Utilities Operations Project Manager

Polk County BoCC; Winter Haven (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct Deposit

Bi-Weekly Pay

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

FRS Retirement

10 Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Education Incentives

Deferred Compensation

Wellness Incentives

EAP

Free Employee Gym

Free Employee Health Clinic

Job summary

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners is seeking an Utilities Operations Project Manager to coordinate and supervise projects within the Utilities Division. This exempt, office-based role involves managing water and wastewater initiatives, preparing bid documents, and ensuring contractor alignment with county standards.

Qualified graduates in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering with 2–5 years of project experience, plus a Florida driver’s license, are preferred.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited four-year college with a degree in Electrical, Civil, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 2–5 years of relevant experience including safety plans, project management, asset management, and maintenance engineering.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to obtain a Florida driver’s license.
• Comparable training/experience may substitute for the degree requirement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, supervise employees and manage projects for the Utilities Operations section.
• Prepare and review bid/contract documents, specs, and cost estimates.
• Track project progress and update stakeholders on milestones.
• Coordinate with internal departments, contractors, and external parties.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Civil Engineering degree

Mechanical Engineering degree

Related engineering degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management software

CMMS

Financial tracking tools

Job description

Job Description

UTILITIES - OPERATIONS PROJECT MANAGER

PG 24 - $79,622 - $119,412 ANNUALLY

EXEMPT

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

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 wellbeing. At the core of the mission of providing services includes commitment to providing excellent customer service to our citizens, business partners, regulatory agencies, and other county divisions.

MAJOR FUNCTION

The Utilities Operations Project Manager coordinates, supervises employees and manages various projects and initiatives for the Operations Section of the Utilities Division to support the mission of the water, wastewater, lines, and maintenance groups. Duties are performed under the direct supervision of the Operations Engineering Department Manager.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Project Coordination & Implementation

• Prepares and reviews bid and contract documents, construction specifications, and cost estimates.
• Reviews construction plans and as-builts for conformance to design specifications as well as County standards and specifications.
• Coordinates with internal departments, contractors, and external stakeholders to ensure project timelines and objectives are met.
• Track project progress, manage schedules, and update stakeholders on key milestones.

Operational & Maintenance Support

• Assists in coordination of maintenance and operational initiatives tied to special projects, such as facility upgrades and system improvements.
• Works with other Operations groups as a liaison between Contractor/Engineer and the Plant Manager/Operators on all aspects of the project.
• Assists in regular meetings with all stakeholders on project progress and review.

Project & Operations Knowledge

• Understands project management principles, current engineering standards, scheduling techniques, and safety regulations.
• Familiarity with water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

Technical & Software Skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, project management software, CMMS, and financial tracking tools.

Communication & Organizational Abilities

• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering designs, regulatory requirements, financial data, and safety policies.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Primarily office-based with occasional field visits to project sites. Requires sitting, standing, walking, and occasional lifting (up to 20 lbs.). May interact with the public, contractors, and government agencies.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field supplemented by two (2) to five (5) years of pertinent, responsible experience including safety plans/programs, project management, physical security, asset management, and maintenance engineering. Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment.

A comparable amount of training and related experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications except for the four (4) year college or university Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree.

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.