Deputy Director - Utilities

Manatee County FL

Bradenton, FL

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$126,107.06–$208,076.66 Per Year
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Best Practices, Budget Management, Calendar Management, Career Counseling, Civil Engineering, Co-Payments, Coaching, Communication Skills, Computer Software, Computer Systems, Contract Creation, Contract Negotiation, Cost Analysis, Dental Insurance, Department of Veterans Affairs, Diabetes, Dietetics, Disaster Recovery, Driver's License, Emergency Response, Employee Assistance Plan, Employment Contracts, Environmental Sciences, Establish Priorities, Expense Tracking, FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993), Facilities Planning, Federal Laws and Regulations, Financial Analysis, Financial Planning, Fitness, Flexible Spending Accounts, Funding, Government, Government Regulations, Health Plan, High School Diploma, Illustrating Ability, Interpersonal Skills, LAMP (Linux Apache MySQL PHP/Perl/Python), Leadership, Legal, Library and Information Science, Maintain Compliance, Massage Therapy, Mentoring, Operational Strategy, Operations, People Management, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Policy Implementation, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Program Evaluation, Program Planning, Public Administration, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Reporting Skills, Resource Management, Retirement Plan, Secondary School, Seminars, State Laws and Regulations, Substance Abuse, Team Building, Team Lead/Manager, Toastmasters, Trend Analysis, Vision Plan, Waste Disposal, Water Resource Management, Water Supply, Water Treatment, Webinar, Willing to Travel, Worker's Compensation, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Bradenton, FL
POSTED
3 days ago

Deputy Director - Utilities

Salary

$126,107.06 - $208,076.66 Annually

Location

Bradenton, FL

Job Type

Full-Time (Salaried)

Job Number

26-00311

Department

Utilities

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

7/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

General Information

Work Location: 3647 Cortez Road W. Bradenton, Florida 34206

Work Hours: :Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm

Expected Starting Annual Range: $126,107.06 - $167,091.86

Responsible for all operations of either the Water Division, Wastewater Division, or Solid Waste Division of the Manatee County Utilities Department. Ensures the most cost-effective water, wastewater or landfill system for the County through long range planning and coordination with governmental agencies, engineers, and financial staff. Develops and guides innovative programs to maintain service levels while ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Assists the Utilities Department Director with overall management of the department.

Note: This position is designated by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. Employment in this position is at will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Nothing in this job posting, any application materials, or any related communications shall be construed to create a contract of employment or to limit the County Administrator's authority to terminate the appointment at any time, with or without cause and with or without prior notice, subject only to applicable law.

Working Conditions

Indoor/outdoor situation; high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Typically sitting at a desk. Lifting equipment up to 25 lbs. alone; up to 50 lbs. with assistance. Periodic high-stress situations. Overnight travel occasionally required. Regularly required to work other than normal business hours.

Job Description

Essential Functions

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Responsible for all operations of either the Water Division, Wastewater Division, or Solid Waste Division, as assigned. Directs activities and programs of assigned division to ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures, and that goals, objectives, and standards are met.

Develops and administers work programs, practices, procedures, and policies for improving the effectiveness of Utilities programs and projects.

Develops and implements programs to ensure future facilities exist to guarantee that service levels are met, including long range water supply planning, treatment facilities master plans, and distribution and collection systems master plans.

Evaluates plans and designs of physical facilities related to water, wastewater, and/or reclaimed water systems.

Negotiates contracts and agreements related to division projects.

Assists the Utilities Department Director with overall management of the department.

Prepares key reports on Utilities Department projects and programs and makes presentations to the Board of County Commissioners, staff, businesses, and other organizations.

May prepare detailed technical permit applications, grant applications, and cooperative funding requests.

Confers with business and industry groups; developers; community groups; state, regional, and local partners; and other stakeholders regarding Utilities Department projects, programs, and best practices to promote strong relationships.

Serves as primary liaison to regional and state partners and regulators applicable to area of assignment, such as Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority, Southwest Florida Water Management District, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Serves on boards, commissions, committees, and working groups within area of responsibility.

Provides management and guidance to 2 or more subordinate managers. Mentors and coaches those managers. Responds appropriately to employee complaints and issues. Cultivates strong working relationships and builds trust among team members.

Reviews and recommends new methods and procedures to make daily operations more efficient. Performs considerable short-term and long-term planning, scheduling, and coordinating within area of responsibility. Develops, interprets, and implements management policies for area of responsibility.

Develops annual budget for assigned division. Monitors revenue and expenses and allocates fiscal resources appropriately. Performs periodic cost and productivity analyses to ensure efficient and appropriate use of funding.

Responsible for regulatory compliance to ensure that all work is completed in accordance with applicable laws and government regulations.

Maintains knowledge and understanding of current best practices, trends, laws, and issues affecting area of expertise. Attends educational events that will increase professional knowledge and be otherwise beneficial to the County.

Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.

