Deputy Director

To apply visit: Jobs / Career Opportunities - Pinellas County

Pinellas County Utilities seeks a Deputy Director dedicated to excellence and innovation in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. The Deputy Director is responsible for assisting the director in all areas related to the coordinated administration of the county's water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and general operations of the department. The Deputy Director is responsible for overseeing water/sewer/reclaimed operations and maintenance activities, project management activities, and other activities in support of the County and Utilities Department strategic plan.

Who are we?

Pinellas County Utilities is a forward-thinking and innovative utility focused on solving problems, enhancing our services, and meeting the needs of today while planning for tomorrow. We believe in continuous improvement, building efficiencies into our processes, and making the necessary infrastructure investments needed to protect public health and the environment. We are passionate about public service and ensuring a safe and enriching environment for our employees.

At Pinellas County Utilities, our vision is to be the premier water utility focused on exceeding customer expectations through value-driven innovative services. The values of the Pinellas County Utilities Department are World-class customer service, Accountability, Trustworthiness, Environmentally conscious, and Reliable ("WATER") and align with the core principles we seek to embrace when attracting talent to the organization. These values reflect the commitment of the department to provide our customers with their most valuable resource, and we aim to deliver on that promise. The Deputy Director will embrace and exemplify these values.

What exciting programs are we working on?

Septic to sewer policy and program

Resiliency initiatives for critical assets

Private sewer lateral policies and rebate program

Sanitary Sewer Overflow Elimination/Inflow and Infiltration Reduction

Wastewater/Stormwater Partnership, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPTLyEUAJ4s

Employee Recognition Program and Awards

Master Plan Implementation

Representative Duties

• Provides leadership in management principles and processes with Utility Dept. staff.
• Prepare board agendas and reports for review with the director. Attend board meetings on behalf of the director to answer questions on projects, policies, and programs. Prepare and make presentations to the board regarding all aspects of the department.
• Prepare policies, ordinance revisions, and regulations for approval by the board.
• Assist oversight and implementation of department strategic plan.
• Assist the director in all aspects of the department's Capital Improvement Program, and implement organizational efficiencies to improve processes related to project execution. 
• Effectively delegate projects and programs to ensure accountability and expectations are established and communicated.
• Prepare presentations for public meetings as well as internal and external stakeholders.
• Build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders that inspire a collaborative approach and meet organizational strategic goals.
• Coordinates the work assignments of the department with others in the County.
• Supervises management employees in the assigned department which includes creating goals, objectives, and accountability, developing individual Personal Development Plans and conducting performance appraisals.

• Responsible for personnel matters within the department, including hiring, discipline, training, employee development, performance appraisals, and related activities.
• Actively participate in relevant associations and technical/management conferences to stay abreast of current policies and regulations.
• Meet with representatives from other agencies outside the county for coordination purposes.
• Address and communicate complex customer issues and develop written reports and recommendations in a timely and efficient manner in accordance with all applicable policies.  
• Negotiate complex agreements and address legal matters related to water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services.
• Establish programs to ensure capital projects are effectively communicated, and customers are appropriately informed during critical emergency events.
• Assist with the development of the capital and operational budgets to ensure consistency with county, department, and division objectives.
• Act as a spokesperson for media interviews and inquiries regarding utilities related items.
• Provide briefings to senior staff, County Administration, or County Commissioners as needed.
• Act on behalf of the director during the director's absence.

Requirements

Education and Experience

Experience:  Water, wastewater or engineering or management, including supervisory experience.

Degree:  Engineering

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years experience as described above.
• Master’s degree and 3 years experience as described above/
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

Special Requirements

• A Florida Professional Engineering license, or a Professional Engineering license from a state that has reciprocity with the State of Florida and is able to obtain FL PE license within 18 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Institute – Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, or similar certification and experience.
• Knowledge of and Leadership within Municipal Utility Operations, Customer Service, and/or Water Quality services.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of public and business administration, as applied in a large organization;
• Knowledge of budget and accounting principles, practices, and procedures, as applied in a large organization;
• Knowledge of County budgeting procedures and ability to apply this knowledge to administer and coordinate administrative and operational budgets;
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and practices of all County departments, Board of County Commissioners, and constitutional offices;
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of effective communication;
• Knowledge of public administration principles and practices;
• Skill in advanced leadership techniques and practices to evaluate and determine organizational goals and objectives, maximizing effectiveness of organizational work units through staff selection and assignments;
• Skill in team-building, developing a creative vision and strong communication;
• Ability to apply computer applications and software;
• Ability to apply independent judgment and discretion based on knowledge of the County functional and structural organization;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with governmental agencies, public officials, private officials, and the general public;
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and tact in working with people and applying and interpreting departmental policies and procedures;
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Ability to make decisions in accordance with county ordinances and practices;
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and supervise the work of professional, supervisory, and clerical employees;
• Ability to present programs and ideas clearly and concisely, in writing and orally, to small and large groups;
• Ability to work independently on complex and confidential tasks.

Physical/Mental Demands

The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.  Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Visual ability: Sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; and to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.
• Hearing ability: Sufficient to hold a conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone; and to hear recording on transcription device.
• Speaking ability: Sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over a telephone.
• Mental acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.

Working Conditions

•  Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.