
UTILITIES DIVISION - COMPLIANCE AND WATER QUALITY DEPARTMENT MANAGER
PG 27/EXEMPT/ $92,164 - $138,236 ANNUALLY
Employee Benefits
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
This position performs advanced professional, scientific, and administrative work to ensure the Polk
County Utilities Division’s compliance with applicable local, state, and federal water quality
regulations. Responsibilities include overseeing monitoring, sampling, and analytical programs;
managing the water quality laboratory; preparing permits and compliance reports; coordinating with
regulatory agencies; and administering the County’s Environmental Regulatory Program.
The position exercises significant independent judgment, initiative, and technical expertise in the
supervision of staff and the execution of compliance and water quality programs. Duties include
developing and implementing compliance programs; investigating and resolving water quality and
regulatory issues; training personnel; managing program budgets; and serving as a subject matter
expert in environmental compliance.
Areas of responsibility include water quality, water supply, wastewater treatment, effluent disposal,
stormwater, reclaimed water, and biosolids monitoring.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Deputy Director of Environmental and
Compliance, and is evaluated through conferences, reports, and observation of operations. The
position is responsible for establishing compliance protocols and conducting audits to ensure
adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
Supervision & Leadership
• Plans, directs, supervises, and evaluates the work of skilled specialist and clerical staff
• Trains, mentors, and evaluates laboratory and compliance staff
• Prepares annual employee evaluations
• Handles disciplinary matters and promotes continuous learning and improvement Regulatory Compliance
• Ensures adherence to the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act
• Maintains compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations
• Interprets regulatory requirements and supports implementation across operations Program Management
• Develops, implements, and maintains water quality management programs
• Establishes monitoring and sampling schedules
• Oversees impact assessments related to water supply, wastewater treatment, disposal, and reuse
• Evaluates impacts on public health and the environment
Data Analysis & Reporting
• Analyzes water quality data
• Prepares technical reports and permit applications
• Submits required documentation to regulatory agencies
• Maintains accurate compliance records and reporting systems
Laboratory Oversight
• Oversees operations of a state-certified water quality laboratory
• Ensures compliance with sampling protocols and quality assurance standards
• Develops and maintains quality control procedures
• Coordinates with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Quality Assurance (QA) programs
Liaison & Communication
• Acts as liaison between the Division, regulatory agencies, internal departments, and the public
• Participates in meetings representing the Utilities Division
• Addresses compliance and water quality concerns
• Provides testimony at hearings related to technical data or regulatory interpretation
Problem Solving & Incident Response
• Investigates water quality concerns and sanitary sewer overflow incidents
• Coordinates response efforts with internal teams and external agencies (e.g., Fire
Department/Haz-Mat)
• Develops and implements corrective actions
Budget & Resource Management
• Assists in preparing and managing operating budgets
• Oversees expenditures for compliance and laboratory needs
• Plans for equipment, training, and technology resources
• Prepares agenda items for consultants and regulatory contracts
Policy & Procedure Development
• Develops and updates internal policies and procedures
• Ensures consistent administration of compliance and water quality programs
Work Environment & Conditions
• Work is primarily office-based (80%) with fieldwork (20%)
• Future duties include approximately 10% laboratory work
• Frequent public interaction via phone and in person
• Regular coordination with office, treatment plant, and field staff
• Participation in internal and external meetings
Additional Duties
• Performs other related duties as required
• Responsibilities may evolve based on County needs
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Knowledge:
• Thorough understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes
• Knowledge of water quality monitoring practices and laboratory procedures
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations governing water and wastewater systems
• In-depth knowledge of current and emerging environmental issues and regulatory requirements
• Understanding of compliance standards and enforcement strategies
• Strong leadership and management skills, including planning, organizing, directing work, and developing staff
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with staff, regulatory agencies, and the public
• Proficiency in computer applications for data analysis, report preparation, and database management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address technical and compliance issues
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of integrity and honesty in all work activities
• Ability to investigate, document, and report compliance issues accurately and thoroughly
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and technical information
• Ability to troubleshoot issues and develop effective corrective actions
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, external agencies, and the public
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Graduate from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrology, chemistry, biology or related discipline.
• Six to seven (6-7) years’ experience in laboratory analyses and/or environmental monitoring,
assessment, permitting and compliance which has included three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of employment.
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.

Overview
As outlined in the Polk County Charter, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) is the governing body of Polk County. Each commissioner is elected by a countywide vote.
Duties and Powers
The County Commission adopts an annual budget which includes appropriations for services provided by county government including the Sheriff, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector and Supervisor of Elections. This budget also includes appropriations in support of the Circuit and County Courts, State Attorney, Public Defender and Clerk of the Court. Some other responsibilities:
* levying taxes and fees,
* provide and maintain county buildings,
* provide fire protection and ambulance services,
* provide health and welfare programs,
* provide parks, preserves, playgrounds, libraries, museums, historical sites, recreation and cultural facilities and programs,
* prepare and enforce comprehensive plans for the development in the county,
* establish, coordinate, and enforce zoning and such business regulations as are necessary for the protection of the public,
* adopt and enforce building, housing and related technical codes and regulations,
* establish and administer programs of housing, slum clearance, community redevelopment, conservation, flood control, air pollution control,
* provide and regulate waste and sewage collection and disposal, water supply and conservation programs,
* provide and operate public transportation systems, roads, bridges and related facilities.