POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA
THE COMMUNITY
Polk County is at the geographic center of Florida and encompasses over 2,000 square miles. The current population of Polk County is approximately 500,000, and it continues to experience significant growth, with the character of the County transitioning from rural to urban. In addition to the County seat of Bartow, major metropolitan areas include the greater Lakeland area (pop. 190,000) and the greater Winter Haven area (pop. 150,000). The seventeen cities in Polk County contain approximately 40% of the population, with the remainder living in unincorporated areas.
Polk County boasts a number of recreational and cultural amenities that contribute to a high quality of life. Polk County is home to the spring training operations of two major league baseball teams, Cypress Gardens, Fantasy of Flight, Polk Community College, a branch campus of the University of South Florida, several private colleges, a number of community theatres and museums, a symphony orchestra, and numerous special events.
Polk County also has a large number of lakes, sports fields, recreation complexes, and parks which provide many opportunities for passive and active recreational activities. There are over 60 golf courses, including municipal courses in the major cities.
Polk County is traversed by the Interstate-4 high tech corridor and is less than one hour from the two larger metropolitan areas of Orlando and Tampa.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Policy is established by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) which consists of five Commissioners who are elected to four-year terms. The BOCC appoints the County Manager, who is responsible for the execution of policy and the management of all County personnel.
PUBLIC WORKS
The Public Works Director reports to the Deputy County Manager for Infrastructure/Growth Management. Also reporting to the Deputy County Manager are the Director of Growth Management and the Director of Utilities.
The Public Works Director is responsible for 550 employees and a total budget of $200 million. Reporting to the Public Works Director are the directors of six divisions: Engineering, Facilities Management, Natural Resources, Traffic Engineering/Operations, Roadway Maintenance, and Solid Waste.
Some of the major responsibilities of the Public Works Director include the development of short- and long-range plans and managerial responsibility for:
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Designing, constructing, and maintaining the County’s road system and rights-of-way |
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Designing, installing, and maintaining the County traffic operations to include signalization, signage, and pavement markings |
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Managing waste collection and disposal, recycling activities, and household hazardous waste disposal |
Operating the landfills owned by the County
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Managing, protecting, and improving the ground and water resources of the County |
Protecting citizens from mosquito-borne diseases
Inspecting and maintaining the County’s surface water drainage system
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Managing and controlling exotic aquatic plants in public waterways and drainage systems |
Acquiring and maintaining environmentally sensitive land
Planning for and coordinating the County’s future water supply
Designing, constructing, and maintaining the County's owned and leases facilities
Managing the County’s asset management system
Assuring compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations
QUALIFICATIONS
A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business/ public administration, or a related field is required. Ten (10) or more years management and supervisory experience required in relevant public works related functions, public agency management, or related corporate management, which includes five (5) years in a senior management position. Large to medium size county or municipal experience is preferred.
A Master’s Degree in engineering, business/public administration or related field is preferable, as is being a Registered P.E.
Desired Attributes
Experience with transportation/ road networks/traffic programs
Strength in program management and capital budgeting
Strength in the strategic planning process
Technical knowledge of the planning and operations of public works programs
Strong leadership skills
Entrepreneurial, innovative, and a progressive thinker
Experience in asset management
A change agent orientation
A high energy level and seeking challenges
Innovative, progressive, and pro-active
High expectations for self and others in the Department
Expertise in team building and motivating employees
Ability to work effectively with regulatory agencies and with other governmental agencies
Appreciation for diversity in the workplace
Strong customer service orientation
Good-natured and friendly, yet can be assertive in advocating his/her views and expectations
A strong sense of fairness and equity toward employees
Respect for, and can command the respect of, others
Communicates very effectively with citizens, community groups, and the Board of County Commissioners
A strong personality, but works well as a team player
Ability and willingness to effectively market the Public Works Department’s needs and accomplishments both within and outside the organization
Experience with out-sourcing
Promotes training and career development for employees
COMPENSATION
Starting salary is $90,000 - $100,000, depending on qualifications. Generous fringe benefits.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and salary history for initial screening by May 23, 2005 to: Tom D. Freijo, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, The Mercer Group, Inc. Email: Freijo@Mercerfl.com P.O. Box 9328, Winter Haven, Florida 33883. TEL: (863) 299-3571 FAX: (863) 299-6737. Polk County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications in Florida are a matter of public record upon receipt.