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Highway Commissioner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Highway Engineer

Appleton, WI · On-site

$86K - $97K/yr

  • PTO

Assists the Highway Commissioner and Deputy Highway Commissioner in a variety of duties including but not limited to making recommendations for highway and bridge improvements, budget and CIP ...

Highway Engineer

Appleton, WI · On-site

$86K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Assists the Highway Commissioner and Deputy Highway Commissioner in a variety of duties including but not limited to making recommendations for highway and bridge improvements, budget and CIP ...

HIGHWAY MAINTAINER III

Hampton, NH · On-site

$17.81 - $23.39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

Performs skilled year-round highway maintenance activities involving the operation and servicing of complex heavy equipment and machinery used for highway maintenance, construction activities, and ...

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Highway Commissioner information

See salary details

$35K

$79.3K

$133.5K

How much do highway commissioner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for highway commissioner in the United States is $79,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a highway commissioner do?

A Highway Commissioner is responsible for overseeing the construction, maintenance, and repair of public roads and related infrastructure within a specific jurisdiction, such as a township or county. Their duties often include managing budgets, supervising road crews, coordinating with other government agencies, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The Highway Commissioner plays a critical role in maintaining safe and efficient transportation routes for the community.

What are some typical challenges a highway commissioner faces when managing infrastructure projects?

Highway Commissioners commonly encounter challenges such as balancing limited budgets with the need for timely maintenance and upgrades, coordinating with multiple government agencies, and responding to unexpected events like severe weather or emergencies. They must prioritize projects based on public safety, available funding, and community needs, often making difficult decisions about resource allocation. Effective communication and collaboration with engineers, contractors, and local officials are essential to ensuring projects run smoothly and meet regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Highway Commissioner vs Road Maintenance Supervisor?

AspectHighway CommissionerRoad Maintenance Supervisor
CredentialsMay require engineering degree or related experienceHigh school diploma; experience in road maintenance
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, field inspections, project oversightFieldwork, supervising maintenance crews
Employer & IndustryLocal/state government agenciesPublic works departments, transportation agencies

The Highway Commissioner typically oversees highway projects and policy decisions, requiring higher-level credentials and strategic responsibilities. In contrast, the Road Maintenance Supervisor focuses on supervising daily maintenance activities and crew management. Both roles are essential in transportation infrastructure but differ in scope, responsibilities, and required qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a highway commissioner?

To thrive as a Highway Commissioner, you need a strong background in civil engineering, public administration, or a related field, often supported by relevant degrees and experience in infrastructure management. Familiarity with project management software, GIS systems, and regulatory standards is typically required, along with applicable certifications or licensure. Leadership, clear communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for coordinating teams, budgeting, and engaging with the public. These competencies ensure the effective planning, maintenance, and improvement of transportation infrastructure, which is vital for public safety and community development.

Who are the top companies hiring for Highway Commissioner jobs?

The top employers for Highway Commissioner jobs are:

What states have the most Highway Commissioner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Highway Commissioner jobs include:

Infographic showing various Highway Commissioner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,268 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Highway Engineer

Outagamie County

Appleton, WI • On-site

$86K - $97K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Outagamie County rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

760th of 845 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Outagamie County Core Values Invested in Serving Better Together Create Progress Support Through Compassion Position Purpose Reporting to the Deputy Highway Commissioner, the Highway Engineer performs various duties as they relate to the planning, maintenance, operation, repair and construction of county highways and bridges. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, flexibility and night meetings required. Location: 1313 Holland Road in Appleton, WI Outagamie County offers Benefit options: Learn more today by visiting: https://www.outagamie.gov/Our-County/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits-Information Be a part of the Wisconsin Retirement System Pension

Not sure what this means. Learn more here, however, we have the Retirement benefit only as County Employees: https://etf.wi.gov/video/overview-wisconsin-retirement-system Did you know that Outagamie County has an onsite clinic and works with an employer shared clinic nearby. Services at the OC Employee and Family Clinic as well as the employer shared clinic are free and available to employees and their covered dependents enrolled in the health insurance for the current plan year

Primary Health Services provided by Theda Care are available to employees and dependents (ages 12 months and up for most services and ages 12 and up for Physical Therapy), who are covered on a county health plan. Key Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are no to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.

