Deputy Director of Engineering and Technology
Polk County · Winter Haven · $101,379–$152,422 (stated in the posting)
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
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.
MAJOR FUNCTION
Serves as an executive leader responsible for directing the Utilities Division’s Engineering and Technology Section and managing the planning, design, and delivery of potable water, wastewater, and reclaimed water capital improvement projects. The position reports to and serves at the pleasure of the Utilities Director and exercises significant autonomy in establishing strategies, priorities, and methods for achieving departmental goals.
As a member of the Utilities Division’s executive management team, the position collaborates closely with other division managers to coordinate infrastructure planning, regulatory compliance, financial management, and operational priorities. The position oversees multiple programs that support the Utilities Division’s infrastructure development and asset management initiatives. The position ensures the efficient and compliant delivery of capital infrastructure projects and supports long-range planning necessary to maintain reliable and sustainable utility services for Polk County.
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.
UTILITIES DIVISION - DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY PG 29/EXEMPT $101,379 - $152,422 ANNUALLY MAJOR FUNCTION Serves as an executive leader responsible for directing the Utilities Division’s Engineering and Technology Section and managing the planning, design, and delivery of potable water, wastewater, and reclaimed water capital improvement projects. The position reports to and serves at the pleasure of the Utilities Director and exercises significant autonomy in establishing strategies, priorities, and methods for achieving departmental goals.