Description
Highly responsible professional and managerial position providing direct support to the County Manager on various utility related programs, services, delivery models, and planning Primarily external facing, to include coordination with County staff, the Board of County Commissioners, citizens, current/potential utility providers, and industry groups related to various public utilities affairs issues and capital planning, construction, financing, and maintenance. Expected to actively participate, coordinate, lead, and advocate for high quality & sustainable long-range planning of utility infrastructure operations throughout the county that are in the best long-term interest of Nassau County and its residents. Expected to possess an advanced ‘feel for the whole’ and be capable of effectively articulating the impact utility implementation and operation has on economic development, fiscal sustainability, conservation, urban form, local government, and the day-to-day quality of life for both current and future community members. Works directly with County leadership and department staff in the coordination of land-use planning, capital programing, utility planning, contract and agreement execution, and governmental relationships with the utility providers, developers, and other community members.
Examples of Duties
- Under limited supervision, will be engaged with governmental relations and performs and/or plans, schedules, coordinates, monitors, and reviews the interlocal and franchise agreements, and legislative requirements of the public and private utility providers (including Nassau Amelia Utility, JEA, Okefenokee Rural Electric, Florida Public Utility, Florida Power & Light, etc.) as they may impact Nassau County.
- Under limited supervision provide leadership, management, and supervision of contract utility services throughout the County.
- Maintain working knowledge of current regulatory standards and proactively stay abreast of emerging trends and legislation that may impact Nassau county and ratepayers.
- Stay abreast of trends and best practices related to long range utility planning, system and right of way maintenance, utility administration and customer service goals.
- Serves as the utility interface with citizen groups, development community, industry groups, regional and local utility providers, State/Federal Agencies and others.
- Assists in developing, directing, coordinating and advising on utility administration, policy, operations, capital and service delivery activities.
- Directs and performs the investigation and resolution of complaints and concerns related to utility operations and activities as assigned and upon request; identifies and initiates solutions to major issues involving policy, service delivery and organizational changes and direction.
- Evaluates and analyzes policies and procedures and recommends development of new policies and/or revisions to current policies, ensuring compliance with County, State and Federal policies, guidelines, rules, regulations and laws.
- Identifies, researches, and develops courses of action and coordinates wide-range work programs and activities with County departments, outside agencies and organizations.
- Performs a variety of highly analytic and strategic organizational reviews to support decision making by the County Manager and elected officials.
- Works with supervisor, other County employees, subordinates, and members of the public to resolve County issues with tact, customer service and in compliance with County goals and objectives.
- Interacts and effectively communicates with various groups and individuals such as County Manager, Board of County Commissioners, Constitutional Officers, other County employees, various other Local, State and Federal agencies, personnel in other jurisdictions, vendors, consultants, contractors, business/property owners, citizens, and other utility providers.
- Ensures effective construction, maintenance, repair and operation of the County’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems and facilities, including mains, service lines, fire hydrants, valves, pump stations, sewage lift stations, and related facilities.
- Provides long-range utility planning in coordination with the County's planning department and utility providers operating in Nassau County.
- Manages, monitors and enforces contracts, agreements, and inter-local agreements with government partners.
- Engages actively in State/Federal rule making that may impact the provision of public utilities in Nassau County.
- Works with the County lobbyist, State legislatures, and agency heads on behalf of Nassau County
- Prepare and provide reports to the County Manager and elected officials.
- Reviews plans on new utilities construction and modifications to existing infrastructure.
- Prepares recommendations and reports regarding the construction and maintenance of major projects.
- Develops, implements and monitors short- and long-range objectives and monitors performance.
- Reviews and evaluates products, methods and procedures.
- Inspects and evaluates work being performed by staff, contractors, and other utility agencies; identifies problem areas and proposes corrective action.
- Responds to inquiries and complaints from the public and other departments; attends meetings with other departments, County staff, public groups, and other utility providers.
- Assists with the preparation of the annual budget and Capital Improvement Program for NAU.
- Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers, County personnel, contractors, developers, consultants, industry/business representatives, property owners, various other Governmental agencies, vendors and the general public.
- Operates a vehicle and a variety of equipment which may include a computer, fax machine, copier, calculator, telephone, two-way radio, camera, etc;
- Attends required meetings, conferences, training courses and seminars to maintain knowledge of industry trends and technology.
- Performs a variety of routine office duties as required, which may include but are not limited to answering the telephone, preparing reports and correspondence, entering computer data, copying and filing documents, etc.
- Performs related duties as required.
(These essential functions are not a complete statement of all duties required of the job. Employees will be required to perform such other related job duties as may be assigned or required.)