8 or more years of progressively responsible experience with a public sector water and/or wastewater system, to include at least 4 years of management experience. (Water and Wastewater Deputy Director)

5 or more years of progressively responsible experience in managing solid waste disposal facilities, to include at least three (3) years of management experience. (Solid Waste Deputy Director)

Manager of Landfill Operations (MoLO) certification, or ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months of employment. (Solid Waste Deputy Director)

Valid driver license required with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.

A comparable combination of education, training, and work experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position, may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

More

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

Excellent organization, prioritization, analytical, and problem-solving skills in order to effectively manage area of responsibility and attain goals set. Able to resolve difficult and complex problems and situations.

Expert knowledge and understanding of standard principles, methods, and practices of the operation and maintenance of surface, ground, reclaimed, and wastewater treatment, transmission, and delivery/collection systems.

Expert knowledge and understanding of capital improvement programming and comprehensive planning.

Expert knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job responsibilities, including federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances applicable to potable water, wastewater, and reclaimed water systems.

Excellent knowledge and understanding of computer systems and software applications required to perform job responsibilities.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, including public presentation skills, in order to interact professionally and effectively with staff, elected officials, business leaders, the general public, and government regulators. Able to influence others regarding policies, practices, and procedures.

Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may 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.

Full Time Positions

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

  • ComPsych - offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
  • LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
  • Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.

Wellbeing Benefits:

  • Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
  • On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access
  • Personal Training (5 Free per year)
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Group Fitness Classes
  • Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
  • Diabetes Care Program
  • Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
  • Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)

Miscellaneous Benefits:

  • Workers' Compensation
  • Training/Seminars
  • Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
  • Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
  • Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off:

  • 12 Paid Holidays including New Years Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
  • Three (3) Personal Holidays
  • Personal Sick Leave
  • Family Sick Leave
  • Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
  • Professional Medical Appointment Leave
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Military Leave
  • Military Training Leave
  • FMLA

Vacation Award: Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week.

Years of Service Vacation Days

0-5 16.25 days

6-10 19.50 days

11+ 22.75 days

  • Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program

Insurance:

  • Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Prescription Insurance
  • Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

Retirement:

  • Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
  • 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
  • FRS Webinars
  • Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner

Career Wellness:

  • Professional Leadership Programs
  • Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
  • Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
  • Career Counseling
  • Toastmasters
  • Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
  • Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards

Education Benefits:

  • Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement.
  • Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexible Spending Account:

  • Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.

Permanent Part Time - Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

  • ComPsych - offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
  • LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.

Miscellaneous Benefits:

  • Workers' Compensation
  • Training/Seminars
  • Fitness Center Access for employee only
  • FRS options
  • Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
  • Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
  • Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off:

  • 12 Paid Holidays including New Years Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
  • Three (3) Personal Holidays
  • Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.

per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on

a pro-rated basis

01

VERY IMPORTANT - When answering supplemental questions about experience, education or certification, please be sure the information is reflected in the Education, Work Experience and Certificates and Licenses sections of your application.

Must include Monthly Salary, Name of Employer, Location, Phone Number and Duties for each employer in Work Experience.

Note: "See Resume" is not acceptable.

Identify all gaps not related to medical reasons.

  • I acknowledge the above statement

02

If you are claiming Veterans Preference, please check category of eligibility

  • A disabled veteran who is eligible for receiving compensation under public law administered by Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense
  • The spouse of a veteran who cannot qualify for employment because of total and permanent service-connected disability, or spouse of a veteran missing in action, captured or forcefully detained by a foreign power
  • A wartime veteran who has served at least 1 day during a wartime period (active duty for training may not be eligible)
  • An un-remarried widow or widower of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability
  • The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who died as a result of military service under combat-related conditions as verified by the U.S. Department of Defense
  • A current member of any reserve component for the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard
  • A veteran with a "Honorable" discharge (Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility)
  • Not claiming Veterans Preference

03

Which level of education have you achieved?

  • No high school equivalency
  • High school graduate/equivalent
  • Associates degree
  • Bachelors degree
  • Masters degree

04

How many years of progressively responsible experience with a public sector water and/or wastewater system do you possess?

  • 0-5 years
  • 5-6 years
  • 6-7 years
  • 8-9 years
  • 10-11 years
  • 12+ years

05

How many years of management experience do you have?

  • None
  • 1-3 years
  • 4-5 years
  • 6+ years

06

How many years of experience do you have in managing solid waste disposal facilities?

  • None
  • 1-2 years
  • 3-4 years
  • 5-6 years
  • 7-8 years
  • 9-10 years
  • 11+ years

07

Do you possess a valid Florida drivers license or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire?

  • Yes
  • No

08

Describe your management experience as it relates to water and wastewater treatment plant operation and maintenance including number of years and number of employees supervised. If none, type N/A.

Required Question

Employer Manatee County Government

Address 5213 4th Ave Cir E

Bradenton, Florida, 34208

Phone (941) 748-4501 ext. 3865

(941) 742-5627

Website https://www.mymanatee.org

About the Company

M

Manatee County FL