City of Vernon, Florida Seeks Public Works Director

Posted on December 6, 2025

The City of Vernon, Florida, ion the Panhandle of Florida in rural Washington County, is seeking a Public Works Director, as seen in the job description (below).

City of Vernon, Florida – Public Works Director Job Description

Position Summary

The Public Works Director for the City of Vernon, Florida is responsible for leading, managing, and overseeing all operations of the Public Works Department, including water treatment and distribution, wastewater (if applicable), repair and maintenance of streets, stormwater systems, public facilities, and other related infrastructure. The Director must ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations, including holding or obtaining the required Florida licensure for water system operations. This is both an administrative and working leadership role, expected to guide projects, staff, and emergency responses.

Water Operator Licensure Requirement (Florida)

Because the City operates a public water system, the Director must either hold an appropriate Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) water operator license, or obtain the necessary license within a defined time after hire (e.g., within 12 months), with City support for preparation, training, and exam fees.

Florida DEP’s Operator Certification Program issues licenses for water treatment plant operators, domestic wastewater treatment plant operators, and water distribution system operators. Each category has levels or classes (for example, water treatment plant classes A, B, C, D; distribution system levels 1, 2, 3, 4) with Class A / Level 1 being the highest. To qualify for higher levels, an operator must fulfill both exam/training requirements and a minimum amount of experience hours.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Oversee all operations of the Public Works Department: water treatment/distribution, wastewater (if applicable), street maintenance, stormwater systems, drainage, fleet/equipment, public facilities, and infrastructure planning.
  • Ensure departmental compliance with Florida DEP rules, Federal Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and other regulations.
  • Lead or support preparation for water operator licensing examinations; maintain licensure.
  • Prepare and oversee the department’s budget (capital and operating), monitor costs, recommend adjustments.
  • Plan, coordinate, and manage capital improvement projects; review designs, oversee construction, and ensure quality and timelines.
  • Supervise, train, and mentor staff; ensure proper staffing levels; conduct performance evaluations.
  • Respond to emergencies (e.g., water main breaks, flooding, severe weather) and coordinate restoration and recovery efforts.
  • Maintain accurate records for water system operations, including sampling, lab reports, distribution, and treatment logs.
  • Liaise with state regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, and the public.
  • Ensure safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and adherence to best practices in all public works operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED required. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Administration, or related field strongly preferred.

Experience: Minimum 5 years of work in public works, utilities, or similar field with involvement in water system operations. At least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.

Licensure / Certification: Valid Florida driver’s license. Must either hold or be eligible to acquire a Florida DEP water operator license at a level appropriate for Vernon’s water system. License may be Class C or better for treatment/distribution (depending on complexity of the system).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Understanding of water treatment and distribution processes; strong knowledge of regulatory compliance; excellent leadership, communication, budgeting, project management, and interpersonal skills. Ability to read engineering drawings, contracts; manage vendors; work during emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Florida DEP Class B or A water treatment / Level 2 / Level 1 distribution license.
  • Wastewater operator licensure (if Vernon has wastewater operations).
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
  • Experience working in small municipalities in Florida.
  • Familiarity with GIS, SCADA, or similar systems.

Working Conditions

Mixture of office work and field work; frequent exposure to outdoor weather, water, chemicals, noise, construction sites. Must occasionally handle heavy equipment or climb, stoop, walk on uneven terrain. On‑call availability for after‑hours emergencies.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: commensurate with experience, qualifications, and licensure level. Benefits: health insurance, retirement, paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), professional development support (licensing fees, continuing education).