SML Academy · Level 1
Supervision
Build the foundation for directing people and daily work safely, fairly, clearly, and consistently.
Designed for aspiring supervisors, crew leaders, team leads, new supervisors, and experienced frontline supervisors in Florida local government, public works, utilities, engineering, construction, and infrastructure organizations.
Tuition is $750 per participant. Learners may complete this level independently or continue into Management and Leadership.
Level at a Glance
From Individual Contributor to Supervisor
What You Will Be Able to Do
Observable Supervisory Performance
Direct Work
- Plan daily work and conduct a clear briefing
- Delegate with appropriate authority and follow-up
- Adjust priorities when staffing, equipment, weather, or service demands change
Lead People
- Communicate expectations and confirm understanding
- Coach performance and document facts objectively
- Address conflict fairly and recognize when HR or another specialist is needed
Protect People & Resources
- Lead pre-task safety conversations
- Recognize hazards, environmental risks, and emergency escalation points
- Monitor contractors and purchasing boundaries within assigned authority
Build Public Trust
- Serve residents and customers professionally
- Recognize ethics, public-record, privacy, gift, and perception risks
- Create a continuing professional-development plan
Eight Self-Paced Modules
Level 1 Curriculum
- S1. From Individual Contributor to Supervisor
Role transition, credibility, boundaries, expectations, public-service mindset, and the first 90 days. - S2. Directing Daily Work
Work planning, assignments, delegation, field briefings, staffing/equipment matching, and changing priorities. - S3. Communication and Documentation
Listening, instructions, email, shift handoffs, objective records, and Florida public-record awareness. - S4. Safety, Risk, and Frontline Emergency Readiness
Hazards, stop-work judgment, incident reporting, NIMS/ICS awareness, and emergency roles. - S5. Coaching, Feedback, and Performance
Expectations, observation, feedback, recognition, development, accountability, and documented follow-up. - S6. Conflict, Fairness, and an Accessible Workplace
De-escalation, respectful conduct, consistency, bias awareness, ADA awareness, and appropriate escalation. - S7. Customers, Contractors, and Public Trust
Resident service, field professionalism, contractor coordination, ethics, purchasing boundaries, and public perception. - S8. Environmental Stewardship and Continuous Improvement
BMPs, pollution prevention, stormwater/NPDES awareness, reporting, resource care, and team-level improvement.
Blended Cohort Experience
12 Live Virtual Sessions
Each level includes twelve two-hour live sessions (24 live hours). The four themes below are illustrative, not the full schedule; the complete session calendar and sequence will be confirmed for each intake.
Orientation and Level Launch
Introductions, technology check, expectations, role-transition theme, and project introduction. A recording plus orientation check may be used when approved.
Florida Current Issues and Scenario Laboratory
Facilitated discussion of current laws, trends, risks, ethics, communication, and realistic field decisions.
Applied Project Clinic or Tabletop
Project coaching, peer problem-solving, and an operational, safety, environmental, or emergency scenario.
Project Sharing, Synthesis, and Closing
Lessons learned, presentations, evaluation, and the bridge to Level 2. A recording plus individual submission may be used when approved.
Completion Requirements
Enrollment Alone Does Not Earn the Certificate
Assessment
- Complete all required modules and learning activities
- Earn at least 80% on instructional assessment components
- Complete required live participation or approved alternatives
- Meet academic-integrity expectations
Applied Work
- Submit required reflections and practical assignments
- Complete field observations or case alternatives
- Complete a team or work-process improvement project
- Earn at least Proficient on the common project rubric
A workplace project is preferred when practical. Learners without workplace access—or those restricted by confidentiality, disability, safety, cost, or employer policy—receive an equivalent fictional Florida case. TBT may help identify a sponsored project location when available, but outside access is not guaranteed or required.
Professional Development
Continue Building Technical and Professional Capability
Depending on the learner’s role, this level may be complemented by related development in emergency management/NIMS, stormwater and environmental responsibilities, temporary traffic control, equipment operations, CPR/AED/First Aid, workplace safety, conflict resolution, and computer applications. These topics support professional growth but do not replace employer-specific or regulated training requirements.
This independent Tampa Bay Training program is not affiliated with, sponsored by, approved by, or endorsed by APWA or another association. It awards a Tampa Bay Training certificate of completion, not college credit, a license, or a regulated certification.
Level 1 — Supervision
Prepare to Lead Daily Work With Clarity and Public-Service Judgment
Cindy Torres, Customer Service Manager, can assist with registration, technical difficulties, course administration, certificate questions, and routing to the proper TBT staff member.