Other duties may be required and assigned. Assists the Highway Commissioner and Deputy Highway Commissioner in a variety of duties including but not limited to making recommendations for highway and bridge improvements, budget and CIP preparation, policy and procedure development, and public information efforts for the Department. Works with other county and local officials by providing engineering analysis in areas such as traffic studies ,speed zone studies, signal warrants, bicycle and pedestrian studies, crash reports and diagrams, capacity studies, etc.

Provides oversight to signing and pavement marking operations, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines. Manages and coordinates contracted engineering services, including but not limited to engineering, master contract services, municipal contracts and cost share agreements, and supporting right-of-way activities (title searches, appraisal, acquisition, etc.). Assists superintendents and operation supervisors, provides construction staking and construction support activities, and performs other tasks as assigned to support highway operations

Provides basic engineering services including but not limited to: design, surveying, inspection, estimating, and reporting. Organizes and maintains construction plans, right-of-way plats, as-built files and records. Reviews and approves permits for accesses, overweight/oversize loads, utilities and work on the highway right-of-way, and special events.

Provides engineering services and support to local units of government and other county departments. Assists in the negotiation and acquisition of right-of-way interests necessary for highway projects. Completes state and federal grant applications for funding highway projects and improvements.

Maintains daily log of occurrences and responds to public inquiries and constituent requests. Maintains regular and predictable attendance, works overtime/extra hours as required, including periodic meetings outside of normal business hours. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Certifications/Experience Requirements Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related engineering field required. Registration as a Professional Engineer in Wisconsin required, or ability to obtain within a timeframe established by the County if allowed by HR policy. Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in highway engineering, transportation project development, public works engineering, or related work.

At least two years of supervisory or engineering management experience preferred. Experience with highway design, construction, maintenance, traffic engineering, permitting, consultant coordination, and public sector project delivery strongly preferred. Experience working with WisDOT standards, procedures, and funding programs strongly preferred.

Valid Wisconsin Driver's License required. Certified NBIS bridge inspection experience is preferred but not required. PTOE, RSP1, or similar transportation/safety credential preferred but not required.

Required or Preferred Skills Thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices related to highway, bridge, drainage, and traffic systems. Thorough knowledge of WisDOT, State, and Federal design standards, permitting requirements, and transportation program requirements. Ability to plan, assign, supervise, train, and evaluate professional and technical staff.

Ability to manage multiple engineering projects, deadlines, priorities, and external partners and project stakeholders. Ability to prepare and review plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and grant documents. Ability to interpret statutes, regulations, construction plans, technical manuals, contracts, right-of-way documents, and engineering data.

Ability to communicate effectively with staff, local officials, WisDOT personnel, consultants, contractors, and the public. Experience in AutoCAD/Civil 3D, GIS, and related engineering software and systems. Ability to exercise sound judgment and represent the department in a professional manner.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment Work is performed in both office and field environments. Field work may involve exposure to traffic, construction site hazards, bridges, culverts, rough terrain, and varying weather conditions. Frequently sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb over uneven terrain during field inspections.

Frequently use hands and fingers to operate computers, engineering equipment/software, survey equipment, and standard office equipment. Safely navigate construction sites, roadways, bridges, and other public infrastructure. Visually inspect construction projects, roadway conditions, plans, and technical documents, including distinguishing colors and reading detailed maps, drawings, and specifications.

Hear and communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and via radio or other communication devices. Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials, equipment, or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds, and infrequently up to 50 pounds with or without assistance. May require walking over uneven terrain, climbing, bending, and occasional lifting.

Personal protective equipment, including steel-toed boots and other safety equipment, may be required for field assignments. 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: https://www.outagamie.org/government/departments-f-m/human-resources/employee-benefits-information 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.


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