Introduction
The ideal candidate will be an accomplished transportation executive with a demonstrated record of achievement in highway operations, maintenance, and safety. The successful candidate will bring superior skills in organizational leadership and development, policy formulation, performance management, regulatory compliance, budget and program oversight, and the strategic deployment of equipment, technology, and innovation to improve transportation system outcomes.
CONTINUE TO ENJOY
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
- Monday - Friday
- Full Time, 40 hours per week
- First Shift, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- Office/On-site
- Location: Newington, CT
The Bureau Chief of Highway Operations provides executive leadership to a large and complex organization of more than 1,600 skilled and dedicated professionals representing a broad range of transportation, engineering, maintenance, and operational disciplines. The position ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Connecticut’s highway system through proactive asset management, regulatory compliance, performance-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement of maintenance and operational practices.
The Bureau Chief is accountable for the overall safety, quality, and effectiveness of highway and bridge operations and maintenance programs, including compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and funding requirements. Responsibilities include oversight of operating and capital budgets; modernization of budget, project, and asset management controls; and stewardship of public resources to maximize system performance and lifecycle value. The role also leads statewide emergency response activities, including winter maintenance operations, severe weather events, and incident management, ensuring readiness, coordination, and continuity of operations under rapidly changing conditions.
A critical component of this role is the development of organizational capacity through workforce planning, training, succession planning, and the advancement of staff expertise. The Bureau Chief will champion a strong safety culture, promote operational excellence, and drive the adoption of new technologies, equipment, and data-driven practices to improve safety, efficiency, and system resilience.
In addition to the above, the Bureau Chief will:
- Lead efforts to position CTDOT to adapt to evolving state and federal transportation priorities, funding programs, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
- Play an integral role in advancing safety initiatives for CTDOT employees, contractors, and all users of the state highway system.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the State’s long-range transportation plans, capital programs, and performance goals.
- Serve as a senior representative of CTDOT before the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, municipal officials, regional partners, and other stakeholders.
- Represent the Department in public forums and media engagements, clearly communicating policies, programs, and operational impacts.
- Help shape the Department’s long-term vision, strategies, and programs to support mobility, economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and strong communities throughout Connecticut.
ABOUT US
As one of Connecticut’s largest State agencies, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) employs roughly 3,300 individuals across five bureaus. CTDOT is guided by its mission to improve lives through transportation. Our infrastructure and transit systems are essential to the safety and mobility of Connecticut residents, and our work strengthens both economic and community development. CTDOT is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, and individuals with broad-ranging backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about our mission, vision, and values here!
Selection Plan
In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee of the agency listed above for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Sharon McIntosh, at Sharon.McIntosh@ct.gov.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Transportation, Bureau of Maintenance and Highway Operations, this class is accountable for administering the programs and operations necessary to maintain the statewide highway system.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Administers staff and operations of the Bureau of Maintenance and Highway Operations and all activities necessary for the maintenance and monitoring of the state transportation system of roads and bridges;
- Develops, implements and evaluates maintenance operations policies, goals and objectives;
- Designs and develops bureau programs and activities;
- Implements new procedures and procedural revisions pertaining to policies, personnel regulations, expenditures and administrative methods;
- Determines appropriate staffing levels and directs management and coordination of staff;
- Designs and implements performance review standards for bureau staff;
- Prepares bureau budget;
- Maintains contacts with department, state, federal and local individuals regarding policy or program activities who impact on policy or program activities including the Governor's Office, the Legislature, town officials and the general public;
- Responds to inquiries regarding scope, funding, priority, scheduling and status of maintenance and/or highway operations projects;
- Directs execution of transportation contracts;
- Directs the Highway Operations Center;
- Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Considerable knowledge of
- and ability to apply management principles and practices;
- relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
- principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to planning, design, construction and reconstruction of highways, bridges and transportation facilities;
- Considerable
- interpersonal skills;
- oral and written communication skills.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Twelve (12) years of professional experience in the administration of large scale maintenance or highway operations programs and activities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
Three (3) years of the General Experience must have been in a managerial capacity.
NOTE:
- Managerial capacity is defined as full time managerial responsibility for major programs. Position will have supervisory responsibilities but the emphasis should be on management activities: planning, organizing, directing and controlling resources of a major subdivision of an agency or organization.
- For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Transportation
- Maintenance Administrator
- Maintenance Director
- Maintenance Manager
- Manager of Bridge Safety and Evaluation
- Manager of Highway Operations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
- College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
- A Master's degree in public administration, business administration or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience managing large-scale maintenance and highway operations programs for a complex transportation system, including roadways, bridges, and related infrastructure.
- Experience demonstrating success in developing, implementing, and evaluating operation policies, performance standards, and strategic objectives within a public sector or transportation environment.
- Experience with organizational management, including workforce planning, staffing analysis, performance management, and employee development.
- Experience preparing and administering multimillion-dollar operating and capital budgets, with a strong understanding of public finance, expenditures, and fiscal controls.
- Experience and knowledge of state and federal transportation laws, statutes, regulations, and compliance requirements affecting highway and maintenance operations.
- Experience leading and managing emergency response or operations with high-impact operational decisions that are time sensitive.
- Experience with oral and written communication skills, including the ability to respond clearly and effectively to public inquiries, legislative requests, and executive briefings.
- Experience leading recruitment, hiring, and retention initiatives, including outreach, interviewing, and selection of diverse and highly qualified staff.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.