Chief Waterways Officer

Job Details

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Company: City of Fort Lauderdale / Marine Operations

Salary Range: $85,379.21 - $132,344.16 Annually

Physical Standards

Light physical demands including exerting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The position also requires frequent outdoor work year‑round. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a related field.
• Two (2) to four (4) years of experience in an environmental compliance program or project management.
• Additional qualifying experience or completion of relevant coursework may replace a year of experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Veteran’s Preference: candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form or other supporting documents.
• Experience working with and presenting to boards or committees.
• Experience and knowledge of local government processes and regulations related to waterway environmental planning matters.
• Experience managing and administering grants and contracts.
• Strong project management skills.
• Budget management experience.
• Strategic planning experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full‑time employees, including vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short‑term disability insurance. The position is classified in Management Category II, which includes eight additional vacation days per year (prorated) and a vehicle allowance of $340/month.

Description

The Chief Waterways Officer acts and serves as a liaison between City departments, boards, external agencies, stakeholder groups, and local, state, and federal governments on water quality and marine issues, policies, and appropriations related to the City waterways.

Essential Job Functions

• Advise on environmental programs related to the City’s waterways, with a focus on water quality, navigability, and safety.
• Give presentations to the City Commission, committees, and various boards.
• Serve as liaison to Marine and Waterway Residential Communities on issues related to navigability, waterway activities, boat operations, and marine regulations.
• Work with non‑profits, the Florida Inland Navigation District, and other organizations to identify opportunities for habitat restoration and to enhance waterways.
• Identify grant opportunities, prepare grant applications, and monitor execution of grant‑funded projects for compliance with applicable requirements.
• Collaborate with other departments to identify needs related to infrastructure affecting water quality.
• Facilitate and refer internal/external customer inquiries and complaints related to environmental waterway and marine matters.
• Build proactive relationships, advocacy, and education with key customers and stakeholders, including the Marine community, HOAs, Civic Associations, and non‑profit organizations.
• Participate and promote projects and initiatives with external customers in community forums on all environmental waterway matters.
• Provide expertise on waterway environmental planning related matters.
• Investigate activities that may have a detrimental impact upon waterway health and recommend improvement programs.
• Plan, develop, and manage waterway initiatives and projects; serve as a project manager to develop scope and deliver the project within the designated timeline and budget.
• May supervise as needed.
• Perform related work as required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, affirmative action inclusive employer and a drug‑free workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.