Environmental Permitting Manager (Manager II)

Sarasota County; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Florida Retirement System (FRS)

Job summary

Sarasota County is seeking an Environmental Permitting Manager to lead a dedicated team in implementing environmental policies while supporting community growth. This full-time role requires a strong understanding of environmental regulations and supervisory experience.

The successful candidate will manage permitting reviews, collaborate with various agencies, and ensure compliance with standards. Benefits include health insurance and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of related work experience with a Bachelor's degree.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience.
• Valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of environmental policies within the Comprehensive Plan.
• Oversee environmental permitting and reviews.
• Collaborate with various departments on permitting and compliance.

Skills

Strong knowledge of environmental regulations

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a specific field

Associate's degree with relevant experience

Job description

As the Environmental Permitting Manager (Manager II) within Planning and Development Services, Environmental Protection Division, you will lead a dedicated team responsible for implementing the Comprehensive Plan and County Code while balancing environmental stewardship with community growth.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of environmental policies within the Comprehensive Plan and County Code.
• Oversee environmental permitting and reviews (Unified Development Code, building, tree protection, coastal setback, mangrove protection, and more).
• Ensure consistent application of environmental standards and regulatory requirements.
• Direct field inspections related to native habitats and protected resources.
• Collaborate with county departments, municipalities, and state/federal agencies on permitting and compliance.
• Review and advance permits, recommendations, and ordinance updates for County Commission consideration.
• Oversee compliance monitoring, resolve complex compliance and permitting issues, and maintain tracking/reporting systems.
• Prepare reports, support board assignments, and manage special projects.
• Provide leadership, set priorities, and delegate work to Environmental Permitting staff.
• Hire, train, mentor, and evaluate team members.
• Oversee division budget, revenues, expenditures, and fee recommendations.
• Ensure payroll, personnel actions, and health & safety standards are properly managed.
• Track performance measures and support business and communication planning.
• Serve as an internal environmental consultant and technical resource.
• Partner with cross‑functional county teams on project development.
• Provide technical guidance to the public on environmental regulations and compliance.
• Lead and support special projects across the organization.
• Oversee audit activities, risk mitigation efforts, and implementation of internal controls.

Schedule & Hours

Full‑time, 40 hours per week. Typical schedule: Monday – Friday, 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. All county employees are considered essential and may be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

About You

To be considered for this role, you must have the following:

• • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a specific field of endeavor with 4+ years of related work experience.
  • OR Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university and 6+ years of related work experience.
  • OR 8+ years of related work experience may substitute for the college degree.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience.
• Valid Florida driver’s license by date of hire.

Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities (not required but bonuses):

• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations, ecosystems, and southwestern Florida habitats.
• Understanding of management and leadership principles, and budgeting.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, regulations, and scientific information.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities independently using standard computer applications.
• Demonstrated expertise in preparing and editing clear, well‑organized written materials that effectively translate technical and regulatory information into accessible language suitable for public, stakeholder, and executive audiences.

Physical Demands

Employees must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Employees can use handling devices (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessive poundage of 50‑plus pounds.

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.

Benefits

Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability; Flexible Spending Accounts; Employee Assistance Program; Florida Retirement System (FRS); and many additional benefits.

EEO Statement

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. 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.