Utility Special District Executive Director

The City of Riviera Beach(pop. 38,663) is located along the Atlantic shores of southeast Florida in Palm Beach County. Riviera Beach is home to beautiful sandy beaches, the port of Palm Beach, and a waterfront marketplace that provides shops, restaurant, and entertainment attractions. The average year-round temperature of 75 degrees, draws seasonal residents and tourists to join a permanent population of just over 35,000.

The Utility Special District provides treatment and distribution of 2.9 billion gallons of water per year. Wastewater collection is under the District with treatment provided by the East Central Regional Water Reclamation Facility. The District operating budget for FY 25 is $320,000,000 total, with $41,577,450 operating expenses, $274,469,000 capital, $3,959,201 debt service and $19,945,550 reserves. The District currently has 63 staff, of which 90% are unionized.

The new Executive Director will oversee a period of major investment in facilities, technology, and systems. The District needs a leader committed to customer service, professionalism, and innovation. Active involvement as a leader of people, accessible to staff and supportive of participatory activities for utility improvements, will be critical.

The Executive Director is appointed by the City Manager and confirmed by the Utility District Board of Directors. The position is a member of the City executive team with compensation and benefits of City employment, including Florida State Retirement. In addition, the City will offer an employment contract to ensure stability and security for the incumbent.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under administrative supervision, the Executive Director will:

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Establish partnerships and strengthen relationships with regulatory agencies, particularly the Florida Department of Health. Collaborate in the establishment of communication and reporting priorities and expectations.
• Develop and administer the department capital program and budget; review and approve pay requests, invoices and purchase orders for major items.
• Supervise and direct activities of assigned staff; coordinate, prioritize and assign tasks and projects; track and review work progress and activities; ensure staff coverage to meet operation standards and demands.
• Direct the recruitment and selection of staff; provide for staff development and ensure appropriate certifications; provide performance standards and expectations; encourage initiative and establish incentives; conduct performance evaluations; undertake disciplinary action as required.
• Participate in negotiation of collective bargaining contracts with unions representing District classifications; administer collective bargaining contracts as applicable. The City has two unions that cover District classifications: Professional Managers and Supervisors Association (PMSA) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• Manage daily utility operations, providing technical direction and supervision of the water distribution system, the wastewater collection system, the water treatment plant, and the wastewater treatment system: inspect facility operations and construction activity through site visits; provide direction to staff and contractors; resolve complaints and concerns.
• Serve as project liaison for utility operations and infrastructure improvements; administer new construction and major repair projects from development through project acceptance; review and approve project designs; prepare/review cost estimates; administer contracts; inspect projects for conformance with specifications.
• Advise the City Manager and Utility District Board of Directors through meetings, discussion reports, memorandums, and public hearings. Prepare ordinances and resolutions for Utility District Board of Directors action.
• Resolve problems for the City Manager, Utility District Board of Directors and division managers through investigations, discussions, and evaluations.
• Review, negotiate and recommend proposals developed by engineers and architects, and contractor change orders.
• Provide input regarding policy and rule making to regulatory agencies.
• Represent the District as an appointee to the board of the East Central Regional water reclamation facility; discuss matters of common interest and territorial disputes with management of other utilities.
• Negotiate and administer inter-local service agreements. The District currently provides utility services to the Town of Palm Beach Shores and the Town of Mangonia Park.
• Provide direction and technical support during emergency conditions and develop contingency plans for continuation of services and restoration, as necessary.
• Perform related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree, Masters preferred, from an accredited college or university with a major in civil engineering, environmental engineering or related field and Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in the operation and planning of water, wastewater or public works, the operation of a public utilities systems, preferably in a municipal government, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Five (5) years of management experience with responsibility for a large division within a public utility agency is required. Experience with a unionized workforce and negotiation of union contracts preferred.

State of Florida Professional Engineer license or ability to secure such license preferred.

A valid Florida driver’s license.

Compensation

Salary Range $142,000 - $213,000 annual

Generous benefit package including insurance plans, Florida Retirement System, and leave.

The successful candidate will be offered a three (3) year employment contract with an anticipated base salary of $200,000. Contract terms may also identify relocation costs, provision for official work transportation, computer and phone provisions, travel terms, etc.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five professional references by March 21, 2025. Questions may be directed to Jim Dinneen, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter at (386) 846-2612.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Riviera Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The City of Riviera Beach will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourage prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Department of Human Resources.

The State of Florida has strong public record laws. Candidates are advised to be aware that all aspects of this recruitment are open to public records requests throughout the process.