Environmental Specialist III - R21083

Sarasota County Government; Nokomis (FL); On-site; USD 53,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Sarasota County Government is seeking an Environmental Specialist III to lead habitat improvement projects, coastal resource management, and oversee landscape contractors at Siesta Beach Park. This role blends environmental stewardship with operational excellence to keep parks safe, clean, and visually appealing.

You will perform fieldwork, inspect contractor work, manage surveys, and engage the public through education and outreach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field and three years of professional experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for one year of professional experience.
• State of Florida pesticide applicators license with an endorsement in Natural Areas or the ability to obtain within 6 months after hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead habitat improvement projects, invasive species control, ecological surveys, park improvements, derelict vessel removal, and artificial reef initiatives.
• Serve as liaison with internal departments and external agencies regarding derelict vessels and waterway issues.
• Maintain field equipment and assist in prescribed fire operations as needed.
• Develop and distribute environmental education materials and provide public outreach and technical assistance.
• Inspect landscape maintenance work by contractors at Siesta Beach Park for quality, safety, and contract compliance.
• Submit or verify work orders, review payments, and assist in landscape-related project planning.
• Support vegetation control, minor planting oversight, and herbicide tracking.

Skills

Fieldwork coordination

Public outreach

Contractor oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field

Master's degree may substitute for one year of professional experience

Job description

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Are you passionate about the environment and looking to make a difference in the community? The Environmental Specialist III role is responsible for leading environmental resource management initiatives within coastal environments while also overseeing contracted landscape maintenance services. This role supports both environmental stewardship and operational excellence by leading land and waterway management projects and providing oversight of landscape contractors to maintain safe, clean, and visually appealing park spaces. Benefits begin within 60 days of hire, and there are opportunities for advancement. Know that your work impacts generations to come!

About the Position

In this role, you will...

• Lead habitat improvement projects, invasive species control, ecological surveys, park improvements, derelict vessel removal, and artificial reef initiatives.
• Serve as liaison with internal departments and external agencies regarding derelict vessels, waterway access, and navigation issues and improvements.
• Maintain field equipment (boats, GPS, small equipment, etc.) and assist in prescribed fire operations as needed.
• Develop and distribute environmental education materials and provide public outreach and technical assistance.
• Inspect landscape maintenance work performed by contractors at Siesta Beach Park to ensure quality, safety, and contract compliance.
• Maintain accurate inspection reports, provide contractor feedback, and collaborate with Contract Managers on performance reviews.
• Submit or verify work orders, review payment justifications, and assist in landscape-related project planning.
• Support vegetation control, minor planting oversight, and herbicide application tracking within assigned areas.
• Perform outdoor fieldwork using small equipment such as chainsaws, trimmers, and sprayers to support land/vegetation management and maintenance tasks in varying site and weather conditions.
• Conduct public outreach by providing education on coastal natural resources, responding to community inquiries, supporting civic and agency partnerships, and coordinating with media and volunteers to promote division goals.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week.
• Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (no weekends!)
• As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field -AND- three (3) years of professional experience.
• -OR- A master’s degree may substitute for one year of professional experience.
• -OR- Progressively responsible professional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree.
• State of Florida pesticide applicators license with an endorsement in Natural Areas or the ability to obtain within 6 months after hire (we can help with this!)

Preferred Qualifications:

• United States Coast Guard boater safety certifications.
• Limited Lawn and Ornamental applicator endorsement.
• Wildland fire certifications in S-130 and S-190.
• Scuba diving certification.

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: $58,947.00/annually