Salary: $70,480.00 - $102,454.00 Annually
Location : 1919 15th Avenue, Kearney, NE
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00215
Department: Public Works
Division: Streets
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/3/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt

Description

Under general direction, provide leadership and supervision to a team of 15 employees within the Street Division of the Public Works Department; direct, supervise and perform maintenance, repair and construction of roads, street, curbs, sidewalks, storm sewers and drainage structures, markings and signs and related duties. Work varies, requiring interpretive judgment within prescribed standards and procedures.
Essential Functions

Plan, organize and direct a program of street maintenance, supervising the grading of roads and streets, street sweeping and flushing, asphalt patching and overlays, chip sealing, filling cracks, curb and gutter replacement and installation; supervise the maintenance of storm sewers, drainage structures, bridges, alleys and other public driving accesses; install and maintain street markers and road construction signs; inspect and supervise the construction and maintenance of curbs and driveways, excavations and backfills of public utility work involving the cutting, backfill and patching of pavements; plan and supervise snow removal, storm clean-up, and street cleaning programs; investigate complaints as to road conditions; direct flood control operations during flooding; assist with the development and oversight of budget and long range goals; prepare and analyze bid specifications and finalize contracts for purchase of equipment; review purchase and expenditure requisitions; purchase materials as required; oversee and manage expenditures to meet strategic goals maintain equipment records, supply usage records, reports and correspondence; receive and act upon complaints; respond to emergency calls at any time; interview potential employees; train new employees; evaluate performance of and recommend discipline as necessary. Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS:
Supervise a team of 15 employees within the Street Division of the Public Works Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public. (Daily)
Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily)
Effectively plan, organize and direct the City's street maintenance programs. (Daily)
Conduct effective storm procedures, including snow and ice removal. (Daily)
Efficiently and effectively handle complaints received. (Daily)
Effectively assign and supervise personnel. (Daily)
Prepare sound and accurate budget recommendations and maintain expenditures within budget. (Daily)
Establish and enforce safety practices. (Daily)
Organize files and maintain accurate records. (Daily)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Work Type: Medium, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to more objects
Climbing/Balancing: Climbs inclines, uneven surfaces, balance required
Walking: Occasional walking required
Stooping/Bending: Occasional stooping, bending and twisting required
Stand/Sit: Sit about 50 percent of the time
Reaching: Frequent reaching, overhead as well as horizontal
Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
Color Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
Hearing: Occasional perceive nature of sounds by ear
Speech: Frequently express ideas by means of spoken words
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Minimal, occasionally walks, operates equipment and levers
Manual Dexterity: Minimal, occasionally uses mechanic's hand tools
Infectious Diseases: No exposure

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Inside/Outside: Work inside and outside
Cold/Heat: Extreme heat, cold and dampness
Wet/Dry: Adverse conditions possible
Noise/Vibrations: Exposed to heavy construction noise
Hazards: Exposed to traffic safety and construction areas
Fumes/Dust/Odors: Minimal exposure to dust, odors and fumes
Infectious Diseases: Low exposure

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Ability to read and comprehend technically written material.
Ability to understand and apply mathematical concepts accurately.
Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions.
Ability to organize information for concise written and oral presentation.
Ability to operate computer hardware and software including graphics and engineering software.
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school with five years of progressively responsible street maintenance and construction experience, or a related field, including three years in a supervisor capacity; college level course work or vocational training in engineering or related field is desirable; Must possess a valid Nebraska CDL Class B driver's license with air brakes and tanker endorsements or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
This position has a thirty (30) minute response time by way of the most direct route from the employee's permanent residence to the employee's assigned work site and within posted speed limits.
Supplemental Information

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AIDS USED:
Computers, drafting tools, pencils, pickups, dump trucks, motor grader, front loaders, tractor mowers, rollers, asphalt machine, mudjack, sweeper, tamps, vibrators, concrete tools, telephone and radio.

REMARKS:
The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties.
Rates effective January 1, 2026 and are subject to change. Benefits are effective on the 1st day of employment.

Health and Dental Insurance: The City of Kearney Health Insurance Plans includes health, prescription, and dental coverage. The City offers two plans (traditional PPO and a high deductible option) Employee spouses' who have health/dental coverage available through their own employer are not eligible to participate in the City's health/dental insurance.

Health/Dental (4 Tiers) - Traditional PPO

• Single Coverage $ 92.20 biweekly
• Employee + Spouse Coverage $196.62 biweekly
• Employee + Dependents Coverage $156.73 biweekly
• Family Coverage $229.57 biweekly

Health/Dental (4 Tiers) - High Deductible Health Plan with HSA option

• Single Coverage $ 81.50 biweekly
• Employee + Spouse Coverage $174.03 biweekly
• Employee + Dependents Coverage $138.56 biweekly
• Family Coverage $203.05 biweekly

HSA City Contribution: Individual - $750
Family - $1,200

Vision Insurance: EyeMed Vision coverage is available. Employee only - $3.32; Employee/Spouse - $6.30; Employee/Dependents - $6.64; Family - $9.76. All rates are bi-weekly payroll deductions.

IdentityForce: Identity Theft Protection available, Employee/Children (children 26 and under) $8.49; Family $14.49 per month.

Retirement: City contributes 6% if the employee contributes 6%.

Life Insurance: The City pays 100% of the cost of employee life insurance of $50,000, spouse coverage $10,000, and dependent children coverage $5,000. Supplemental life insurance available at a discounted group rate.

Cafeteria/Section 125: Can be used for medical and daycare expenses per IRS guidelines.

Deferred Comp: Voluntary deferred compensation program (457 & Roth IRA Plans).

EAP: Employee Assistance Program provides 6 free counseling sessions per issue for employees and dependents.

Long Term Disability: Long term disability insurance provided by the City.

Longevity: Annual payment of $300 after 5 years of continuous years of service with $50 increases every 5 years with a maximum payment of $550.

Vacation: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 80 hrs years 1 - 4; 120 hrs years 5 - 14; 160 hrs years 15+. New employees receive 40 hours of vacation upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Vacation leave may accumulate to a maximum of 240 hours.

Medical Leave: Medical leave is accrued at a biweekly rate equal to 12 days a year. New employees receive 40 hours of medical leave upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Medical leave may accumulate to a maximum of 1,440 hours.

Parental Leave: 3 weeks paid leave.

Personal Leave: 2 personal days are provided on the first of every calendar year. Employees must be employed on January 1st to receive personal leave days. Unused personal leave does not carry over to the next year.

Holidays: Twelve paid holidays per year.

Military: Active members receive 120 hours of military leave annually. Military leave does not carry over to the next year.