Street Foreman at City of Brookings – Brookings, South Dakota

Position Closes 02/06/2026

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Street manager and general supervision of the Street Manager, this position provides front-line leadership for assigned crews within Public Works. The Foreman supervises, organizes, and participates in the daily operations of street maintenance, storm drainage, traffic control and construction activities. The Foreman serves as a working supervisor, operating heavy equipment, ensuring safe and efficient work practices, and delivering quality results that support the City’s vision, mission and values.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Post-secondary or vocational training in construction management, public works, or similar field preferred.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in street maintenance and/or heavy equipment operation, including prior lead worker or supervisory experience preferred.
• Possession of a South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License Class A with tanker endorsement.
• Possession or ability to obtain SD Commercial Pesticide Applicators licenses with the following categories (G) General, (6) Aquatic Pest Control, (7) Right-of-Way Pest control, (9) Public Health for our mosquito abatement/noxious weed control programs within 3 months.
• Possession or ability to obtain APWA Winter Maintenance Supervisor Certificate.
• Flagger certification and/or traffic control certification preferred.

Major Duties (Essential Function)

• Supervise and lead crews performing street division tasks such as:
• Asphalt paving, patching, crack sealing, and repairs projects
• Gravel road and alley maintenance
• Stormwater and drainage system maintenance
• Street sweeping and debris removal
• Snow and ice control operations (Including road patrol & dispatching on call)
• Traffic painting, thermoplastic, signage, and work zone safety
• Noxious weed and mosquito abatement.
• Responsible for planning, assigning, and overseeing daily work.
• Monitor work quality, safety, and efficiency on job sites.
• Serve as a working leader by operating a variety of equipment (motor grader, loader, sweeper, snowplow, trucks, etc.) and actively participating in daily work assignments.
• Ensure safe work zones, proper traffic control, and compliance with City safety policies.
• Assign daily tasks, monitor progress, and adjust work plans to meet operational needs.
• Train, coach, and mentor employees; creating a positive and safe work environment.
• Monitor and maintain assigned equipment, tools, and materials.
• Maintain daily logs, accurately detailing work, time, material and equipment usage.
• Respond to citizen inquiries in a professional and courteous manner.
• Support the goals, objectives, and priorities established by the Division.
• Daily collaboration with peer foreman, divisions and other departments.

Supervisory Responsibilities (Essential Function)

Marginal Duties

• Attend training, seminars and workshops as deemed necessary.
• Perform all duties in compliance with safety standards and policies established by the City.
• Perform other job-related duties as deemed necessary and additional duties, tasks, or responsibilities as assigned.

Physical Demands/Work Environment (Essential Function)

Mental Complexity/Interpersonal Contacts (Essential Function)

• Knowledge of street construction, maintenance practices, and repair methods.
• Knowledge of storm drain maintenance, traffic control, noxious weed and mosquito control.
• Skilled in the safe and efficient operation of light and heavy equipment.
• Ability to supervise, motivate, and train employees effectively.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Commitment to safety and adherence to City policies.
• Leadership abilities
• Regular interaction with City staff, contractors, and the public to coordinate work, address services needs, and resolve concerns

Pre-employment Screening

• Pre-employment screening may include, but are not limited to, the following: references, criminal background, credit history, drug and alcohol screening, medical history questionnaire, and pre-employment physical.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job‐related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.