Highway Superintendent vs. Road Supervisor vs. Road Master, What’s the Difference?

If you have spent any time in public works, you already know that job titles can be about as consistent as spring potholes, meaning not very. One town has a Highway Superintendent, the next has a Road Supervisor, and somewhere down the road a Road Master is doing essentially the same job but with a …continue

When the Town Board Becomes a Real Pain in the Ass

A survival guide for highway supers with frayed nerves and a half-empty coffee mug. The Anatomy of a Board-Induced Migraine Town boards are like asphalt mixes: every batch is a little different, and sometimes you get one with too much aggregate and not nearly enough binder. One meeting they’re…continue

The Fine Art of Butting Heads With Your Town Board (And Surviving to Tell the Tale)

Let’s face it: if you’ve got a seat at the department head table, and there’s a Town Board in the room, sooner or later you’re going to butt heads. It’s not personal. It’s not even unusual. It’s practically a job requirement. Town Board members come from all…continue

What Belongs on a Work Order? (And Why It Matters)

Let’s be honest. No one dreams of paperwork when they sign up to run a highway crew. But a good, simple work order can save a road supervisor from all kinds of headaches later on. Whether it’s a routine pothole patch or a full-day ditching job, having the right info on a work order helps…continue

Dealing with Big Mouths, Bigger Egos, and the Rest of the Crew

If you’ve been in this line of work long enough, you know the type. The loudmouth. The guy (or gal) who never misses an opportunity to make themselves the center of attention at the shop. Who constantly peppers meetings with “Well, that’s not how I would do it” comments. Who …continue

Recruiting for the Highway Department: It’s Not All About the Paycheck

Let’s be honest, recruiting good people for highway department jobs isn’t getting any easier. You’re often competing with private contractors who can offer higher wages, especially when it comes to drivers with a Class B CDL in their pocket. Civil servant pay? It’s not exactl…continue

Using Inter-Municipal Agreements to Stretch Your Equipment Budget

Let’s be honest. Highway departments aren’t exactly swimming in cash. Budgets are ALWAYS tight, equipment is expensive, and the wish list always seems longer than the purchase list. But here’s a smart move more and more towns are using: inter-municipal agreements (IMAs). In plain t…continue