Development Applications Specialist

City of Sarasota; United States; On-site; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Sarasota is seeking an Administrative Support Specialist to assist in processing Development Approval Applications and manage related clerical and administrative tasks. The role supports the Development Coordinator and helps ensure accurate records and timely communications with the public.

The position involves budget coordination, procurement, and preparing confidential documents, with emphasis on detail, accuracy, and teamwork within the City Auditor and Clerk Department.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in public/municipal administration is required.
• 4 years of general office experience or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of city government operations and public administration principles.

Responsibilities

• Process Development Approval Applications and assist with administrative functions.
• Coordinate scheduling of hearings and prepare notices and correspondence.
• Assist with budget, personnel, meetings, and clerical duties within the department.
• Prepare complex government documents and reports and maintain records.

Skills

Public administration knowledge

Budgeting

Clerical skills

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in public/municipal administration

Tools

City computer systems

Data entry software

Job description

All current City of Sarasota employees must apply to job postings on the internal career site. Come work at a place where employees of the City serve with Excellence and Pride! NOTE: The City of Sarasota is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Veteran, E-Verify and Drug Free Workplace employer. Click to view the City's Veterans Recruitment Plan. Click to view a the City's Educational Equivalency Statement. Department: City Auditor and Clerk Employee Type: Regular Time Type: Full time Salary Range: $27.2200 - $34.7055 Hourly / $56,617.56 - $72,187.38 Annually Job Posting Period: October 21, 2026 - November 05, 2026 12:00 A.M.

Job Description: Overview

To provide administrative support for the processing of Development Approval Applications and assist in handling technical and administrative functions in connection with departmental programs, such as personnel, budget, planning and operational procedures.

Essential Functions

Accepts Development Approval Applications directly from the public and assists the Development Coordinator with receiving and recording applications. Answers the publics’ questions regarding the submittal of applications and assists with correspondence as needed. Assists with scheduling of hearings related to Development Applications as needed. Assists with legal notices and other communications. Completes billing transactions for fees and other services as needed. Assists in the coordination of all administrative functions of the department including budget, personnel, meetings and clerical duties. Prepares correspondence such as, letters, memoranda, reports, affidavits, and other materials. Researches and collects information on operational and administrative problems, analyzes findings and makes reports to Department Director. Assists with the preparation and administration of the annual budget and helps maintain budget and expenditure controls. Supervises and coordinates all budgetary accounting activities and confers with department and/or Division Heads concerning acquisition and specifications for purchase of materials and equipment. Assists with the installation of new programs, procedures, methods and systems within the department. Prepares a variety of complex and confidential documents and reports. Coordinates all routine operational management functions within department, including purchasing, building, equipment, property inventory and disposal. Assists with department projects and tasks and works as a team member within the department. The intent of this class description is to provide a representative summary of the types of duties and responsibilities that would be required of classifications given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Incumbent may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public, municipal, or business administration/management, Four (4) years of general office experience, Or the equivalent in education, training, and experience, which would provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.

Job Based Competencies

Considerable knowledge of the operations of City government including city-wide computer programs. General knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration. General knowledge of research methods and techniques, statistical methods and application and methods of report presentation. Knowledge of database utilization. Ability to utilize graphics and desktop publishing for departmental web page. Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. Ability to make decisions and to exercise resourcefulness in meeting new problems. Ability to prepare accurate, clear, complete and concise reports. Ability to analyze, interpret, and report research findings. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, municipal officials and the general public. Ability to operate a variety of standard office, data entry and word processing equipment. Ability to provide assistance or direction to employees on various administrative tasks.

Responsibility

Under the direction of and responsible to the Department Director or designated representative. Usually no supervisory responsibilities. Supervision may be exercised over subordinate clerical personnel or the preparation and completion of various projects as delegated.

Physical Requirements

This is sedentary work requiring limited physical effort. Position requires visual acuity for reviewing, checking, preparing, and maintaining written and computer files. Incumbent is required to have sufficient hearing to accurately perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Manual dexterity to operate standard office, data entry, and word processing equipment is required.

Public Contact

Effective public and governmental contacts are an essential component of this position. The incumbent interacts frequently with City Officials, other City Department Heads, employees, contractors, vendors and the general public. Contacts are for the purpose of obtaining and furnishing information, providing interpretations and explanations, responding to complaints, and similar purposes.

Retirement Benefit

The City of Sarasota made the transition to become a Florida Retirement System (FRS) employer effective December 1, 2021. To learn more about what this benefit may mean for you, please visit MyFrs.com. Please note that if you are hired to work for the City of Sarasota as an FRS employer, you will be asked to complete a form to certify your FRS status, as there may be an impact to any FRS benefit you are already receiving. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Jake Brown our ADA Coordinator. Jake can be reached via email at [e-mail] or via phone at 941-263-6299. For questions pertaining to general employment or job application status, please call 941-263-6476, or email [e-mail] The City of Sarasota believes in customers service, and delivering city service to its approximately 55,000 residents is a commitment we take seriously. The City provides many services with the most recognizable ones being water, sewer, street maintenance and police protection. The quality and way these services are delivered have a direct impact on everyday life in our community and that is why the employees of the City serve with Excellence and Pride.