Highway Director

JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS DATE : 6/2026 DEPARTMENT: ROAD & BRIDGE REPORTS TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SALARY: $75,000+ DOE CLOSING DATE: Open until filled BENEFITS: Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance paid for employee, PERSI Retirement, Sick Leave, Vacation after 1 year, Holiday Pay, and Funeral Leave GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES The Director reports to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and is responsible for setting policy and long-range operations strategy at the direction of the BOCC. The Director is responsible for the oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Department that builds, maintains and repairs a dynamic transportation network to include approximately 340 miles of roads and county bridges. SUMMARY The ideal candidate will have transportation experience. A broad understanding of the complexities of managing a public works department is desired. The ideal candidate should be knowledgeable of local, state and federal law and possess financial knowledge to include fiscal planning, budget management and capital improvement projects. The ideal candidate will have the ability to build trust, collaborate, establish and maintain effective working relationships with Federal, State and local agency representatives, vendors, the general public and County employees to ensure a common vision is enacted and supported. The ideal candidate should have strong interpersonal skills, be an effective listener, responsive to input, and provide timely feedback. This individual should demonstrate the capacity and interest to be an effective mentor for staff. Advanced written and verbal communication skills are imperative for this position. The classification of this position is “exempt” as it pertains to the Fair Labor Standards Act. The primary function of an employee in this class is to supervise and manage the operations of the Gem County transportation system. This class of employee directly supervises Road and Bridge employees and oversees the work of independent contractors. The work is performed under the supervision of the Gem County Board of County Commissioners. The principal duties are performed in both a public office environment and the field with travel as needed. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provide organizational leadership and supervision for all department staff, including hiring, employment terms, training, evaluation, and disciplinary actions, subject to BOCC approval. Design and maintain an effective staff organizational structure; support positive departmental morale by establishing clear expectations, advancement opportunities, and job skill development. Work collaboratively with the BOCC and staff to develop, implement, and manage Road and Bridge policies, procedures, and both short and longrange strategic plans. Prepare and submit an annual departmental budget for BOCC approval; administer the approved budget, ensure expenditures remain within signing authority, and pursue additional revenue sources when possible. Secure financial resources by locating, evaluating, and applying for grants and other funding sources to advance county road and bridge initiatives. Oversee administration, financial operations, program performance, and compliance with local, state, and federal requirements across all department functions. Negotiate, manage, and ensure compliance with contracts, agreements, grants, and vendor relationships; oversee documentation, reporting, and adherence to funding stipulations. Develop and implement new programs, including innovative construction techniques, operational improvements, and community needs assessments. Manage the equipment necessary for county road and bridge purposes, including purchases, leases, maintenance, and disposal of obsolete equipment subject to the approval of BOCC. Supervise the tracking, documentation, and evaluation of all departmental projects to ensure compliance with standards, timelines, operational guidelines, and intended outcomes. Direct the construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of county roadways and related infrastructure, ensuring public safety. Ensure the installation and maintenance of appropriate signs, markers, signals, and trafficcontrol devices on county roads. Oversee the development of surveys, maps, plans, specifications, and cost estimates for roadway construction and maintenance projects. Regulate, restrict, or remove unauthorized signs, billboards, or structures within county roadway rightsofway. Maintain professional working relationships with county departments, government agencies, contractors, and the public. Communicate effectively with staff, the public, and county officials; manages public inquiries; and fosters positive relationships through professional, respectful, and transparent communication. Collaborate with Development Services to review land-use applications and verify compliance with county road standards. Perform additional duties as authorized by the BOCC. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: Standard methods, policies, and practices related to administrative operations and office management. Principles and procedures for project development, prioritization, and management. Budget preparation, financial administration, and resource management. Federal, state, local, and grantbased regulations related to transportation systems and funding compliance. Engineering and construction principles relating to roads, bridges, drainage systems, culverts, and related public works infrastructure (e.g. AASHTO standards). Trafficcontrol devices, signage standards, and roadway safety requirements (e.g. MUTCD). Computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, and related office technologies. Comprehensive technical skills – ranging from GIS and mapping applications to data-analysis tools and Microsoft Teams – to effectively manage information, coordinate activities, and support road and bridge project delivery. Personnel supervision, training, evaluation, and team development. Recordkeeping, reporting practices, and financial documentation. Thorough understanding of county governmental processes, including budgeting, procurement, public works operations, regulatory compliance and interdepartmental organization. Effective oral and written communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills. Ability to: Interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and administrative requirements. Communicate departmental goals, operations, and recommendations clearly to staff, Commissioners, and the public. Read and interpret engineering plans, diagrams, and specifications; determine grades and understand construction tolerances. Operate heavy equipment as needed and understand safe operational procedures. Perform effective time management, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Review, analyze, and evaluate proposals, contracts, and project submissions for compliance with guidelines and objectives. Ability to respond promptly to emergency situations, including after-hours, weekend, and holiday incidents. Ability to work in, as well as operate and supervise field activities, safely and effectively in inclement weather conditions across all seasons, including during storms, temperature extremes, and other adverse environmental situations. Prepare and deliver oral and written reports, correspondence, public presentations, and official documentation. Maintain accurate databases, records, and files while ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information. Conduct research and analysis for ongoing and special projects. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, officials, agencies, contractors, and the public. Perform mathematical calculations and basic accounting functions. Operate standard office equipment and motor vehicles as required. ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING Education certification or degree in transportation system construction management or civil engineering preferred; Prefer eight (8) years of general road and bridge construction experience; Prefer four (4) years of supervisory experience in roadway construction and maintenance; Experience in planning and implementing transportation projects is required; or Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge and abilities to perform the work. Valid State of Idaho class A CDL driver’s license required TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to understand verbal instructions, communicate effectively, and use telecommunication equipment; Ability to read written materials and interpret documents; Ability to operate heavy equipment, use tools, perform adjustments or modifications to equipment/machinery, and lift and move objects up to 80 pounds; Physical Work is performed in both office and field environments, including walking on uneven terrain and entering or exiting equipment or vehicles and in all weather conditions. DISCLAIMER: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Employment Type: Full Time Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 Annual Bonus/Commission: No