Highway Assistant Superintendent

The Highway Assistant Superintendent will report directly to the Highway Superintendent and is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the county road system. The Assistant will lead the highway crew in carrying out maintenance and construction projects, ensuring all equipment and safety protocols are followed, and responding to public concerns. This position also involves stepping in to manage department operations in the absence of the Highway Superintendent.

• Report directly to the Highway Superintendent and meet with them before each shift to discuss daily goals and tasks.
• Provide leadership to ensure the team adheres to the Highway Superintendent’s vision, policies, goals, and procedures.
• Plan, direct, and monitor the county road system, ensuring roads, bridges, and culverts are checked for necessary repairs or maintenance at least twice a month.
• Perform hands-on construction and maintenance tasks alongside county crews, ensuring work is completed efficiently and on time. If unable to be present, designate a lead man to supervise the crew.
• Ensure all equipment is properly maintained and serviced regularly.
• Have a strong knowledge of how to operate and maintain heavy equipment and provide guidance to staff on equipment use and maintenance.
• Assist in training new employees on proper equipment operation and safety protocols.
• Conduct monthly safety meetings and attend ongoing training and safety courses to stay updated on industry best practices.
• Enforce and model safety procedures across all operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Work effectively with coworkers and the public, addressing concerns or complaints related to roads, drainage, approaches, and other maintenance issues.
• Assist landowners with problems related to drainage, road damage, blocked pipes, and other related matters.
• Maintain effective communication with the public, discussing concerns and providing solutions.
• Review and evaluate employee performance, providing feedback and making recommendations for improvement to the Highway Superintendent.
• Assist in administering disciplinary actions for staff, in coordination with the Highway Superintendent.
• Contribute to the budget process, assisting with budget planning and financial management for department operations.
• Oversee day-to-day department responsibilities in the absence of the Highway Superintendent.
• Be available on-call 24/7, including holidays, to respond to emergencies and urgent road issues. This may require working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek.
• Experience in road construction, paving, grading, bridge building, culvert installation, and drainage.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Must either possess or be able to obtain a South Dakota Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 6 months of employment.
• Candidates must be willing to relocate to Turner County.

Turner County offers 100% employee paid health insurance, 50% family, paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, & life insurance. SD Retirement. Additional benefits are available. Turner County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Department Approval

Approved by: Kent Austin

Title: Superintendent

Date: 03/26/25