Assistant Highway Superintendent

Published: 6/14/2022

Real Estate

Job Description

The Town of Falmouth seeks an experienced, dependable, dedicated, and safety-focused public works professional to serve as the Assistant Highway Superintendent in the Highway Division of our Department of Public Works. This integral working supervisory position helps coordinate the employees, equipment, projects, and emergency operations that keep Falmouth’s public infrastructure safe, accessible, and reliable throughout the year.

The Highway Division maintains approximately 218 miles of Town-accepted roads and provides snow and ice control on approximately 184 miles of private roads. Its responsibilities also include drainage infrastructure, traffic-control devices and markings, street sweeping, roadside maintenance, year-round operation and maintenance of the Eel Pond drawbridge, operation and maintenance of the Town’s Waste Management Facility, and seasonal maintenance of Falmouth’s 10 public beaches.

This is a full-time, year-round, benefit-eligible DPW Union position that works 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Assistant Highway Superintendent has significant after-hours responsibilities and handles the majority of Highway Division calls and callouts from the Police and Fire Departments involving potholes, traffic-signal issues, motor vehicle crashes, roadway hazards, storm conditions, and other matters requiring timely evaluation or response. These assignments are compensated as overtime, with overtime worked between midnight and 7:00 a.m. paid at double time.

Under the general direction of the Highway Superintendent, the Assistant Highway Superintendent helps plan, coordinate, direct, and evaluate the Division’s daily operations and projects; supervises approximately 30 full-time employees; and coordinates the use and maintenance of Division equipment. Key responsibilities include:

Serving as Acting Highway Superintendent when assigned during the Superintendent’s absence;
Planning, assigning, and supervising roadway, sidewalk, drainage, street sweeping, road grading, roadside maintenance, traffic control, paving, rubbish collection, and related operations;
Supervising construction, repair, and maintenance projects; inspecting work in progress and upon completion; and coordinating the employees, contractors, vehicles, equipment, and materials needed to complete work safely and efficiently;
Coordinating snow and ice control performed by Town employees and private snowplow contractors, emergency and storm-response operations, and after-hours Police and Fire Department callouts;
Supporting traffic-signal operation, troubleshooting, and diagnosis;
Supporting the year-round staffing, operation, and maintenance of the Eel Pond drawbridge and Waste Management Facility and the seasonal preparation, maintenance, and closing of the Town’s public beaches;
Developing and implementing safety programs and training and monitoring compliance with applicable safety regulations, policies, and procedures;
Supervising and training employees; fostering an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative workplace; administering applicable work rules, collective bargaining agreements, and Town policies consistently; and responding to resident service concerns;
Maintaining operational and administrative records and preparing reports; overseeing timekeeping and payroll records for the Highway Division, Waste Management Facility, beach-maintenance operations, and Eel Pond drawbridge operations; and helping ensure compliance with applicable federal Right-to-Know requirements;
Using and maintaining computer-based programs and records, including VueWorks work-order management, GIS, payroll systems, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and other assigned systems; and
Assisting with purchasing, budgeting, inventory, material ordering, and equipment-maintenance priorities.

The Assistant Highway Superintendent operates vehicles and equipment and performs other Highway Division duties when operationally necessary. The position requires dedication, sound judgment, initiative, organization, and the ability to make timely decisions and communicate effectively in routine and emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in public works construction or maintenance operations, including field responsibilities and at least two years of supervisory experience in public works or heavy construction; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Candidates must have thorough knowledge of public works construction and maintenance methods, materials, equipment, and safety practices. They must be able to read design plans; interpret vertical elevations; estimate quantities and perform material take-offs; compile and order materials for individual projects; assign, supervise, and evaluate employees and field crews; coordinate multiple projects and emergency operations; maintain accurate records; use computer-based systems; administer work rules fairly and consistently; and communicate tactfully with employees, officials, contractors, and members of the public.

Candidates must possess a valid Massachusetts Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-B) with air-brake authorization and a Tanker endorsement, as well as a valid Massachusetts Hoisting Engineer License with a 2A restriction. OSHA-10 certification is required or must be obtained within the first six months of employment. The successful candidate must also complete a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check and pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.

The work requires moderate physical effort, including lifting objects weighing up to 60 pounds, operating vehicles and equipment, and supervising field operations in adverse weather and potentially hazardous public works environments. Extended work hours may be required during storms, emergencies, and other significant operational events.

Expected Starting Hourly Rate: Step 1 ($39.76/hour) to Step 7 ($51.27/hour) of the nine-step salary table, commensurate with qualifications and experience, with eligibility for annual advancement up to Step 9.

The Town offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 13 paid holidays per year; vacation, sick, and personal leave; professional development opportunities; a Town contribution of up to 75% of the cost of health insurance; cost-effective dental, vision, life insurance, and disability plans; enrollment in the Town’s defined-benefit pension plan; and voluntary pre-tax and Roth 457(b) plans.

Preference Date to Apply: Monday, October 5, 2026 by 4:30 p.m. The position will remain open until filled, but candidates who apply by the preference date and time will receive priority consideration. Candidates are encouraged to upload a resume with their application.

About the Town of Falmouth as an Employer: The Town of Falmouth is a people-centered municipality committed to public service excellence. We strive to foster an inclusive and supportive work culture grounded in professionalism, collaboration, and accountability, and we invest in our employees through ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. The Town offers competitive compensation, and benefit-eligible positions offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance and other valuable benefits, and include participation in the Town's pension plan. All applicants must be able to interact and work effectively and respectfully with individuals and groups of various abilities, cultures, backgrounds, ages, and identities.

\nCompany Description

Located on the southwest tip of Cape Cod, Falmouth is a vibrant coastal community comprised of eight villages and seven historic districts. With a year-round population of approximately 32,500 that nearly triples during the summer season, Falmouth offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, historic charm, civic engagement, and organizational excellence. The Town strives to be a premier Cape community that provides a responsive, accessible, and inclusive environment for all.