Working Foreman - Highway

Town of Ashland; Ashland (MA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Ashland is seeking an experienced Working Foreman for the Highway Division to lead field crews in constructing and maintaining town roadways, sidewalks, drainage, and lights. This hands-on role reports to the General Foreman and emphasizes teamwork, safety, and efficient project execution.

The position requires a high school diploma with at least five years in highway operations or related managerial experience, and possession of MA CDL Class B with air brake endorsements, IMSA

Qualifications

• Must follow directions on projects.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, subordinates, coworkers, and the public.
• Communicate effectively, confirming understanding of directions.
• Understand and properly operate tools and equipment.
• Follow safety procedures related to job responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and works with crews on construction and maintenance of roads, sidewalks, drainage, culverts and related infrastructure.
• Develops daily work schedules and assigns duties to crews and individuals.
• Monitors performance, conducts inspections, and maintains department records.
• Ensures traffic control devices and pavement markings meet MUTCD standards.
• Assists with winter snow operations, including route management and contractor oversight.
• Maintains equipment safety checks and supports field problem solving.

Job description

The Town of Ashland seeks qualified, experienced, and energetic candidates for the position of Working Foreman in the Highway Division within the Department of Public Works. Reporting to the General Foreman, this position oversees and actively participates in the planning, execution, construction, and maintenance of Town infrastructure, including roads, sidewalks, drainage systems, culverts, streetlights, and traffic control devices. As a hands-on field role, the position requires maintaining a collaborative and positive working relationship with crew members and other municipal departments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following list is descriptive of the position but is not intended to be restrictive or limiting. The position requires the following essential functions:

Evaluates staffing requirements, facilitates appropriate training for supervised personnel, monitors and assesses performance, consults with superiors on personnel matters, and fosters a harmonious, disciplined work environment.

Supervises and works alongside crews of skilled and semi-skilled personnel on construction and maintenance operations for Town roadways, sidewalks, drainage systems, culverts, and related infrastructure. Fulfills assignments for other Town departments as needed.

Ensures town traffic control devices, signage, and pavement markings are maintained in accordance with MUTCD standards, operating under the direction of the Public Works Director or designee.

Oversees, repairs, and monitors municipal streetlights, using specialized software to track alerts, diagnose issues, and coordinate service with the DPW Director or designated supervisor.

Develops daily work schedules detailing specific tasks and job assignments.

Assigns duties to work crews and individual employees, conducts ongoing and final job inspections, and maintains all required department records.

Resolves problems in the field and refers to those beyond his authority to decide.

Observes equipment in operation and evaluates its efficiency under operating conditions.

Recommends purchase, modification, replacement and performs moderate mechanical work.

Ensures the proper- execution of all work in keeping with accepted construction and maintenance standards.

Sees that prescribed methods of work design to promote safety and well being are employed.

Assists with the management of winter snow operations, including creating and managing routes, overseeing contractors, and maintaining road treatment materials.

Assures that all equipment operators are properly making daily safety checks and maintenance checks before operating equipment.

Must be able to perform all duties of their subordinates.

This position is required to be available for all snow operations and any other emergencies during or outside regular work hours.

SALARY RANGE

Grade H08 $34.0394/hr. - $37.6014/hr, DOQ

*Full range for H08 is ($34.0394/hr – $45.9526/hr)

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under the direct supervision of the General Foreman, may need to report with the DPW director or DPW deputy director as needed.

OVERSIGHT EXERCISED

This position provides guidance to work crews including lead operators, equipment operators, and seasonal and summer help.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent qualification, combined with a minimum of five years of relevant experience in highway operations, public works, or an equivalent managerial capacity.

KNOWLEDGE ABILITY AND SKILLS

Must follow directions on projects. Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, subordinates, coworkers, and the general public. Must communicate effectively, confirming understanding if direction is given. Must understand and properly operate tools and equipment. Must understand and follow all safety procedures related to job responsibilities.

DESIRED LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B w. air brake endorsement
• Massachusetts Hoisting Engineer with 2A/1C and 4G Endorsements
• International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Certification

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environments can vary dramatically and include being exposed to very hot, cold, or stormy weather for extended periods of time. Noise and physical surroundings may be districting and a level of alertness is required for personal safety.

PHYSICAL SKILLS

The position is required to be physically able to enter and to make observations in confined spaces. The position is required to lift objects weighing as much as 50 pounds.

MOTOR SKILLS

The position must be able to operate tools and equipment, move a variety of objects, and perform basic computer-related activities.

VISUAL SKILLS

The position requires proper vision for operating tools and equipment as well as reading of documents such as work orders, plans, or other notes.

The Town retains the right to adjust employee responsibilities and require temporary reassignments in accordance with the employee Agreement.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The Town of Ashland is an AA/EEO employer.