Director of Highway Maintenance

The Director of Highway Maintenance for the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) creates an annual work plan and determines where to allocate departmental funds from a set budget amount used to maintain the roads in a safe and convenient condition. They oversee the daily operations including protocols and operating procedures, while monitoring the budget of the Highway Maintenance (HM) Department.

This includes the multimillion-dollar budget for work being performed by Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) staff for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) on the State Trunklines (STL) throughout Oakland County. The Director, Highway Maintenance supervises the Manager, Maintenance Operations Engineer and 6 District Superintendents. This position reports to the Deputy Managing Director/County Highway Engineer.

• Develops a financial plan that becomes an annual budget, which consists of the purchasing of materials and equipment, labor costs, contracted work, and preservation work. Develops an annual work plan for the maintenance districts based on the budget information. Monitors expenditures year-round to ensure the department is staying on plan and adjusts as needed.
• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff. Makes hiring and termination decisions; prioritizes assignments and directs work; develops and oversees employee work schedules and approves time away from work; provides and/or facilitates employee training and development; approves/processes employee concerns/problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; completes employee performance appraisals; makes recommendations regarding new hire salaries and salary changes; and acts as liaison between employees and management.
• Engages in daily conversations with District Superintendents, Forepersons and HQ staff regarding workload, handling residents’ or local officials’ concerns, and Union matters. Leads by example and sets a precedent for staff to follow.
• Serves as the Snow Duty Officer (SDO) monitoring winter conditions 24/7 to make decisions as to when to call in HM staff to perform winter operations. Remains engaged and advises other SDOs while they are on duty.
• Communicates with MDOT on planned routine work on the STL throughout Oakland County amongst the 6 maintenance districts. Ensures both RCOC and MDOT follow the STL Maintenance contract language. Takes MDOT to task when an alleged violation of said contract language occurs.
• Works with HQ staff on outside contractor work. Assists in monitoring work being completed with available funding. Prepares and presents to the RCOC Board any Appropriation Transfers and Contract Authorizations as required.
• Remains available 24/7/365 for RCOC work and as the RCOC Homeland Security contact person. Keeps in contact with Oakland Homeland Security with training sessions and mock events. Meets with the MDOT negotiating team regularly and as needed when another Road Commission may have issues with MDOT (e.g. alleged contract violations). Meets with MDOT leadership quarterly.
• Develops and maintains a relationship with neighboring Road Commissions, Department of Roads, and local officials. Ensures work is being performed efficiently and consistently throughout the region. Shares ideas, work processes, new materials, or new equipment with fellow external work groups. Meets with the Urban Council quarterly.
• Performs related work as required.

• Proven effective leadership and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and formulate recommendations utilizing critical thinking.
• Capable of managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously with attention to detail while using strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Position requires…