Typical Qualifications
Requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public or Business Administration, Civil or Environmental Engineering, or a related field and ten (10) years of related experience or a Master’s Degree with eight (8) years of related experience. Requires a minimum of six years of supervisory/management experience. Candidates possessing an equivalent combination of education and training may also be considered. Advanced professional certification is highly desirable. Advanced professional certification and previous work as a high-level manager is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with local government experience in the State of Florida. May require a valid State Driver’s License.
Supplemental Information
- Knowledgeable in the methods, policies and procedures of utilities and the County as they pertain to the performance duties of the position.
- Knowledge of local, state and federal requirements as they pertain to the Public Utilities Director.
- Knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of County and other Governmental operations.
- Knowledge of administrative principles involving developing, coordinating and supervising a wide range of activities.
- Knowledge in accounting, budgeting, financial management and Governmental reporting requirements.
- Ability to analyze a variety of administrative, operational and fiscal problems and to make sound recommendations for solutions.
- Ability to ensure County compliance with policies, laws and regulations.
- Ability to communicate effectively, tactfully and persuasively with members of the general public, utility providers, and other County staff in difficult situations, both orally and in writing.
- Knowledge of administrative principles involved in developing, coordinating and supervising various programs and related activities.
- Ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
- Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
- Ability to make public presentations.
- Ability to compile, organize and utilize various financial information necessary in the preparation of budgets; knows how to monitor the budget.
- Knowledge of modern office practices and terminology.
- Ability to exercise leadership in a team-based management environment.
- Ability to facilitate teams and work groups in the resolution of issues and realization of goals and objectives.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, elected officials, community interest groups and the general public.
- Knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of County and other Governmental Agencies.
- Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
- Knowledge of water and wastewater treatment plant operations.
- Knowledge of materials, methods, practices and equipment used in the construction, maintenance and repair of water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Includes knowledge of lift stations, sizes of mains, hydrants, valves, instrumentation and SCADA.
- Knowledge of proper English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
- Ability to use a computer for word and data processing and to develop spreadsheets.
- Ability to type accurately at a rate sufficient for the successful performance of assigned duties.
- Ability to operate and maintain a variety of office equipment as necessary in the performance of daily activities.
- Ability to assemble information and prepare reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality as required.
- Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in coordinating Programs; making sound decisions; determining procedures; setting priorities; setting schedules; maintaining standards; resolving problems; performing routine and non-routine tasks.
- Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:- Tasks may require extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
- Stooping
- Sitting
- Kneeling
- Bending
- Crouching
- Reaching
- Standing
- Walking
- Lifting and carrying up to 10 lbs.
- Pushing and pulling
(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)
WORK ENVIRONMENT- Works inside and out of doors, with the ability to work effectively despite exposure to extreme weather conditions of heat and cold, wetness, humidity, machinery hazards, electrical currents, smoke/dust, odors, dirt/pollen, traffic hazards, noise extremes.
- Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the industry.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will continue to be received until the listed closing date or the position is filled, whichever is earliest. Submission of an application does not guarantee the applicant an interview. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check.
Nassau County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. Nassau County values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and that the County supports the hiring of returning service members, military spouses, and their family members as such this position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with applicable laws.
The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, environmental conditions, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. This position may be required to work in a safety sensitive capacity at any time based on emergency declaration or other operational need. Nassau County reserves the right to edit or re-write this job description at any time.
An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the
Nassau County Board of County Commissionersoffers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future.
BOCC-Contributed Benefits - Medical & Prescription Drugs Benefits
- Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions with a Qualified Plan
- Florida Retirement System
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Assistance Program
Optional Benefits - Dental
- Vision
- Life & AD&D
- Supplemental & Dependent Life & AD&D Insurance
- Long Term Disability
- Voluntary Benefits Offered By Aflac and/or Colonial
- 457(b) Deferred Compensation Program
- Roth IRA
NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.
FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS)The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement. A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee. Employees are required to contribute 3% of their salary per Florida Statute.
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMThe County may provide tuition assistance to cover the cost of tuition and books to County employees requesting tuition reimbursement for courses at an accredited college or university which are applicable to the employee's field of work and/or are of such nature to directly prepare employees for positions of greater responsibility within the County. Contact the Human Resources Office for additional details.
HOLIDAYSThe following, as well as any other days the BOCC may declare, are designated as official holidays for County Employees:
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Presidents Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
The Day After Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
PTO LEAVE All full-time employees shall accrue Paid Time Off (PTO) Leave in accordance with the following formula:
Years of Employment Hours Per Year 0 through the end of the 4th year 180
5 years through the end of the 10th year 200
11 years through the end of the 15th year 220
16 years and over 240
For additional information please view Nassau County's Policies & Procedures .
