CHIEF STORMWATER OFFICER

Indian Trail; West Palm Beach (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Indian Trail is seeking a Chief Stormwater Officer (P.E.) to direct Stormwater and Aquatics Operations and Capital Improvements. The role leads the Capital Improvement and Aquatics Supervisors, manages contracts, and enforces safety practices across the district.

Daily pump station operations and emergency response are central to the job. The position requires senior level stormwater, drainage, and public works experience, with budgeting, grant support, and interagency coordination.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years of progressively responsible stormwater management experience.
• At least three years in supervisory/management roles.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering or related field; Florida P.E. preferred.
• On-call availability during emergencies; long hours during storms may be required.
• Knowledge of local Palm Beach County government is a plus.
• Pre-employment background check required.

Responsibilities

• Establish departmental priorities, standards, and short/long-term objectives for the Stormwater Department.
• Develop and administer the annual operating and capital budget.
• Coordinate with Finance, Procurement, and vendors; evaluate contractor performance.
• Oversee Aquatic Weed Control, mowing, and canal excavation programs.
• Respond to resident drainage concerns and coordinate with SFWMD and other entities.
• Ensure NPDES compliance and supervise emergency pumping operations.

Skills

Independent worker

Telemetry knowledge

Public sector procurement

Grant coordination

Emergency management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Civil/Environmental Engineering

Florida PE licensure

Environmental/Water resources background

Tools

SFWMD Permits

NPDES compliance experience

Job description

The Chief Stormwater Officer, P.E.(CSO) is an exempt position that is responsible for the oversight of Stormwater and Aquatics Operations of the District as well as the Capital Improvement side, including Swale maintenance, Canal Improvements, Inspections and Permits, In- House Trucking, and Culvert Improvements. This position is responsible for managing and directing the work of The Capital Improvement Superintendent and the Aquatics and Operations Superintendent, as well as the management of applicable contracts such as Aquatics/ Spraying and other independent contractors, such as mowing. This position is responsible for recommendation and implementation of safety practices of the District for all employees. This person is responsible for the smooth operation of the pump stations daily, including weather emergencies. Work requires the regular use of independent judgment and discretion, including coordination with other governmental entities as well as proper supervision and scheduling of aquatic weed staff, independent contractors, canal excavation crews and mowing staff for cost-effective operations. This position is expected to exercise considerable initiative, independent judgment, and sound management practices in directing field operations and resolving work problems in accordance with established policies and procedures

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Establishes departmental priorities, performance standards, operating procedures and short term and long-term objectives aligning with Board Direction and Executive Director collaboration
• Participates in executive leadership discussions concerning District capital planning, emergency preparedness, development, permitting, risk management and strategic planning
• Prepares reports, recommendations, presentations, and supporting documentation as required
• Develops and administers the Stormwater Department’s annual operating and capital budget
• Works with Finance and Procurement to obtain equipment, professional services and other necessary goods and services
• Evaluates vendor and contractor performances
• Assists in developing supporting technical information for grant applications and reimbursement documentation
• Identifies grant, hazard-mitigation, resiliency and other outside funding opportunities for stormwater infrastructure when appropriate
• Assists with development of solicitations, invitations to bid, requests for proposals, and requests for qualifications involving stormwater operations
• Responds to resident concerns regarding drainage, canals, water elevations, flooding, stormwater facilities, and related matters
• Responsible for the drainage and pump station operations of the District and coordinates those operations with other governmental entities, such as South Florida Water Management District.
• Manages the District’s Aquatic Weed Control program, including personnel, equipment, chemicals, up-to-date practices and procedures, and necessary federal, state and local certifications.
• Manages the District’s mowing and canal excavation programs to support appropriate drainage and maintenance of the works of the District.
• Compiles and maintains proper record keeping data and produces reports regarding rainfall and pumping operations.Prepares documentation compiling data for FEMA and other entities,
• Required to be on-call 24 hours in case of hurricanes, other natural disasters, or emergencies.
• Monitors weather patterns utilizing state-of-the-art computer programs and forecasts the impact on drainage within the District, making necessary adjustments to routine maintenance schedules as necessary to accommodate weather patterns.
• Responsible for the District’s computer telemetry system, including monitoring all sites, supervising projects, and maintaining proper records.
• Utilizes and services all pump station equipment, where applicable, including small engines, pumps, generators, and small hand tools.
• Trains and supervises other staff involved in the emergency operation of the pump stations or other devices
• NPDES compliance, inspection and certification reporting
• Perform personnel functions including but not limited to evaluating, supervising, disciplining and giving directions and coaching
• Read and interpret blueprints, plans, specifications and drawings to determine job requirements
• Perform related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience involving stormwater management, drainage, water – control operations, flood control, public works, utilities, civil infrastructure, or closely related field
• A minimum a three (3) years of supervisory or management experience is required
• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Environmental Science, Construction Management Emergency Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field Bachelor of Science,
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule and be “on-call” in preparation for (and during) emergency situations, such as hurricanes and other declared disasters.Long work hours may be required during storms and periods of inclement weather.May need to be in constant communication including hand-held equipment and cell phones.
• Knowledge of the nuances of local government within Palm Beach County is a plus.
• Pre-Employment Screening (i.e., Criminal Background Check, etc.)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS

• Ability to work independently ensuring completion of job tasks and work within remote areas of the District.
• Knowledge of weather systems, weather conditions, and instrumentation.
• Experience managing a large scale stormwater system
• Extensive knowledge of telemetry and its functionality.
• General knowledge of aquatic weed control and various chemicals utilized to maintain canals and pump structures.
• Ability to operate pump equipment including generators, pumps, water control structures, hand tools, and gauges to move water within canal system.
• Knowledge of operation of water control structures to maintain proper water levels. Maintains pump station building and grounds.
• Extensive knowledge of different types of diesel engines, pump gear heads and pump drive trains.
• Experience with SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits or Water Control Permits
• NPEDES/MS$ compliance experience
• Public sector procurement experience
• Florida Stormwater, Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector certification
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) Licensure in Florida
• NPDES Compliance Certification Officer (or ability to obtain within 6 months)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee works in outdoor conditions, near and on machinery, or in high precarious places. The employee will likely be exposed to hot, dry, wet, humid and cold conditions. The employee will occasionally be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, vibration and other potential hazards associated with the maintenance and/or construction of roads and drainage works and other types of construction. Manual dexterity is necessary in order to manipulate machinery, trucks, and tools. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate, but can be high under certain circumstances. Hand-to-eye coordination is necessary to operate various tools and construction equipment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office setting as well as at times requires the employee to inspect job sites and attend out-of-office meetings. Hand-to-eye coordination is necessary to operate various office equipment and motor vehicles. This job requires long periods sitting at a computer workstation and utilizing the telephone and computer. This person must be able to manipulate a keyboard and utilize a hand-held device to communicate with field employees. Ability to walk, stand, and work on unstable soil, and to walk extended distances. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to engage in the following activities: lifting above 80 pounds, sitting, standing, walking, climbing, crouching, crawling, stooping, kneeling or balancing; reaching with arms; using hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls; talking, and hearing. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust one’s focus.