategic partnerships with Tribal, federal, state, and local agencies, and represents the program before Tribal leadership and funding organizations. The Director also provides leadership during emergency response and disaster recovery efforts while promoting safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation infrastructure that supports public safety, economic development, and the maintenance and preservation needs of the Tribe.

SUPERVISION:

The Tribal Roads Director will work under the supervision of the Executive Director who will provide direction and guidance as well as conduct performance evaluations.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Leadership and Administration

• Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the Tribal Roads Maintenance Program, ensuring compliance with P.L. 93-638, 25 CFR Part 170, Tribal policies, and all applicable federal, state, and Tribal laws and regulations.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and performance measures to support efficient and effective program operations.
• Establish long-range plans for road maintenance operations, equipment lifecycle, and preservation treatments, in coordination with the Transportation Planning Department.
• Evaluate program performance and implement continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.

Financial and Contract Management

• Develop, administer, and monitor departmental budgets, contracts, grants, and funding agreements to ensure fiscal accountability and compliance with funding requirements.
• Oversee procurement activities, authorize program expenditures, and ensure responsible stewardship of Tribal assets and financial resources.
• Identify, pursue, and administer federal, state, Tribal, and private funding opportunities to support transportation infrastructure improvements and program sustainability.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of required financial, grant, and contract reports.

Operations Management

• Direct the planning, scheduling, and implementation of road maintenance activities to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective maintenance of the Tribal transportation system.
• Oversee transportation asset management systems, maintenance planning, and infrastructure preservation strategies.
• Ensure departmental compliance with established maintenance standards, safety regulations, environmental requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Coordinate emergency road maintenance operations and disaster response activities as necessary.

Leadership and Personnel Management

• Provide leadership, supervision, and administrative oversight to management, supervisory, and program staff.
• Establish performance expectations, conduct evaluations, support employee development, and ensure compliance with Tribal personnel policies and procedures.
• Promote a positive workplace culture emphasizing accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and workplace safety.
• Ensure staff receive required safety training, certifications, and professional development opportunities.

Compliance and Reporting

• Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of program data required by Tribal leadership, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Tribal Transportation Program (TTP), and other funding agencies.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, contract provisions, regulatory reporting, and performance standards.
• Maintain appropriate internal controls and documentation to support audits, monitoring activities, and program accountability.

Intergovernmental and Community Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Tribal Roads Maintenance Program and Tribal leadership, federal and state agencies, contractors, consultants, utility providers, and community stakeholders.
• Present reports, recommendations, and program updates to Tribal Council, Tribal committees, and other governing bodies.
• Foster collaborative partnerships to support transportation planning, infrastructure development, and community safety.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the mission and objectives of the Tribal Roads Maintenance Program.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or relate field; OR seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in road/transportation maintenance operations, with at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management role. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience administering federal contracts or grants.
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Working knowledge of road maintenance standards, equipment operation, and materials (RAP, millings, base course, etc.).
• Ability to read and apply federal regulations governing 638 contracts and grant compliance
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions and requires frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds, operating maintenance equipment, and working around traffic, heavy equipment, and airport facilities while using required personal protective equipment (PPE). The position may require overtime, emergency response, snow removal, travel, and flexible hours, and is subject to DOT regulations, including drug and alcohol testing.

SHIFT: Normally Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will respond to and coordinate road-related emergencies, weather events, hazardous conditions, closures, and urgent roadway issues, ensuring timely assessment, communication, and deployment of resources to maintain safe and accessible roads.