It's their job: County road supervisor enjoys challenge of job

County Road Department supervisor Ricky Lovato has held the position for about a month, but worked as assistant road supervisor for about 2 1/2 years.

Lovato was born and raised in Portales. Before working for the county, he owned semi-trailers and supervised his father-in-law’s silage-cutting business.

What does your job entail? Blading roads, total reconstruction of roads, chip seal and whatever the commissioners tell me to do, also. We have 17 of us I supervise.

What is a typical day for you? I go from one end of the county to other. Things pop up all the time. I try to plan it out, but it never works that way.

Why did you choose this job? I chose it because I have a lot of experience from running crews for silage. I’ve been self-employed for 18 years. And also the security of it.

Did you have any special training for this job? No. I did the interview, and they hired me. I was the assistant supervisor under John Bohm. We both learned together. One thing about the road department, if it wasn’t for the employees ... they’re the ones who make me look good.

What do you enjoy most about this job? I think the thing I enjoy the most is the challenge. Like I said, every day’s different, trying to get all your projects done.

— Compiled by PNT Senior Writer Argen Duncan