Deputy Director of Engineering and Technology

Polk County BoCC; Winter Haven (FL); On-site; USD 101,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

FRS Retirement

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Education Incentives

Deferred Compensation Plan

Wellness Incentives

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Polk County Board of County Commissioners is seeking a Deputy Director of Engineering and Technology in the Utilities Division. The role directs the planning, design, and construction of potable water, wastewater, and reclaimed water projects, and leads the Capital Improvements Program with budget oversight.

The position requires a civil/mechanical/environmental engineering degree, 10+ years in water infrastructure, 5+ years in leadership, and Florida PE eligibility; exempt, full-time, on-site.

Qualifications

• Degree in civil, mechanical or environmental engineering is required.
• Minimum of ten years’ experience in planning, design and construction of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water infrastructure.
• Minimum of five years in responsible staff and project management.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to obtain Florida license within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Directs planning, design, and construction of potable water, wastewater, and reclaimed water CIP.
• Manages CIP schedule, budget, and regulatory compliance.
• Develops short-, intermediate-, and long-range capital project plans with funding forecasts.
• Oversees procurement and administration of engineering and professional service contracts.
• Supervises engineers, technicians, designers, and professional consultants.
• Administers CIP budget and project tracking systems; prepares board reports.
• Oversees all phases of project delivery from planning to closeout; addresses issues.
• Coordinates with County departments, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.
• Communicates program status and performance to leadership and external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Budget/financial management

Contract management

Public speaking

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory knowledge

Microsoft Office

Education

Civil engineering degree

Mechanical engineering degree

Environmental engineering degree

Job description

UTILITIES DIVISION - DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

PG 29/EXEMPT

$101,379 - $152,422 ANNUALLY

Employee Benefits

• Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• FRS Retirement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Education Incentives
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wellness Incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Gym
• Free Employee Health Clinic

Responsibilities

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

The Utilities Division is responsible for public health and safety, as well as safeguarding the environment, by providing crucial safe water and wastewater services. This position is part of the team that provides services necessary for human health, economic stability, and overall societal well-being. At the core of the mission of providing these services includes commitment to providing excellent customer service to our citizens, business partners, regulatory agencies, and other county divisions.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Capital Program Leadership

• Directs the planning, design, and construction of potable water, wastewater, and reclaimed water capital improvement projects.
• Manages the Utilities Division’s Capital Improvements Program (CIP), ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Develops short-, intermediate-, and long-range capital project plans, including schedules, priorities, and funding forecasts.
• Identifies infrastructure needs related to system age, condition, regulatory requirements, growth, and capacity demands.

Contract and Consultant Management

• Manages the procurement, negotiation, and administration of engineering and professional service contracts.
• Oversees consultant performance and coordinates project progress across multiple concurrent contracts.
• Reviews and approves feasibility studies, engineering plans, change orders, contracts, pay estimates, and related project documentation.

Staff Leadership and Supervision

• Supervises engineers, technicians, designers, and professional consultants involved in capital project delivery.
• Provides leadership, direction, and performance oversight to ensure compliance with County policies and Utilities Division standards.
• Fosters collaboration among internal teams and promotes continuous improvement in project delivery.

Financial and Program Administration

• Administers the Capital Improvements Program budget, including project reporting, forecasting, and financial management.
• Develops and maintains project tracking systems and master schedules for all CIP activities.
• Prepares reports, presentations, and Board of County Commissioners agenda items related to capital projects and program performance.

Project Delivery and Construction Oversight

• Oversees all phases of project delivery, including planning, design, permitting, procurement, construction, start-up, and closeout.
• Resolves construction challenges, evaluates change orders, and monitors contractor and consultant performance.
• Conducts field inspections and progress meetings to ensure adherence to project specifications, schedules, and quality standards.

Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinates capital projects with County departments, state regulatory agencies, transportation authorities, developers, contractors, and consulting engineers.
• Integrates capital program planning with utility operations, development activity, and financial planning.
• Provides regular updates to internal leadership and external stakeholders regarding program performance and project status.

Knowledge, Abilities And Skills

• Extensive knowledge of public water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utility systems including planning, design, construction, and operational practices.
• Knowledge of capital improvement program management, including administration of engineering consultant contracts, construction contracts, and financial management of infrastructure programs.
• Knowledge of civil and environmental engineering principles related to utility infrastructure.
• Knowledge of construction methods, materials, equipment, and industry standards applicable to water and wastewater systems.
• Knowledge of Florida regulatory, environmental, and permitting requirements governing utility infrastructure projects.
• Ability to manage complex, multi-phase capital projects involving planning, design, permitting, and construction activities.
• Ability to analyze technical and financial information and develop project schedules, tracking systems, and performance metrics.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and financial management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including presenting technical information to elected officials, regulatory agencies, staff, and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with project management, financial, database, and mapping software systems.
• Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and decision-making ability in managing multiple priorities in a complex operational environment.
• Ability to foster collaboration, accountability, and high professional standards across teams and partner organizations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with a degree in civil, mechanical or environmental engineering and have a minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in planning, design, and construction of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water infrastructure systems.
• Minimum of five (5) years responsible staff and project management.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of time of employment.

Special Requirements

• Must be currently licensed as a Registered Professional Engineer in at least one state and must secure Professional Engineering Registration in Florida within six months after start of employment.

SPECIAL PREFERENCE

• Preference will be given to individuals with public sector experience.
• Preference will be given to candidates who possess a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental engineering, civil engineering or public administration.
• A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications, except for the Professional Engineer registration.

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.