Water Plant Manager

Come grow with us by bringing your passion for mentorship to our water treatment facilities, where you will empower our crew to reach their full potential. As our new Water Plant Manager, you’ll be the motivating force that keeps daily operations running smoothly while championing safe practices and strict regulatory compliance.

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  Job Title: Water Plant Manager
• Category: Full-Time
• Application Closing Date: April 13, 2026 5:00 p.m.

Salary and Benefits:

• $72,467 - $97,467 Annually, Pending Job Related Experience
• Annual Step for Performance Pay Adjustments
• 12 Paid Holidays Per Year
• 12 Vacation Days Minimum, Earned Per Year
• 12 Sick Days Earned Per Year
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Benefits
• 401(a) Retirement Plan and Social Security Coverage
• Education/Tuition Assistance Program; and Training and Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program – to include Mental Health Assistance/Services

Essential Job Functions

Performs highly responsible managerial, administrative, and technical work managing potable water treatment operations, including treatment facilities, storage, and distribution compliance. This role oversees personnel, ensures strict adherence to Federal and State regulatory standards, and manages the long-term sustainability of the City's water assets.

Plans, assigns and supervises chief operators and maintenance supervisors in the operation and maintenance of all treatment, facilities, and equipment. This includes establishing a positive leadership role for supervised employees, which involves selecting, training, scheduling, and evaluating staff, as well as assisting with the completion of forms and other personnel matters. The Manager instructs personnel in the safety and health risks associated with water treatment operations, such as confined spaces and hazardous gases, safety equipment and safe working procedures. To maintain system efficiency, the Manager utilizes and implements processes to evaluate, prioritize, and track all equipment maintenance needs and current or future projects. Administrative duties include collaborating with the Fiscal Manager, Director, and Assistant Director to prepare and administer the division's annual budget, while monitoring and controlling expenditures. In coordination with department leadership, the Manager ensures adherence to established hiring, procurement, and authorization practices, including the preparation of fact sheets and navigating the City Commission approval process for procurement items.

Technical responsibilities involve regulatory reporting, specifically preparing the Public Supply Annual Report for the South West Florida Water Management District and the annual Water Quality Report as required by the Environmental Protection agency. The Manager is responsible for ensuring proper sampling procedures for routine, quarterly and tri annual samples while monitoring population growth to ensure adequate sample collection. The Manager conducts specialized research for improved treatment facility performance, prepares contract documents and bid specifications for equipment, and maintains a collaborative working relationship with City departments, contractors, consultants, and the local Department of Health. The Manager utilizes a City vehicle to perform work at various locations and must be available to respond to emergencies and service needs during regular business hours as well as after hours, weekends, and holidays.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must possess thorough knowledge of the management of water treatment systems, and all related local, state, and federal rules and regulations. This includes a comprehensive understanding of occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions connected with the operation of water treatment equipment and facilities.
• The Manager must demonstrate an ability to plan, coordinate, and evaluate staff while resolving complex technical and administrative problems. Essential skills include the ability to prepare budgets, monitor expenditures, meet deadlines, and utilize Asset Management software and operational data programs. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are required to maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public, and to effectively train employees, and mentor employees. Additionally, maintaining a good working relationship with the local Department of Health is a must.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a degree in chemical or environmental engineering, chemistry, environmental science, business administration, or public administration.
• Five (5) years of experience in water treatment and distribution system.
• Possession of a state of Florida Class “A” Water Treatment Plant Operator’s Certificate.
• Two (2) years of managerial experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience that is determined to be directly related to the foregoing specific requirements may be substituted.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license with a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven.

Physical / Environmental Factors:

• Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility to perform the essential job functions in the work environment, as well as the ability to work outdoors under a variety of climatic conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

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