PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Classified Details

Classified ID

2052

Description

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time, Salaried, REGULARLY ON CALL
REPORTS TO: Operates under general supervision of the Road Commissioner(s) and Town Administrator; reports directly to the Selectboard. The Selectboard may delegate supervisory duties to the Town Administrator.

The Town of Highgate seeks a motivated and skilled Public Works Director to lead and manage the Town’s Public Works Department. We are committed to recruiting the best possible candidate—regardless of background or current training. If you are uncertain whether your qualifications meet the requirements, please contact the Town Administrator at TOWNADMIN@HIGHGATEVT.ORG  before submitting your resume and brief letter of interest.

PREFERRED EDUCATION OR TRAINING:
High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Education, training, or work experience with construction, mechanics, record keeping, and large equipment operation

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
Knowledge of or experience with:
Paving materials, methods, and practices
Bridge and culvert design and construction
Drainage systems and roadside maintenance
Snow plowing and ice control operations
Supervisory or personnel management experience

IMPORTANT SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks such as bending, lifting, carrying, and digging in all weather conditions
Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to supervise crew members, coordinate with Town staff and officials, and maintain positive relationships with the public
Sound judgment, independent problem-solving skills, and professionalism in all interactions
Ability to read and interpret plans, reports, blueprints, surveys, CAD files, and specifications
Ability to follow complex written and verbal instructions
General mechanical proficiency; advanced skills preferred
Ability to maintain all required licenses, certifications, and training
A valid CDL (minimum of a Class B), or ability to acquire a valid CDL, and a clean driving record. All CDL drivers and large equipment operators are subject to the Town's drug testing policies. 
Basic computer literacy, including use of email, Microsoft Office, and the ability to learn new software as requested

EXPECTED SPECIFIC DUTIES: 
Plan, coordinate, and oversee all daily operations and projects of the Public Works Department.
This is a working director position, requiring the ability to operate Town equipment and perform crew tasks as needed.
Monitor department operations, respond to issues and public concerns promptly and courteously.
Review and approve employee timesheets weekly; ensure hours are correctly allocated to appropriate labor categories.
Supervise Public Works personnel to ensure quality workmanship, efficiency, safety, and morale.
Ensure compliance with all safety procedures and oversee employee training and documentation.
Follow the Town’s Purchasing Policy and submit invoices to the Town Treasurer weekly.
Maintain and implement a proactive maintenance schedule for all Town equipment; keep detailed maintenance records.
Track and communicate equipment priorities, emergencies, and operational issues to the Town Administrator or Road Commissioner.
Monitor weather conditions and ensure adequate preparation and response for road maintenance, snow removal, and other weather-related operations.
Must ensure 24-hour coverage for emergencies, including plowing, salting, and sanding.
Occasional night and weekend work required.
Maintain knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local regulations governing public works operations.
Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Selectboard.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
    This position is hired by the Selectboard after any required screening calls, interviews, reference checks, background check, physical, and drug test. The terms of employment, compensations, and benefits are set by the Selectboard. This position has a six (6) month probationary period like all other hired Town positions, as a condition of employment.

EVALUATIONS:
    Regular evaluations of all Town of Highgate employees are completed annually during the period of July 1 to August 15th. Both an initial six (6) month evaluations will be completed and an annual evaluation regardless of the timing. These evaluations are completed by the Selectboard with the Road Commissioner, seeing as the road commissioner is not on the Selectboard at the time of the evaluations OR as the Selectboard elects to invite to the evaluation team. Employees will be afforded the opportunity to review all evaluations

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
    A salary and benefit package is to be offered by the Selectboard, with opportunities for raises and benefit changes annually based upon the annual employee evaluation. Cost of living raises may also be given at the discretion of the Selectboard annually. 
 

Title

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Salary Range

$60000 to $75000

Application Deadline

12/13/2025

Location

Highgate, VT

Application URL

www.highgatevt.org/ 

Contact Information

Name

Hayes, Fredi

Email

TOWNADMIN@HIGHGATEVT.ORG 

Best Method of Contact

EMAIL