Water Conservation Program Supervisor

UTILITIES DIVISION - WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM SUPERVISOR PG 25 NON-EXEMPT

$40.19HR - $60.28HR. Employee Benefits Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks Medical, Dental, Vision Life Insurance FRS Retirement 10 Paid Holidays Paid Time Off Tuition Reimbursement Education Incentives Deferred Compensation Plan Wellness Incentives Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Free Employee Gym Free Employee Health Clinic Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below: The Utilities Division is responsible for public health and safety, as well as safeguarding the environment, by providing crucial safe water and wastewater services. This position is part of the team that provides services necessary for human health, economic stability, and overall societal well-being. At the core of the mission of providing these services includes commitment to providing excellent customer service to our citizens, business partners, regulatory agencies, and other county divisions.

MAJOR FUNCTION

Performs responsible professional work ensuring Polk County Utilities (PCU) Division programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations. This position exercises a high degree of judgment and initiative in managing program activities, supervising staff, and supporting water resource initiatives. Responsibilities include grant development and management, regulatory coordination, program planning, budgeting, and public outreach related to water conservation and utility programs. Serves as the Division's primary grant writer, developing funding proposals, managing grant contracts, and maintaining relationships with funding agencies while supporting permitting applications, regulatory coordination, and community engagement efforts.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Program Development & Oversight

• Develops and maintains a master calendar for conservation events, grant and award deadlines, and annual utility program activities.
• Tracks progress toward funding opportunities and recognition awards to ensure alignment with County and Division goals.
• Develops water resource standard operating procedures and training programs to support regulatory compliance and program implementation.
• Coordinates outreach initiatives with Industrial Pretreatment and Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) programs. Staff Supervision & Administration
• Assigns and supervises daily work activities for assigned staff and monitors project progress.
• Maintains program files, records, and reports to support transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitors water use, flows, and funding agreements to ensure compliance with grant contracts and permit requirements. Grant & Contract Management
• Researches funding opportunities and prepares grant and award applications.
• Coordinates application materials and ensures timely submission of proposals.
• Administers grant contracts by tracking deliverables, reimbursements, invoices, and required reporting.
• Coordinates with the Communications Division to acknowledge funding agencies and publicize grant-funded initiatives. Legislative & Regulatory Coordination
• Monitors legislative and regulatory developments related to water supply, conservation, and utilities.
• Represents Polk County Utilities at regulatory meetings, conferences, and hearings, including providing sworn testimony when required.
• Participates in regional partnerships, including the Polk Regional Water Cooperative Conservation Committee. Public Education & Outreach
• Develops and participates in educational programs for schools, homeowner associations, and community organizations promoting water conservation and regulatory awareness.
• Supports public communication efforts through collaboration with the Communications Division on press releases, blogs, and social media outreach. General Duties
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• Work may require activities outside normal business hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, depending on operational needs and public events.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Water resource management principles and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Utility operations including water and wastewater systems relevant to assigned programs.
• Environmental science disciplines such as hydrology, geology, biology, chemistry, or engineering.
• Quality assurance sampling methods, laboratory procedures, and safety protocols.
• Well drilling and abandonment regulations.

Skills in:

• Preparing grant applications, technical reports, and program documentation.
• Analyzing data and interpreting field and laboratory results to support decision-making.
• Utilizing computer software including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Using specialized utility software such as CIS Infinity, Lucity CAM, HachWIMS, Simplify I3, and Power BI (preferred).

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply federal statutes, state regulations, and local ordinances.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of professional and technical staff.
• Manage program budgets and grant funding in accordance with County policies.
• Conduct research, field observations, and technical analyses.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, colleagues, and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Physical Geography, Geology, Environmental Studies, Natural Science, or a closely related field
• A minimum of six to seven (6-7) years of experience in utility conservation, water supply planning, grant writing, utility operations, and/or code enforcement.
• At least three (3) years in a supervisory role.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of employment within this classification.
• A comparable combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

All employees will 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.