Deputy Director - Utilities

Manatee County, FL

$126K — $208K *
Energy & Utilities
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field
  • 8+ years in public sector water and/or wastewater systems with at least 4 years in management
  • 5+ years in managing solid waste disposal facilities with minimum of 3 years in management
  • Manager of Landfill Operations certification required within 18 months
  • Valid driver license with Florida license required within 30 days of hire

Responsibilities

  • Oversee operations of assigned utility division (Water, Wastewater, or Solid Waste)
  • Direct division activities to comply with laws and standards
  • Develop and implement programs for future facility needs
  • Evaluate facility plans for regulatory compliance
  • Negotiate contracts and agreements related to division projects
  • Assist the Utilities Director with department management
  • Prepare reports and presentations on department projects

Benefits

  • Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • On-site fitness centers and wellness coaching
  • Paid time off including 12 holidays and vacation days based on years of service
  • Award-winning health insurance plans with low deductibles
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
Full Job Description
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

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.

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 Year's 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 Year's 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 Veteran's Preference, please check category of eligibility
  • A disabled veteran who is eligible for receiving compensation under public law administered by Department of Veteran's 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 a

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