Deputy Highway Commissioner

Salary: $92,560.00 - $104,208.00 Annually
Location : Highway 1313 Holland Road, Appleton, WI
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2603553
Department: Highway Office
Opening Date: 06/10/2026
Closing Date: 6/24/2026 4:00 PM Central
Typical Work Hours/Shift:: Core Hours are 7:00 AM-3:30PM with flexibility needed per business need and the ability attend occasional meetings in the evenings.

Outagamie County Core Values

Invested in Serving

Better Together

Create Progress

Support Through Compassion

Position Purpose

Reporting to Highway Commissioner, the Deputy Highway Commissioner oversees all operational divisions of the highway department to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, safety of employees and traveling public, performance objectives are met, and customer experience metrics are achieved. Through leadership, accountability, and stakeholder engagement, the Deputy Highway Commissioner is responsible for short term and long term strategic direction of the department, promoting efficient and deliberate use of resources, and planning innovative solutions for the betterment of the entire community.

Core Hours are 7:00 AM-3:30PM with flexibility needed per business need and the ability attend occasional meetings in the evenings.

Learn more about our benefits here including being a part of our Wisconsin Retirement System Pension and utilize our on-site and near-site clinic if you take our benefits:

**Deadline to apply is 4:00 PM on June 24, 2026.
Key Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Directs, administers, and manages the operations of the Highway Department; develops and monitors internal policies and procedures; develops and administers the annual department budget; supervises, directs and evaluates the activities of all department staff, either directly or through senior staff.
2. Builds strategic vision and goals for the highway field operations including maintenance, construction, bituminous, and bridges. Develops relationships with key stakeholders and maximizes partnerships for the Win-Win-Win.
3. Oversees the development, distribution, and compliance with the Highway Operating Procedures with all staff, vendors, and contractors.
4. Explore the implement solutions to increase revenue, reduce expenses, push innovation and/or elevate customer experience throughout the highway department.
5. Oversees in the development and implementation of the budget process for highway operations. Assists in preparing cost estimates for new construction/renovation projects and acquisition of equipment.
6. Oversees inspections of the buildings, roadways, parking lots and grounds to determine necessary repairs and coordinates associated cost estimates.
7. Ensures that all work and work orders conform to federal, state, county, and department standards and policies, and is completed in a timely manner.
8. Plan and develop the annual operating budget and capital improvement plan for the Operations and Maintenance Division.
9. Develop and direct training programs for highway staff, on highway security, safety, and other operational issues and goals.
10. Prepares and presents to the Highway Commissioner annual budgets highway operations and maintenance programs.
11. Remains on-call twenty-four (24) hours a day for emergency situations.
12. Maintains regular and predictable attendance, works overtime/extra hours as required.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Certifications/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in highway, transportation, or public works operations, including at least five (5) years performing engineering-related work and at least five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered only to the extent they provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and satisfy any mandatory engineering qualifications for the position.
• Valid driver's license required at time of hire and maintain.

Required or Preferred Skills

• Ability to hear, speak, walk, stoop, climb ladders, bend, stretch; push, pull, and lift objects up to 50 pounds, understanding and using proper safety equipment and body mechanics.
• Thorough knowledge of county highway operations, including roadway maintenance, winter operations, construction coordination, traffic safety, drainage, and equipment/fleet oversight.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, State of Wisconsin, and local laws, regulations, and standards related to highway operations, workplace safety, and procurement.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to direct staff, manage daily operations, set priorities, and maintain accountability across multiple functions.
• Ability to plan, administer, and monitor operating and capital budgets and manage public resources in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Skill in analyzing operational, financial, and technical information and making sound decisions during routine operations, emergencies, and severe weather events.
• Knowledge of roadway maintenance standards, construction methods, work zone traffic control, and safe operating practices applicable to county highway operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with employees, elected officials, municipalities, WisDOT, contractors, and the public.
• Experience or skill in contract administration, procurement processes, bid review, and oversight of vendors, consultants, and construction contractors.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with law enforcement, emergency management, fire/EMS, municipalities, and other agencies during incidents, storms, and infrastructure projects.

Work Environment
Work is performed in both office and field settings. This position regularly requires work inside a Highway Department office and outdoors at construction sites, roadways, bridges, and other County infrastructure locations. Field work may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, traffic, noise, dust, uneven terrain, and construction-related hazards. The employee may be required to travel throughout the County to conduct inspections, survey sites, oversee projects, collect data, and coordinate with contractors, utility representatives, and the public. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when required. Occasional lifting, walking on uneven surfaces, and extended periods of standing or driving may be necessary.
Outagamie County offers Benefit options and paid time off for team members that work 20+ or more hours per week. Learn more today by visiting:

Outagamie County Diversity Statement:

Outagamie County is committed to developing, nurturing, and sustaining an equitable community and workforce where all individuals can thrive. We pledge to amplify the voices of under-represented communities or those who were historically excluded, by removing barriers that result from racial, social injustice and inequities. We strive to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion are embedded at all levels of Outagamie County programs and departments through acknowledging, analyzing, and addressing the root causes of inequities. We will create and advance equitable polices, practices and procedures, including, but not limited to County services, recruitment and retention, policies and practices, budgeting and procurement. We commit to being transparent and will continually evaluate and update our values when identified goals and objectives are not being achieved or sustained. Outagamie County will strive to create an inclusive environment where every community member feels like he/she/they belong.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.
OUTAGAMIE COUNTY OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE AND HIGHLY COMPETITIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE TO ITS EMPLOYEES.

