Section Leader- De Soto Route

Section Leader
- De Soto Route Section Leader

Department: Highway Department

Reports to: Highway Commissioner

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade: K

The Vernon County Highway Department builds and maintains the roads and bridges that keep our communities connected and moving. From daily travel to emergency response and local business activity, safe and reliable infrastructure is essential to everyday life in Vernon County.

This work includes maintaining and improving roadways, managing seasonal operations such as snow and ice removal, and planning for long‑term infrastructure needs. The department focuses on delivering efficient, high‑quality service while using resources responsibly and maintaining consistent standards across the county.

Through dependable service, careful planning, and a commitment to integrity, the Highway Department helps ensure residents, businesses, and visitors can travel safely and confidently. This work keeps Vernon County connected and supports it as a great place to grow.

This position performs routine highway maintenance and snow removal duties, including operating heavy equipment such as dump trucks, loaders, and tractors. The employee completes road repairs, mowing, debris removal, and other general roadway upkeep while following safety standards. The employee uses independent judgment and often works alone.

• Operates dump truck with plow, wing, and sander.
• Operate loader and wheel tractor for mowing.
• Performs road maintenance, road patching, plows snow, picks up trash and debris along the road and roadside.
• Operates and assists in the maintenance of standard highway equipment.
• Erects and takes down snow fences.
• Installs/replaces and repairs guard rails and signs.
• Receives complaints and requests from the public in the assigned section.
• Keeps records of work performed and time involved in performing the work.
• Maintains availability and accessibility by phone for overtime work during snowstorms or when other road damage occurs.
• Assists in repairs to highways and roads; places gravel on roadways and shoulders as needed.
• Sweeps intersections and bridge decks.
• Mows and clears brush from road right‑of‑ways; cleans culverts and ditches.
• Uses various equipment such as hand and power tools, chainsaws, shovels, picks, hammers and brooms.
• Consults with department personnel regarding vehicle/equipment maintenance and repairs.
• Performs a variety of semi‑skilled highway maintenance duties.

• Responsible for working safely and following safety practices and standards of the facility; responsible for reporting and/or correcting any existing or potential safety or accident hazard.
• Uses breathing apparatus, hearing, gloves, and eye protection as necessary.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers and others.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions.
• Responsible for advising supervisor if valid driver’s license and good driving record are not maintained.
• Performs road patching and road maintenance.
• Performs related work as required or directed.

• Ability to sit, stand, bend and move around for extended periods.
• Ability to drive dump truck or drive the tractor‑operated mower for extended periods of time.
• Must be physically capable of operating various equipment such as hand and power tools, chainsaws, shovels, picks, hammers, and brooms. Lift and carry various debris (up to 50 pounds or up to 75 pounds with assistance from co‑workers) such as chunks of concrete, fall tree limbs, etc.
• Ability to safely work with hazards, such as construction sites, temperature extremes, noise, fumes. Work is performed in all types of weather, including rain, snow, and extreme cold and heat; dramatic shifts in temperature, and noise, vibrations and mechanical hazards are factors.
• Requires near and far vision for driving vehicles, inspecting roads, and operating equipment.
• Read and write instructions and records.
• Ability to communicate with the public and Vernon County staff.
• May involve potential for minimal exposure to blood/body fluids.

• Graduate of an…