Town of Edgartown | Highway Department 

General Foreman | $37.63-$49.50/hour (+$5,000 Sign-on Incentive) 

Applications, position requirements, and full job descriptions are available at edgartown-ma.us or in the Human Resource Office. Please send completed applications to HR@edgartown-ma.us or P.O. Box 5130 ATTN: Human Resources, Edgartown, MA 02539. The Town of Edgartown is an equal opportunity employer. Positions are open until filled.

HIGHWAY

Highway General Foreman

DEFINITION

Position is responsible for assisting the Highway Superintendent by supervising the daily work of the Highway Department. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Plans, prioritizes and assigns work to employees, supervises and evaluates the work of employees and contractors;

• Schedules employees, monitors overtime and attendance;

• Operates motor vehicles and specialized equipment needed for completion of projects;

• Ensures safety policies and procedures are followed;

• Maintains and operates storm water catch basin pump stations;

• Assists the Superintendent in all aspects of departmental work tasks and assumes responsibility for operation of the department, its personnel and equipment in the absence of the Superintendent;

• Inspects roads and sidewalks for any damage and provides for maintenance, repairs or replacements as warranted to ensure public safety;

• Supervises the cleaning and repair of drains, catch basins, brooks and culverts; and sealing and patching of streets;

• Responds to resident complaints and/or requests for service, assesses situation and schedules work as necessary;

• Ensures the proper working condition and inventory of equipment and supplies; provides for repairs, replacements or purchases of vehicles, equipment and supplies as needed;

• Supervises snow and ice removal, including spreading sand and chemicals; inspects private roadways and follows through as necessary for snow plowing;

• Inspects for proper safety protection at projects on town streets and sidewalks;

• Assists staff as needed; operates department equipment and machinery for emergency and/or troubleshooting purposes;

• Supervise and participates in snow storms, plowing, sanding, snow removal;

• Supervise and participates in tree cutting, brush cutting and grass mowing;

• Performs a variety of related duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under general supervision. The General Foreman is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently. The Superintendent provides additional, specific instruction for new, difficult or unusual assignments, including suggested work methods. The employee refers unusual situations to the supervisor for advice and further instructions. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

The General Foreman, as a regular and continuing part of the job, is accountable for the quality and quantity of work done by subordinates and assures the accomplishment of the assigned work in the prescribed manner. The incumbent assigns, schedules and monitors overtime and gives advice and instruction on both administrative and work matters; informs subordinates of organizational policies, goals and procedures; resolves employee complaints and effects disciplinary actions and has substantial responsibility for technical soundness of subordinates’ work.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The nature of work or the operation of large or complex equipment means that errors could have larger consequences such as significant monetary losses, waste of material, damage to buildings, equipment or unsafe conditions.

JUDGMENT

The work requires examining, analyzing and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems, situations or transactions, and determining actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices. Guidelines include a large body of policies, practices and precedents which may be complex or conflicting, at times. Judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions. Requires understanding, interpreting and applying federal, state and local regulations.

COMPLEXITY

The work consists of a variety of duties which generally follow standardized practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines. The sequence of work and/or the procedures followed vary according to the nature of the transaction and/or the information involved, or sought, in a particular situation.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Relationships are primarily with co-workers, departments, vendors and the public, involving frequent explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines in order to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts, or resolve operating problems. Other regular contacts are with service recipients and employees of outside organizations. More than ordinary courtesy, tact and diplomacy may be required to resolve complaints or deal with hostile, uncooperative or uninformed persons. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma and five years of related public works experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Supervisory experience required 

Required: Must have Class B CDL driver’s license, with air brake endorsement, and Hosting License 2B.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS

Must have knowledge of public works operations and maintenance; drainage, catch basins, roadwork, and heavy equipment operation.

Must have skill in the effective and efficient use of equipment; managing personnel

Must have supervisory skills and have the ability to direct and coordinate work assignments; prioritize tasks and manage time and projects

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The nature of duties may involve continuous presence of unpleasant or irritating elements, such as considerable noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, oil, dirt or grease. Work may be continually performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. 

PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS

Physical Skills

Work requires moderate intermittent physical strength and effort daily, such as lifting heavy objects, carrying the object(s) and stacking them or moving them. In addition, pulling, pushing, standing or walking for the full work day may also be involved. A great deal of physical effort must be exerted at this level. 

Motor Skills

Duties may involve assignments requiring application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination.

Visual Skills

Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.