A road supervisor oversees the construction and management of highways and in some instances, these individuals also manage road-based transportation services such as buses and trams. Typically, someone wishing to become a road supervisor must have successfully graduated from high school and completed an undergraduate college degree. Additionally, most employers require applicants for these roles to have previously worked in management positions within the transportation or construction industries.
In most cases, people working in these roles are government employees who are tasked with overseeing public works projects such as the construction of new roads, bridges or parking lots. Due to the nature of the work, many employers prefer to hire individuals who have completed college undergraduate degrees in civil engineering or related topics. Someone wishing to become a road supervisor in a heavily developed area may benefit from completing a town planning rather than an engineering degree since people employed in these areas are often tasked with managing existing highways rather than presiding over new construction. Applicants for jobs in rural areas may need to have completed a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in forestry management or a related topic since development projects in such areas are often complicated by environmental concerns.
Someone wishing to become a road supervisor may need to have gained some prior experience working in the construction industry since these individuals have to liaise with architects, engineers and builders about proposed projects. In instances where a supervisor's duties include overseeing public transportation systems then applicants for the role must have some knowledge of engine mechanics and maintenance. Many people in these roles take an active part in construction and repair projects in which case anyone wishing to become a road supervisor must be in good physical health.
Anyone overseeing transportation projects has to manage both people and resources. Most employers prefer to hire individuals who have served as assistant supervisors or foremen since these professionals have some on-the-job experience with directing those involved in various types of projects. Asset management involves setting an annual budget and deciding how best to divide the entity's financial resources between different departments. Therefore, some employers prefer to hire people who have completed college degree programs in business administration or management while others accept applications from people who have prior experience handling large organizational budgets.
Aside from academic and professional credentials, anyone wishing to become a road supervisor must have good interpersonal and organizational skills. People employed in these roles have to negotiate contracts with engineers and builders and make requests for additional public funding. Often, successful supervisors are good public speakers who have the ability to analyze and relay critical information.