ASSISTANT UTILITIES DIRECTOR-INTERNAL PROMOTIONAL ONLY

City of Plantation; Plantation (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Plantation Utilities Department seeks an experienced leader to oversee water and wastewater operations, drive compliance, and guide strategic initiatives. The role includes supervising staff, managing budgets, and coordinating multi-year improvements.

The Acting Director will work with the Director and management team to advance capital projects, asset management, and regulatory initiatives while ensuring service reliability and public safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in environmental technology, engineering or public administration; seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in managing public utilities including water and wastewater transmission, collection and treatment; three to five years supervisory experience.
• Florida Class A Drinking Water Operator license, Class A Wastewater Operator license, Class 1 Field Operator license (or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Assist the Utilities Director and serve as Acting Director in their absence; oversee planning, directing, coordinating and evaluating water and wastewater operations.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; monitor expenditures and prepare cost estimates for budgets.
• Supervise staff, conduct performance reviews, and implement discipline when necessary.
• Develop and monitor programs for security, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee certification training programs for treatment plant operators and other staff.
• Coordinate procurement and ensure compliance with city codes and policies.
• Collaborate with division managers on capital improvements, asset management, and grant opportunities.
• Respond to citizen concerns, media inquiries, and regulatory agency communications.

Skills

Water & wastewater regulations

Public utility management

Budgeting & financial management

Staff supervision

Grant opportunities

Contract & procurement

Safety procedures

Interagency coordination

Public communication

Leadership & strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental technology/engineering/public administration

Job description

THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT CITY OF PLANTATION UTILITIES DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES.

This is an exempt position that assists the Director with the overall management and direction of the Department as needed and serves as Acting Director in the Director’s absence. Under limited supervision, performs administrative, supervisory and technical work in planning, directing, coordinating, evaluating and maintaining the operations of the Utilities Department water and wastewater infrastructure inclusive of water resources, water treatment, water distribution and industrial pretreatment and other support areas. Work is performed under the general direction of the Utilities Director. The incumbent is this position is a covered employee according to the Broward County Ethics Law

Employees are hired as AT WILL employees that serve at the pleasure of the City and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Participates in budget preparation and administration; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations; monitors and controls expenditures.

Participates in the selection of staff; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures.

Develops and monitors efforts to identify potential security threats and vulnerability assessments to the treatment facilities.

Researches, recommends and initiates implementation of new technology.

Oversees implementation of certification training programs and examinations for treatment plant operators, distribution and collection systems operators and utilities mechanics.

Ensures compliance with the City code and procurement policies and procedures by reviewing and monitoring procurement conducted by subordinates and the department.

Responsible for working with division managers in a timely, cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable manner for performance improvements in all facets of the division’s operations and maintenance programs.

Supervises implementation and management permitting and compliance programs and policies of the City of Plantation Pretreatment Program as required by federal and state regulations.

Assist, develop and manage, and/or implement various utilities initiatives inclusive but not limited to facilities work plan, asset management, GIS work plan, grants, water/wastewater/reclaimed water pilot studies, other planning and operational improvements, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and City’s comprehensive plan.

Assists with grievance and discipline, reviews employee performance evaluations, interviews and makes recommendations regarding hiring of personnel.

Assists with preparation and management of the operational and capital improvement budgets as well as the strategic plan; develop summary spreadsheets, briefings, presentations and additional items as needed.

Works with the Director and management team to identify and address capital improvement projects, strategic priorities; and direction to be taken as related to timing and processes for treatment expansion or modification, organizational changes and system priorities.

Respond to citizen complaints, issues, and media inquiries as assigned. Coordinates department budget, purchasing, personnel and record-keeping activities; prepares special reports as required.

Coordinates with any and all Departments or Division as required in the execution and administration of multi-year material, equipment and service-oriented contracts, and coordinates activities of the Department with other outside agencies.

As assigned by the Director, reviews plans and specifications for specific City construction contracts and provides input on recommending approval or disapproval. Serves as acting director in the absence of the director.

Identifies grant opportunities and assists in grant application process.

Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with City employees, elected officials, the general public and consulting engineers utilized by the Department and City.

Directs and/or responds to correspondence from the public, city staff and regulatory agencies as necessary.

• Considerable knowledge of local, state and federal laws regarding water and wastewater regulations, health department requirements and building codes as applied to inspection, enforcement and management of a comprehensive utility’s operation.
• Considerable knowledge of municipal water and wastewater treatment plants operation and maintenance.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation and maintenance procedures of municipal water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
• Considerable knowledge of the industries' standard methods, materials, tools and equipment employed in water and wastewater main installations, meters and equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of standard purchasing procedures and procurement.
• Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions for utility operations.
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply the principles and practices of organization, management, personnel and financial administration in the operation of a major municipal operating department.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct and appraise the work of a large staff of professional technical, skilled, and unskilled personnel.
• Ability to conduct independent research and studies, to analyze data collected and formulate recommendation for improvements in the engineering and utilities programs.
• Ability to assist in development and preparation of budgets in accordance with municipal financial management.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other employees, city officials and the general public.
• Ability to motivate, manage and supervise employees with varying levels of education and work experience and to develop improvements in municipal water and wastewater management practices.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in environmental technology, engineering or public administration or closely related field; minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional level experience involving the management of a public utilities division(s) including responsibility for water and wastewater transmission, collection and treatment systems; with three (3) to five years supervisory experience. Certification by the State of Florida as a Class \"A\" Drinking Water Operator, Class \"A\" Wastewater Operator license, Class 1 Field Operator license or (any equivalent combination of education, experience or training which provides the required knowledge, abilities and skills may be considered).

This is a designated \"Recovery\" classification in the City's Emergency Operations Plan and will require the employee occupying this position to work for declared emergencies. Attendance at National Incident Management System (NIMS) training at the appropriate level is mandatory.