About the Department

Work Location: 3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, Florida 34210
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Expected Starting Salary Range: $112,595.59 - $149,189.16

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.

Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.

Working Conditions

The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work may involve strenuous physical activity under varying climatic conditions and in both indoor and outdoor environments

Position Duties

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.

Directs activities and provides leadership and organizational management of the Utilities public affairs, private utilities transfers, emergency operations, and serves as the primary liaison with other Departments for Utilities focused capital improvement projects.

Ensures adherence to applicable laws, regulations, rules, policies and procedures, and that goals, objectives and standards are met in a timely and effective manner.

Prepares evaluation of policy options in support of management initiatives and ensuring compliance with County rules and regulations. Directs research, analysis and proposed recommendations to solve complex operational issues.

Coordinates with the County Attorney's Office on business related matters.

Conducts policy analysis. Drafts and reviews responses to proposed rules, legislation, and regulatory changes.

Recommends legislative and communications strategies for both internal and external agencies. Develops recommendations on issues related to local, state, regional, and federal intergovernmental relations.

Directs the development, implementation and revision of departmental policy and planning processes with the Director, Deputy Directors and other divisional managers.

Manages, drafts, and reviews legal documents for the Department including ordinances, leases, and agreements.

Coordinates development of Department's emergency services plans with the County's Emergency Management Division, health officials, Sheriff's office, EMS, fire, and other emergency response groups.

Functions as Incident Manager for department emergency operations in cooperation with the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Emergency operational areas include the County EOC, field incident site, or designated departmental Incident Command Post(s).

Personnel responsibilities include preparing performance evaluations for direct reports and establishing section/program goals and objectives, conducting staff meetings, and reviewing performance evaluations for all indirect reports' preparing and reviewing job descriptions and career ladders; interviewing and selecting new hires for direct reports and other supervisory positions in the division' dealing with employee discipline matters as needed.

Negotiates or participates in negotiation and administration of contracts and agreements related to division projects.

Importance of being accurate, and decisive within short timeframes, and under pressure from internal and external sources.

Makes presentations to the Board of County Commissioners, various citizen groups and the general public, as necessary.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and appliable federal and Florida law.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related engineering field.

Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible experience in a public sector public works environment to include at least four (4) years of management experience.

Valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. 

Other Qualifications

Highly desired registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Florida or must obtain registration through reciprocity within 6 months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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

Strong knowledge of capital improvement programming and comprehensive planning.

Strong knowledge of modern engineering standard of care criteria, current literature, and sources of information in the area of public works engineering.

Strong knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job responsibilities, including Land Development Codes, Comprehensive Plans, and FEMA regulations applicable to transportation, transportation engineering, project management, construction, and engineering processes.

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

Strong 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.

Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time and perform duties effectively and efficiently in a high stress, fast paced environment.

Ability to exercise mature judgment and to make independent decisions in accordance with established department or division policies and procedures.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, other County departments and agencies, County officials, employees and the public.

Excellent public relations and presentation skills.

Superior communication and public speaking skills.

High level skills in computer operations and pertinent software applications.