Public Works Highway Supervisor
The Town of East Hartford is currently accepting applications for the position of Public Works Highway Supervisor. This role involves skilled supervisory and technical work in delivering a wide range of public works services. Key responsibilities include overseeing the construction and maintenance of town roads, curbing, storm drainage systems, flood control infrastructure, cemetery operations, and the installation and upkeep of highway signs and markings.
The Supervisor is accountable for ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely execution of public works programs across the town. This position leads one or more crews of skilled and semi-skilled workers and may participate directly in field operations, including the use of vehicles and heavy equipment. The role requires sound judgment in making complex technical decisions related to assigned projects.
Candidates must possess substantial knowledge, skills, and abilities in highway construction, maintenance practices, and general public works operations.
Essential Job Functions
Key Responsibilities
- Supervision of Crews : Oversees one or more crews of skilled and semi-skilled workers engaged in highway and public works operations.
- Work Planning & Oversight : Assists the Superintendent or other supervisory staff in scheduling, assigning, supervising, and evaluating work crews involved in the reconstruction and maintenance of roads, curbs, storm drains, inlets, guardrails, masonry walls, and related infrastructure.
- Functional Leadership : Takes the lead in supervising major operational areas such as :
- Maintenance of Town cemeteries
- Flood control systems and facilities
- Highway paving operations
- Fabrication and installation of highway signs and pavement markings
- Training & Safety : Provides hands-on technical training to ensure safe and efficient work practices, particularly in high-risk environments such as traffic zones, ditches, and excavations.
- Operational Support : Participates in equipment operation and fieldwork as needed for training purposes or during emergencies when qualified operators are unavailable.
- Administrative Duties : Completes required documentation, including work reports, time records, and crew assignments.
- Equipment Operation & Instruction : Operates and trains staff on the use of various equipment, including but not limited to backhoes, graders, loaders, pavers, sweepers, and trucks.
- Employee Development : Trains, mentors, and counsels employees to support skill development and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
- Specialization & Flexibility : May specialize in areas such as paving, storm drainage, or curbing, but is expected to lead and support all assigned highway projects as needed.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of the practices and procedures involved in the construction and maintenance of highways, streets, roads, underground pipes, curbing, and related facilities.Good knowledge of project set up and the materials, equipment and tools of highway maintenance, and other public works functions.Some knowledge of public administration principles and practices as applied to leading a small work unit and unit reporting and routine administrative procedures.Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers, subordinates and the general public.Considerable ability to operate heavy equipment, including backhoes, front-end loaders, graders, and street sweepers, and to train lower-level employees in their operation.Good ability to communicate orally and to lead others in a work unit. Some writing ability.Good ability to perform manual labor, including lifting, and operating hand and power tools and equipment.Good ability to administer policies and procedures, including scheduling, routine decision-making and the completion of forms and reports.Job Qualifications and Licensing
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience : High school diploma or equivalent required; trade school education preferred. Must have formal training in construction techniques and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in construction and maintenance, including :Experience in a lead or supervisory roleProficiency in operating heavy construction equipmentAn equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience may be considered.Special Requirements
Must possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL).Tools & Equipment Operated
Heavy equipment such as backhoes, payloaders, and street sweepersVarious hand tools and power tools used in public works operationsPhysical & Mental Demands
Regular use of hands and fingers to operate tools and controlsFrequent standing, walking, talking, and hearingOccasional climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawlingAbility to frequently lift / move up to 25 lbs., and occasionally up to 50 lbs.Visual acuity (corrected) required for reading, equipment operation, and safetyAbility to read and interpret documents, write routine reports, and maintain recordsMust apply sound judgment and technical knowledge to solve practical problemsWork Environment
Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including extreme weather during snowstormsFrequent work near moving mechanical parts and in wet or humid environmentsOccasional work at heights or in areas with airborne particles or fumesExposure to vibration and loud noise levels is commonMust be available for extended hours during emergencies or inclement weatherGeneral Guidelines
The duties outlined above are intended to illustrate the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and is subject to change as the needs of the Town and the position evolve.