At Flathead County, we celebrate the milestones that mark the dedication and hard work of our employees. Today, we recognize Chad Bauer for his five years of service with the Bridge side of the Road and Bridge Department.
Chad has spent most of his life in Flathead County, fully embracing its outdoor lifestyle—bow hunting, ice fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling in winter, and hiking, huckleberry picking, and enjoying Roger’s Lake on his pontoon boat in summer.
Before joining Flathead County, Chad spent 15 years in the beverage industry but felt the pull toward something different. With encouragement from a friend’s wife who worked in Flathead County’s HR, he applied for a temporary position at Road and Bridge. It didn’t take long for him to make his mark, earning a full-time role in the Bridge Department.
Over the years, Chad has tackled essential tasks like culvert and guardrail maintenance, ensuring our county's bridges remain safe and functional. His Montana upbringing and knack for animal trapping have also come in handy when dealing with beavers and muskrats that occasionally disrupt county infrastructure.
What stands out most about Chad is his appreciation for the variety in his work. “The best part is never doing the same thing,” he shared. “I’ve always been a big outdoorsman, and in this position, I get to be outside all the time.”
Chad also values the camaraderie within his five-person crew, describing them as more of a family than a team. Trust and communication are critical when handling the heavy equipment and challenging tasks that define their work.
Looking ahead, Chad envisions a long future with the department. “I’d like to stay here and go further within the organization,” he says. Congratulations, Chad, on this milestone. Your hard work and dedication are a testament to the values that make Flathead County a great place to live and work. We look forward to many more years of your expertise and leadership in our Road and Bridge Department.