Employment



Highway Supervisor
Highway Supervisor
Town of Canaan
Highway Supervisor
Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Highway Supervisor is responsible for supervising, directing, and managing all administrative and technical aspects of the Canaan Highway Department which includes Highways and Streets, Solid Waste and Recycling, Cemeteries, and Buildings and Grounds. The Highway Supervisor is accountable for the effective delivery of public services to the Town of Canaan and proper maintenance of the Town’s public infrastructure. The Highway Supervisor is to plan, coordinate, implement, and document effective and responsible training for all members of the Department. The Highway Supervisor is responsible for the completion and submission of such reports as may be required by a proper authority, and in maintaining the Department’s relationships with citizens and public officials. The Highway Supervisor must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing and be able to work effectively with the Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator, other Department Heads, subordinates and the general public. The Highway Supervisor must be able to assist and actively participate in the physical operations of the Department.

SUPERVISION

Reports directly to the Board of Selectmen while working under the general supervision of the Town Administrator. Performs duties with a great degree of independence, exercising judgment and excellent interpersonal communication skills in working with the public and Town staff.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises directly, or through subordinate supervisors, a staff of foreman, truck drivers/equipment operators, laborers, solid waste employees, and outside contractors hired to supplement the staff and perform specialized services. Responsible for employee recruitment, training, evaluation, and discipline that is subject to review and approval of the Board of Selectmen.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following is an illustrative list of duties that may be performed. This list is not intended as a complete compilation of duties but is an example of the types of duties to be performed.
1. Establishes Department goals, objectives, policies, regulations, and procedures based upon the needs of the Town of Canaan and the Department; consults with Town Administrator on all major policy changes; continually evaluates the effectiveness and responsiveness of the Department.
2. Supervises and directs all Highway and Transfer Station personnel and other employees (both skilled and unskilled manual laborers) as well as operation of both heavy and light equipment.
3. Coordinates and supervises both summer and winter maintenance of the streets and highways in accordance with goals set forth by the Board of Selectmen consistent with funding allocated in the approved budget.
4. Assists and operates equipment used during summer and winter maintenance activities of the Town maintain roadways and infrastructure.
5. Directs, coordinates, documents, and keeps apprised of all Department procedures, practices, and functions; establishes and maintains formal channels of communication through which information must flow and specific authority is delegated; takes necessary steps to improve Department operations. Reviews activity to determine problem areas, and the need for special action.
6. Maintains good working relationships with other Town officials, State and Federal
authorities, civic leaders, and the public.
7. Prepares, presents, and administers the Department’s budget, under the direction of the Town Administrator. Maintains records and documentation of projects and budget
expenditures. Oversees departmental expenditures and analyzes operational costs.
8. Supervises the collection of solid waste and recyclables and investigates markets and methods for their processing and/or disposal.
9. Responsible for, and makes recommendations for all equipment, facilities, budgets,
training, inspections, licenses, permits, and other activities requiring emergency
preparedness related to the activities of the Department.
10. Develops and integrates new techniques and programs to improve the effectiveness of the Department.
11. Oversees Department’s training program ensuring that all training activities are consistent with Departmental goals and objectives and in accordance with State statues and administrative law.
12. Maintains facilities and equipment at a level consistent with funding allocated in the
approved budget while ensuring its reliability and readiness.
13. Conducts field inspections of construction sites and newly approved subdivisions to
ensure conformance with Town approvals, regulations, and specifications. Advise the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and other boards and/or commissions on matters related to the department.
14. Reviews applications and issues driveway permits on Town maintained roadways.
15. Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Some physical effort involving frequent standing and/or walking and occasional strenuous positions. Working conditions may be disagreeable due to variable climatic conditions, emotional stress, and exposure to hazards associated with road construction, highway maintenance and other physical labor. Some office work to be performed. Office work associated with the job may require sitting, standing, lifting, stretching, and the dexterity to operate standard office equipment. The Highway Supervisor is expected to work appropriate hours to effectively perform the duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description. Included in these expectations is attendance at meetings and public hearings as requested by the Town Administrator and Board of Selectmen.


SPECIFIC TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND/OR ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of modern public works
administration and methods, including year-round highway maintenance. Extensive knowledge
of the standards by which the quality of public works services is evaluated. A thorough
knowledge with experience in construction procedures and the Best Management Practices.
Knowledge of budgetary practices and procedures. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work
of subordinates performing various departmental activities. Ability to develop proper training
and instructional procedures. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other
Town officials, State and Federal authorities, civic leaders, and the public. Ability to prepare and
present effectively, oral and written material relating to the activities of the department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Successful candidates for the position will meet the following minimum qualifications:
• Five (5) years of successful year-round highway maintenance experience with progressively increasing responsibility in public works or highway maintenance; with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (desired), Business Administration, or related field desirable; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates competency of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Considerable knowledge and operation of light and heavy equipment application, operational capabilities, and maintenance.
• Considerable knowledge of building and grounds maintenance and repair procedures.
• Proven experience in highway winter and summer maintenance.
• Proven skills in personnel management including team building, consensus building,
delegation, communication, employee discipline, and problem solving.
• Firm understanding of budget preparation and fiscal management.
• High customer orientation and positive public interaction.
• Experienced with computers and computer literate. Skills should include Windows
operating system, word processor, and spreadsheet programs. Should be capable of
operating other office equipment to include copiers and fax machines as well as
measuring devices used in inspections.
• Must have a clean driving record and possess a New Hampshire Department of
• Transportation commercial driver’s license (CDL) appropriate to operate the equipment within the Department.
• Hold and maintain certification as a supervisor under the DOT commercial driver’s
license program
• Available 24 hours a day for emergencies, or provide adequate contingencies in their
absence.
• Demonstrated skills in the physical maintenance and care of cemeteries including public interaction during site.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.
Highway Equipment Operator/Laborer

Highway Equipment Operator/Laborer
The Town of Canaan has a Full-Time (40 hours a week) opening at the Highway Department for an Equipment Operator/Laborer.  Duties include roadway maintenance, plowing, ditching, road repair and operation of heavy equipment.  This position may also help with sub-surface water/sewer lines and maintenance of town owned properties. 
Candidates must possess a valid CDL driver’s license and be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.  Candidates must have a positive attitude and the ability to work overtime during storms. 

Benefits include vacation, personal, sick and holiday paid time off.  Health, dental and life insurance is offered at no cost to the employee for employee-only coverage.  Also included are boot and uniform allowances and participation in the NH Retirement System. 
Compensation starting at $21.50 and up to $24.50 depending on experience and certifications.
To apply, please send a resume and a cover letter to townadmin@canaannh.org or call 603-523-4501 with questions.


Cariann Zandell
523-4501 Ext. 7
czandell@canaannh.org

Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5