Salary: $65,118.41 - $104,189.46 Annually
Location : Palmetto, FL
Job Type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Job Number: 25-00569
Department: Natural Resources
Division: Agriculture
Opening Date: 08/13/2025
Closing Date: 8/27/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

General Information

Work Location: 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, Florida 34221
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Expected Starting Salary Range: $65,118.41 - $84,653.94

Program Manager - Water Conservation is responsible for developing, planning, implementing, managing, and reporting comprehensive water conservation and quality programs in Manatee County. This includes oversight of the Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL), a field-based service that provides water efficiency evaluations for landscape and irrigation systems. The Program Manager - Water Conservation also plays a vital role in ensuring the education of sustainable outdoor water use practices, protecting natural resources, supporting regulatory compliance, and promoting public awareness of water efficiency practices. This position involves planning, coordinating, and evaluating programs that serve residential, commercial, and public sectors throughout the county.

Working Conditions
Indoor and outdoor work environments possibly exposed to heat and other outdoor weather extremes. Sitting for long periods working on a computer. Lifting equipment or supplies up to 25 pounds alone and up to 50 pounds with assistance.
Required to drive County vehicles and operate specialized field equipment as part of the duties of the job. Occasional overnight travel required. Occasionally required to work other than normal business hours (i.e., Mon.-Fri.).
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.

Develop, implement, and oversee countywide water conservation programs and educational workshops.
Coordinate across departments to integrate water conservation goals.

Evaluate water use trends and prioritize projects based on data-driven analysis.

Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) Management: Supervise daily operations of the Mobile Irrigation Lab, including staff, scheduling, field evaluations, and reporting, ensures the MIL provides high-quality irrigation system assessments and technical recommendations to Manatee County residents, track and report outcomes, including estimated water savings and customer engagement metrics.

Lead public outreach campaigns, educational workshops, and conservation events.

Serve as the county's subject matter expert on outdoor water conservation for residents, schools, and local businesses.

Respond to public inquiries and assist residents in implementing conservation practices.

Investigate and make recommendations to resolve problems and complaints; prepare follow-up reports.

Monitor and provide education regarding county, state, and federal water conservation recommendations and regulations.

Prepare reports for the Board of County Commissioners, Utilities Department, and other governing bodies on program outcomes, impacts, and recommendations.

Develop, promote, and deliver educational programs for irrigation professionals and sustainable agriculture that emphasize best management practices such as drought-tolerant gardening, rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, efficient irrigation systems, and the use of native plants. Collaborate with partner organizations to provide certifications and enhance program impact.

Conduct water use audits and analyze consumption data to identify savings opportunities.

Maintain accurate records and performance metrics for internal reporting and public transparency.

Use GIS and asset management tools to support decision-making and program planning.
Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Water Resources Management, Natural Resources, or a related field.

5 or more years of progressively responsible experience in environmental program management, water conservation, public sector work, or a related area.

Two (2) or more years of supervisory experience (including direct reports, field crews, multi-discipline teams, etc.)

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

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines. Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized. Able to analyze and resolve difficult and sometimes complex situations and problems.

Excellent grammar and proofreading skills.

Excellent knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job responsibilities.

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

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, including public presentation skills, in order to interact professionally and effectively with staff, management, government agencies, community partners, vendors, and other stakeholders. Able to influence others regarding policies, practices, and procedures.

Capable of working independently with limited supervision.

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 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 regulary sceduled 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

• Earn an additional day of vacation every six (6) consecutive months of no sick leave.

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 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 Veteran's 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 experience do you have in environmental program management, water conservation, public sector work, or related?

• None
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5+ years

05

How many years of supervisory experience do you have?

• None
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 + years

06

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

• Yes
• No

07

How many years of experience do you have developing outdoor water conservation or educational programs?
08

How many years of experience do you have delivering outdoor water conservation or education programs?
Required Question