Town Highway Superintendent

Town of NiskayunaHighway SuperintendentPosition Summary

The Highway Superintendent is responsible for the planning, direction, supervision, and coordination of highway maintenance, snow and ice control, municipal fleet operations, park maintenance, drainage infrastructure, facilities maintenance, and related public works functions for the Town of Niskayuna.

The Highway Superintendent is appointed by the Town Board for a two-year term and works collaboratively with the Town Supervisor, Town Board, Engineering Department, Police Department, Water & Sewer Department, and other municipal, county, and state agencies to ensure safe and efficient operation of the Town’s transportation infrastructure and related public assets.

The Superintendent is responsible for emergency response operations related to weather events, infrastructure failures, and other public works emergencies and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and safety standards.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesAdministrative & Leadership Responsibilities

• Direct, supervise, and manage all Highway and Parks Department operations.
• Develop departmental priorities, schedules, work plans, and operational procedures.
• Supervise deputy superintendents, crew leaders, mechanics, maintenance personnel, seasonal staff, and administrative personnel.
• Coordinate departmental activities with other Town departments and outside agencies.
• Attend Town Board meetings and provide operational recommendations and reports.
• Respond to resident concerns and service requests.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures.
• Oversee departmental safety programs and compliance initiatives.
• Assist with strategic planning, succession planning, and workforce development initiatives.

Highway & Infrastructure Operations

• Supervise maintenance, repair, and improvement of Town highways, roads, rights-of-way, bridges, culverts, drainage systems, sidewalks, signage, and related infrastructure.
• Develop paving and road maintenance programs.
• Coordinate roadway drainage and stormwater management activities.
• Supervise roadside vegetation management and tree-related operations.
• Coordinate traffic control and work zone safety activities.
• Ensure highways and public rights-of-way remain safe and passable.

Snow & Ice Operations

• Plan, direct, and supervise snow and ice removal operations.
• Coordinate staffing schedules and emergency weather response.
• Manage salt, sand, fuel, and winter maintenance materials.
• Monitor weather conditions and operational readiness.
• Coordinate mutual aid and emergency support activities when necessary.

Parks, Grounds, and Facilities

• Supervise maintenance of Town parks, athletic fields, recreational facilities, landscaping, and public grounds.
• Coordinate seasonal parks staffing and operations.
• Oversee maintenance and repair of certain municipal facilities and grounds as assigned.
• Coordinate field preparation and maintenance for recreational programming.

Fleet & Equipment Management

• Oversee maintenance, repair, replacement, and utilization of departmental vehicles and heavy equipment.
• Develop fleet replacement recommendations and capital equipment plans.
• Coordinate procurement of vehicles, equipment, tools, and operational materials.
• Monitor inventory, fuel usage, and equipment utilization.

Budget & Financial Responsibilities

• Prepare and administer annual departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor expenditures and departmental financial performance.
• Assist with long-range capital planning and infrastructure investment recommendations.
• Oversee procurement and contract administration activities in accordance with Town policies and applicable law.

Personnel & Labor Management

• Participate in hiring, discipline, scheduling, training, and evaluation of departmental personnel.
• Assist in administration of collective bargaining agreements and labor relations matters.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and employment regulations.
• Promote employee development and cross-training initiatives.

Emergency Management

• Coordinate emergency response operations related to severe weather, flooding, infrastructure failures, and other public emergencies.
• Participate in continuity of operations planning and emergency preparedness activities.
• Coordinate with Police, Fire, Emergency Management, utilities, and other responding agencies during emergencies.

Minimum QualificationsLegal Requirements

• Must meet all applicable requirements of New York State law, including any requirements established by the Town of Niskayuna, Schenectady County Civil Service, and applicable local laws.
• Applicant must be a resident of the Town of Niskayuna
• Possession of a valid New York State Driver License at time of appointment and throughout employment

Education & Experience

Typical qualifications include:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
• Extensive progressively responsible experience in highway maintenance, public works, construction, infrastructure operations, fleet management, or related field; including
• Significant supervisory or management experience.

Additional education in public administration, engineering technology, construction management, business administration, or related fields is desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates possessing any one or more of the following:

• NYS Commercial Driver’s License (CDL);
• Degree in civil engineering or construction management;
• Experience in heavy civil construction, roadway maintenance, and public sector operations;
• Municipal highway or public works management experience;
• Experience managing snow and ice control operations;
• Experience preparing and administering municipal budgets;
• Experience supervising unionized workforces;
• Familiarity with New York State Highway Law and municipal procurement requirements;
• Experience with emergency management and incident response operations;
• Experience with fleet management, capital planning, fixed asset management;
• Knowledge of OSHA/PESH safety standards and work zone safety requirements.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of:

• Highway maintenance and repair operations;
• Snow and ice control practices;
• Public works construction and maintenance methods;
• Fleet and heavy equipment operations;
• Drainage and stormwater infrastructure;
• Municipal budgeting and procurement practices;
• Applicable safety standards and regulations.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and supervise large-scale public works operations;
• Utilize software and technology to communicate, prepare reports, and
• Effectively supervise and evaluate personnel;
• Respond effectively during emergencies and adverse weather conditions;
• Communicate effectively with employees, elected officials, contractors, and the public;
• Prepare reports, budgets, and operational recommendations;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

The position requires frequent field work in varying weather conditions and may require operation of vehicles and equipment. The Superintendent may be required to respond to emergencies outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Appointment & Term

The Highway Superintendent is appointed by the Town Board for a term of two (2) years and serves subject to applicable laws, policies, and regulations of the Town of Niskayuna and the State of New York.

The position has a preferred start date on or around August 15, 2026.

Please send questions, letters of interest, resumes to jwynne@niskayuna.gov

This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.

Pay: From $89,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $89,000