Department:

Parks Recreation and Natural Resources

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving and enhancing Sarasota County’s beaches and water access at beautiful Nokomis Beach. This leadership role plays a vital part in protecting some of our most treasured coastal resources.

In this position, you will supervise a team of Environmental Specialists while actively participating in the management of natural resources across beach, island, and water access parks. You’ll also serve as the Beaches and Water Access Division lead - identifying and securing funding, and leading the planning, design, and implementation of upland, marine, estuarine, and artificial reef habitat management projects.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on our coastal environments while working in one of Sarasota’s most iconic locations - apply today!

About the Position

Coordinate and administer diverse natural resource and water access improvement projects

Manage projects related to habitat restoration, invasive species control, and artificial reef construction

Oversee special initiatives including derelict vessel removal, boat ramp maintenance, and boater safety improvements

Prepare and manage grant applications, permits, and contractual services for environmental projects

Collaborate with county departments, external agencies, and stakeholders to advance project goals

Support Capital Projects and Parks Planning in the development of water access improvements

Coordinate with County EOC staff on water access planning and waterway debris management

Lead and participate in environmental monitoring efforts, including ecological surveys, bathymetry mapping, and seagrass monitoring

Ensure compliance with integrated pest management and assess environmental impacts of proposed projects

Supervise and support environmental specialists, including time approval, team meetings, training, and project guidance

Work Hours:

Monday- Friday7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Some nights and weekends will be required as needed to meet operational needs

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent education -AND- Four (4) years of job related experience

-OR- Associate's degree -AND- Two (2) years of job related experience

-OR- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field, or job-related field

-OR- Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, at the manager's discretion

-AND- With one (1) year of supervisory experience related to waterway and/or natural resource management. 

Valid Florida driver's license at the time of hire

The ideal candidate has the following:

Please note that these are not requirements but bonuses for your consideration

United States Coast Guard boater safety certifications

State of Florida pesticide applicators license with an endorsement in Natural Areas

Wildland fire certifications in S-130 and S-190 

Ability to identify native and invasive plant and animal species

Knowledge of local and state laws related to natural resource management, waterways, and coastal park development

Proficient in operating boats, trucks, UTVs, ATVs, and 4-wheel-drive vehicles

Experience using boat electronics, chainsaws, small engines, pumps, and sprayers

Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Maximo, GIS, Smartsheets, and mobile mapping/inventory software

Physical Demands:  Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years

About Everything Else

Starting Pay Range: $27.49 - $28.50/ hour, based on experience

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day:

1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)  

2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)  

Benefits:

Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net for additional information.Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations. Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)​​

A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.

We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.

Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally. 

A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance).

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.