What are the responsibilities and job description for the Highway Foreman position at Thornton Township?
THORNTON TOWNSHIP
Highway Department
Highway Foreman Job Description Position Title: Highway Foreman Hourly Rate: $60,000-$71,000 annually Department: Road & Bridge Department Reports To: Highway Commissioner Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Overview
The Highway Foreman assists the Highway Commissioner in directing the daily operations of the Highway Department. This working supervisor plans, assigns, and oversees roadway maintenance activities while ensuring safe operations, regulatory compliance, efficient service delivery, and high-quality public works services for Thornton Township.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Daily Operations & Roadway Maintenance
- Plan, assign, and supervise daily work assignments.
- Oversee roadway maintenance, pothole repair, drainage improvements, mowing, tree trimming, signage, and right-of-way maintenance.
- Inspect completed work to ensure quality standards are met.
- Operate heavy equipment when operationally necessary.
Staff Supervision & Leadership
- Supervise Highway Department employees and seasonal staff.
- Assist with hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and training.
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching.
- Recommend disciplinary action and recognize employee performance.
- Coordinate overtime and staffing assignments.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, MUTCD, IDOT, Township policies, and applicable regulations.
- Conduct safety meetings and enforce PPE requirements.
- Investigate accidents and implement corrective actions.
Equipment & Fleet Management
- Monitor equipment readiness and preventive maintenance.
- Maintain equipment logs, inventory records, and work orders.
Emergency Response
- Coordinate snow and ice removal operations.
- Respond to emergencies including storms, flooding, and roadway hazards.
- Be available for evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Prepare daily reports and operational documentation.
- Respond professionally to resident concerns.
- Perform other duties assigned by the Highway Commissioner.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Direct supervision of Highway Department maintenance employees, equipment operators, and seasonal personnel.
- Promote accountability, teamwork, safety, and employee development.
Qualifications & Experience
Education
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Associate degree in Public Works, Construction Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
Experience
- Minimum five (5) years of municipal public works experience.
- Minimum two (2) years of supervisory experience preferred.
- Experience operating heavy equipment and commercial vehicles.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Leadership and decision-making skills.
- Knowledge of roadway maintenance operations.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and emergency situations.
Work Environment
- Combination of field and outdoor work.
- Exposure to traffic, weather, noise, heavy equipment, and emergency response situations.
- Occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours.
Physical Requirements
- Lift up to 75 pounds.
- Stand, walk, bend, climb, and operate heavy equipment.
- Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Additional Requirements
- Valid Illinois driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Class B CDL required within six (6) months of hire; Class A CDL preferred.
- Successful background investigation, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, and post-offer physical examination if required.
- Must comply with all Thornton Township policies and procedures.
Compensation
This position is classified as Full-Time, Non-Exempt and is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Thornton Township personnel policies.
Employees are eligible for Thornton Township's comprehensive benefits package in accordance with Township policies.
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Thornton Township reserves the right to modify this job description or assign additional duties as operational needs require.
Salary : $60,000 - $71,000