Chief Waterways Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Waterways Officer acts and serves as a liaison between City departments and 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, including canals, rivers, the intercoastal waterway, inlets, and the beach.

This job classification is in Management Category II for benefits purposes, which includes Eight (8) additional Management vacation days per year (prorated based on hire date for the first year) and a Vehicle Allowance of $340/month.

This is a classified position covered by the Personnel Rules.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Advises on environmental programs related to the City’s waterways including canals, rivers, the intercoastal waterway, inlets, and the beach, with a focus on water quality, navigability, and safety.
• Gives presentations to City Commission, committees and various boards.
• Serves as liaison to Marine and Waterway Residential Communities on all issues related to navigability, waterway activities, boat operations, and marine regulations.
• Works with non-profits, Florida Inland Navigation District, and other organizations to identify opportunities for habitat restoration and to enhance our waterways
• Working with other departments, identifies grant opportunities; prepares grant applications; and monitors execution of grant funded projects for compliance with applicable requirements.
• Works with internal agencies on identifying needs related to infrastructure affecting water quality.
• Facilitates and refers internal/external customer inquiries and complaints in relation to all environmental waterway and marine matters to the appropriate departments and/or agencies (i.e., navigation concerns, water quality compliance, and runoff such as but not limited to oil/fuel/chemical spills, etc.)
• Builds proactive relationships, advocacy, and education with key customers and stakeholders to include the Marine community, HOAs, Civic Associations, and non-profit organizations on all waterways matters.
• Participates and promotes projects and initiatives with external customers in community forums on all environmental waterway matters.
• Participates and provides expertise on waterway environmental planning related matters.
• Investigates activities that may have a detrimental impact upon waterway health and recommends improvement programs and refers to the appropriate departments and/or agencies.

• Responsible for the planning, development, and management of waterway initiatives and projects. Serves as a project manager to develop the scope and deliver the project within the designated timeline and budget.
• May supervise as needed.
• Performs related work as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or related field. Two (2) to four (4) years of experience in environmental compliance program or project management. Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job-related field, may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience or education. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form (or other supporting claim documents) to the online application.

Preferences:

• 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.

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Position also requires frequently working outdoors year-round.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

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.

For technical support with your application, contact GovernmentJobs.com from 9 am to 9 pm EST, Monday to Friday, at (855) 524-5627 or email
support@governmentjobs.com .



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.

Click here for an overview of employment information including our benefits package.

Click here for additional management benefits.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan! Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale! Click here for more information or to see if you qualify.

In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS. Click here to view additional information on the Florida Retirement System.

Closing Date/Time: 4/8/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• 

• City of Fort Lauderdale

• (954) 828-5300

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