Deputy Director of Environmental and Compliance

Polk County Board of County Commissioners•Winter Haven, FL

2d•$101,379 - $152,422•Onsite

About The Position

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. The Deputy Utilities Environmental and Compliance Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, planning, and oversight of environmental compliance programs supporting Polk County Utilities Department water, wastewater, and reclaimed water systems. This position ensures compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations and oversees programs related to environmental permitting, regulatory reporting, water quality monitoring, water and wastewater capacity planning, water conservation initiatives, environmental grants, and public outreach. This position develops and implements environmental compliance strategies that support safe, reliable, and sustainable utility operations. This position oversees professional and technical staff responsible for environmental compliance programs and coordinates with regulatory agencies, consultants, and internal divisions to ensure regulatory compliance and proactive environmental stewardship. Work is performed under the general direction of the Utilities Division Director.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in environmental compliance, water or wastewater utilities, environmental regulation, or a closely related field.
Five (5) years of progressive supervisory or management experience.
Extensive knowledge of environmental regulations governing water and wastewater utilities.
Knowledge of environmental permitting, regulatory compliance programs, and environmental monitoring requirements.
Knowledge of water supply planning, wastewater treatment capacity planning, and water resource management.
Knowledge of water quality monitoring practices and laboratory testing requirements.
Knowledge of utility environmental programs including industrial pretreatment and regulatory compliance initiatives.
Ability to analyze complex regulatory requirements and develop effective compliance strategies.
Strong leadership, organizational, and program management skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with regulatory agencies, staff, elected officials, and the public.
Ability to prepare technical reports, regulatory documentation, and presentations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in environmental science, Environmental Engineering, Public Administration, or related field.
Experience managing environmental compliance programs within a municipal or county utility system.
Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Environmental Professional (CEP), or similar professional certification.
Experience working with regulatory agencies such as FDEP and regional water management districts.
Experience administering environmental grants and water conservation programs

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership and direction for environmental compliance programs within the Utilities Department.
Develops and implements long-term environmental compliance strategies supporting water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utility operations.
Establishes policies, procedures, and performance metrics to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Evaluates regulatory risks and develops proactive compliance strategies to support operational reliability and environmental protection.
Oversees compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations including those administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and regional water management districts.
Directs preparation and submission of environmental permits, permit renewals, and regulatory compliance reports.
Oversees regulatory monitoring, compliance tracking, and reporting for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water systems.
Monitors regulatory developments and evaluates potential impacts to utility operations.
Serves as a liaison with regulatory agencies and represents the Utilities Department during regulatory meetings, inspections, and audits.
Oversees planning and analysis related to potable water supply and wastewater treatment capacity to support current operations and future growth.
Coordinates with engineering, planning, and operations staff to evaluate infrastructure capacity and regulatory compliance requirements.
Supports development of long-term water supply and wastewater infrastructure planning initiatives.
Oversees water quality monitoring and regulatory compliance for potable water, wastewater, and reclaimed water systems.
Manages contracts and coordination with certified laboratories to ensure accurate testing, regulatory reporting, and compliance with monitoring requirements.
Ensures laboratory testing programs meet applicable regulatory standards and operational needs.
Oversees utility environmental compliance programs including industrial pretreatment and other regulatory monitoring initiatives.
Ensures environmental compliance programs operate effectively and meet regulatory requirements.
Develops program improvements that enhance compliance performance and operational efficiency.
Identifies and pursues grant opportunities supporting environmental compliance initiatives, water resource management, and infrastructure improvements.
Coordinates preparation of grant applications and reporting requirements.
Assists in securing external funding to support environmental and water resource initiatives.
Oversees water conservation initiatives and programs designed to promote sustainable water use and support regional water management objectives.
Coordinates public outreach and education efforts related to water conservation and environmental stewardship.
Collaborates with regulatory agencies and regional partners on conservation initiatives and public awareness programs.
Supports development and implementation of the Utilities Department strategic plan and environmental compliance initiatives.
Assists in development of utility master plans and regulatory compliance strategies.
Develops program performance metrics and evaluates program effectiveness.
Provides leadership, supervision, and professional development for environmental compliance staff and program managers.
Establishes performance standards and ensures accountability for program operations.
Promotes a culture of safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship within the Utilities Department.
Assists in development and management of budgets for environmental compliance programs.
Ensures efficient allocation of staff, equipment, and financial resources to support program objectives.
Participates in emergency response activities related to water and wastewater utility operations including environmental incidents, severe weather events, and other emergencies affecting utility services.
Provides direct and indirect supervision of managers, supervisors, professional staff, and technical personnel responsible for environmental compliance programs within the Utilities Department.
Responsibilities include hiring, training, mentoring, performance evaluation, and ensuring effective coordination among environmental program areas.