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City of Longwood (FL)

Deputy Director of Utilities & Public Works

City of Longwood (FL), Longwood, Florida, us, 32791


The Deputy Director of Utilities & Public Works plays a pivotal role in overseeing operations within the Public Works Utility Division. Assists and advises the Public Works Director in management of the public works department as needed. Responsibilities include ensuring the efficient and effective management of essential infrastructure, developing and implementing strategies to maintain high-quality water and sewer services while maintaining regulatory standards and environmental sustainability. This position requires a strong background in public administration, strong leadership abilities, and a comprehensive knowledge of utility infrastructure and municipal projects. This position operates under the general supervision of the Public Works Director.Oversees the day-to-day operations of the utility division, including managing the regular inspection, maintenance, and repair of water mains, pipes, valves, and sewage lines ensuring subordinates have properly maintained equipment and supplies to keep the utility division operating at the expected level of the regulatory agencies and reasonable level set by the public.Supervises and collaborates with water treatment plant personnel to maintain a reliable and safe water supply. Monitor water quality standards and implement necessary adjustments to meet regulatory requirements.Selects, trains, motivates, manages, and evaluates personnel, provide or coordinate staff training, evaluate employee performance, work with employees to correct deficiencies, provide timely, accurate and thorough performance evaluations for utility division employees.Collaborates with the Public Works Director to plan, organize, and manage various Public Works operations.Stays informed about all relevant federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to water and sewer operations. Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations, permits, and reporting requirements.Develops and implement emergency response plans for water and sewer infrastructure-related incidents.Coordinates with emergency services to ensure a prompt and effective response to emergencies or natural disasters.Engages with the public and attends public meetings to address inquiries or concerns related to water and sewer services and provide updates and information on projects and operations as needed.Assists in the preparation and management of the department's annual budget. Monitors expenditures and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality.Seeks out and manages grants and other funding sources to support infrastructure projects.Maintains a variety of records relating to personnel, equipment, supplies, water and sewer reports, and proper certifications and trainings to meet regulatory requirements and industry standards.Participates in the development of long-term water and sewer infrastructure plans. Participates in short- and long-term planning of Capital Improvements projects for water production and distribution services.Oversees Public Works Utility Projects as assigned from preliminary design through completion of construction including management of consultants and all aspects of preliminary and final design, permitting, bidding and construction, grant and loan administration.Reviews plan sets and bid documents of capital improvement projects from a technical and City compliance standpoint. Prepares pay applications and invoices for approval of payment in regard to the requirements for the associated grants and loans.Develops contract scope; assists in creation of project budget, estimates and project schedules for utility capital improvement projects.Advises developers, engineers, and the public on City policies and standards regarding utilities and participates in review of private and public development in regards to the City’s utilities infrastructure.Represents City of Longwood in communicating with engineers, contractors, consultants, permitting agencies and other groups while construction is in progress. Act as Department’s primary liaison and resource on matters of Public Works Utility projects including representing the department during inspections and audits, addressing any issues that may arise.Oversees tasks including calculating impact and consumption fees, and adjusting rates as necessary. Maintains, analyzes, and reviews current impact fees and utility rates to ensure their accuracy and effectiveness. Coordinates bid advertisements, attends pre-bid conferences with contractors and consultants on capital improvement projects; assists in the evaluation of bids and makes recommendations for award of contracts.Utilizes current software programs for activities such as work order tracking, GIS, asset management, telemetry.Serves as department director in the absence of the director, including attending and participating in Department Director and Commission meetings.Prepares agenda items for the City Commission Meetings as needed.Performs special projects as assigned.Follows safe working practices and has knowledge of safety practices and procedures in accordance with the City’s Safety and Health Program and industry standards.All employees serve an essential role in the City’s disaster preparation and/or disaster recovery efforts, as may be designated by the City’s Emergency Manager.

Additional Duties:

Assists the Public Works Director with non-utility road construction and maintenance operations as needed.Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.Assists in oversight and administration of construction contracts and grants.Makes sure all deadlines for submittal of grant and loan applications and materials are met.Inspects and supervises the repair of chlorine and fluoride equipment, booster pumping stations, meters, and sewer system at frequent intervals to ensure that all aspects of the systems are functioning properly.Performs other related work as required.Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, supplemented by (10) ten years’ experience related to the construction, design, repair, and maintenance of water and sewer systems; inclusive of two (2) years of progressively responsible management experience. Experience in water distribution, wastewater collection, and water treatment plant operations is required.An additional four (4) years of experience as a licensed plant operator or experience in a leadership or managerial role within a public works or related department will be considered in lieu of a (4) year degree.Must maintain a Florida driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Licenses & Certifications:

Possession of FDOT Intermediate MOT certification (or higher) or able to obtain within twelve (12) months from date of hire.Must have or be able to complete ICS 100 and 700 courses within six (6) months of hire.Class C Water Plant Operator License or a Level 1 Water Distribution System Operator License is preferred.Possession of a Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.Special Requirements:

Commitment to public service and dedication to improving community infrastructure and services.Extensive knowledge of construction design methods, practices, and contract administration.Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with elected officials, engineers, contractors, and job site personnel.Ability to work independently, plan, organize, coordinate work assignments and maintain accurate technical records.Ability to respond to emergency situations. Knowledge of emergency response procedures and crisis management.Strong knowledge of water and sewer systems, regulations, and industry best practices.Strong effective leadership and managerial skills with the ability to train, motivate and develop staff.Ability to conduct field inspections and assessments of utility infrastructure.Knowledge of City ordinances, policies and procedures.Ability to read and interpret complex plans reports and specifications.Ability to coordinate, manage, and track multiple project activities on several projects concurrently.Considerable knowledge of streets, water and sewer distribution/collection systems, stormwater facilities, rights-of-way and other Public Works facilities.Comprehensive knowledge of accepted engineering design standards and construction specifications. Familiar with automated office systems (Word, Excel, etc.), CADD design software, GIS software, and Florida Department of Transportation standards & specifications.Ability to exercise good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness and maintain effective working relationships with the public, other professionals, City officials, administrators and employees.Self-motivation, team-oriented work practices, strong technical problem-solving skills.Department Specific trainings per position may be required.Technical Requirements:

Ability to operate SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and database management systems.Ability to use standard office equipment, including multi-line telephones, personal computers, word processing and data base applications.Working Conditions:

The duties of this job include physical activities that involve standing, kneeling, bending, stooping, and lifting. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.Requires sufficient visual acuity to read plans, reports, etc., and ability to hear above considerable noise levels (at construction sites).The work location includes City buildings, water plants, streets and other property within the City limits. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibrations. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.The noise level in the work environment is usually loud while in field settings, and moderately quiet in office settings.May work at heights and in confined spaces and operate motor vehicles.Be able to drive to city work sites and be available for emergency call outs.*This position is open until filled*#J-18808-Ljbffr