LEVELS OF BENEFITS CAN VARY BASED ON EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND EMPLOYEE GROUP.

Medical Coverage
Outagamie County currently offers eligible employees a Low-Deductible Health Plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Each of these plans are available for single or family coverage at affordable rates.

Dental Coverage
Eligible employees may choose either single, limited family, or family coverage.

Vision Coverage
Outagamie County offers single, employee plus one, employee plus children, and family voluntary vision insurance for those that are benefit eligible. Vision insurance coverage provides an opportunity for employees to save money on routine vision exams, contacts, eyeglass frames, and lenses.

Life Insurance
Outagamie County provides group life insurance for full-time employees. The cost of this coverage is paid for in full by the County.

Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance
Short-Term Disability pays the employee a portion of his or her income for a specified period of time, as determined by the plan. The Short-Term Disability plan provides coverage for injuries and illnesses that occur outside of work. The premium for this coverage is paid entirely by the employee and is available to active employees that meet the hours threshold requirements.

Long-Term Disability Insurance
All regular, non-union full-time employees are eligible for long-term disability coverage. Premiums are fully paid by the County.

Wisconsin Retirement System
Wisconsin Retirement Program helps provide for financial security during retirement. Monthly annuity payments at retirement are calculated using years of creditable service, average earnings (based on three highest years of earnings), formula factors, age at retirement and selected annuity option.
The retirement plan consists of two parts: an employee-required portion and an employer-required portion. Outagamie County pays the employer portion, and employees are responsible for paying the employee-required portion, which is determined by the state each year. Enrollment is required for eligible employees. Eligibility is determined based on Wisconsin Retirement System plan rules.

Deferred Compensation
Deferred Compensation allows employees to set aside pre-tax earnings toward retirement. Employees can save up to 100% of their compensation, to a maximum of $23,500 annually, or as little as $10.00 per paycheck. The amount deferred reduces year-end state and federal income tax base. All the earnings will accrue tax-deferred until such time as the assets are withdrawn, generally at retirement, termination, or other special circumstances. There is also an after-tax 457 Roth contribution option.

Flexible Spending Account Plan
The Flexible Spending Account Plan saves money by allowing the employee to pay for certain medical related expenses and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis, reducing annual taxable income resulting in Federal, State, Social Security, and Medicare tax savings.

Employee Assistance Program
Outagamie County has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The services offered as part of the County's plan are a benefit provided at no cost to its employees and their immediate family members to help deal with life's stresses. EAP consists of caring individuals who are certified counselors. They offer professional support and direction towards resolving problems or concerns. They can also help by referring the employee to another resource if assistance is needed beyond the EAP.

Paid Time Off
Outagamie County offers several paid time off benefits that include: vacation, personal holidays, national holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave and military leave.

Employee and Family Clinic
Primary Health Services, Acute Health Care and Physical Therapy are available to employees and dependents ages 12 months and up (age 13 and up for physical therapy), who are covered on a county health plan. A Health Coach is available to all employees, and to dependents covered under a county health plan age 14 and older. There is an onsite location and a shared clinic site location.
Fitness Center

Located at the downtown campus, a brand new fitness center with treadmills and other gym equipment is available to all employees from 5am to 10pm daily.
Pet Insurance
Please note that the pet insurance offers are discounts offered to Outagamie County employees and are not programs sponsored by Outagamie County. Please contact the companies directly for any questions, concerns or service issues.
If you would like to learn more, please click below about the benefits.

Values of Excellence (Recognition Program)
A program designed to celebrate the big wins, the daily efforts and everything in between of our county employees, which such a great place to grow, work, and thrive together. Where anyone as a county employee can recognize someone for a job well done!

Continuing Education
Outagamie County encourages continuing education by offering Education Reimbursement. This reimbursement is intended to provide assistance to the employee for out-of-pocket expenses for continuing education for the mutual benefit of the employee and Outagamie County, not covered in the departmental budget.
Any Outagamie County employee in good standing, averaging twenty (20) hours or more per week during the six (6) months prior to the start of the course, is eligible to apply. This statement is not all-inclusive in regard to tuition reimbursement.