Watershed Modeling Technical Specialist - R21087

Sarasota County Government; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 59,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Sarasota County Government is seeking an experienced engineer to manage watershed modeling updates, review development plans for stormwater compliance, and coordinate with engineers and project managers to ensure proper floodplain management. The role emphasizes collaboration across departments to support sustainable growth and resilient infrastructure.

Ideal candidates have civil engineering credentials, Florida EI certification, and a background in hydrology/hydraulics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Equivalent education/experience may substitute for degree.
• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field preferred.
• Florida EI certification required at hire time.

Responsibilities

• Update and maintain watershed models and GIS databases.
• Review site development permits for stormwater compliance.
• Provide comments and coordinate with engineers to resolve stormwater issues.
• Review development plans for stormwater and LO/S deficiencies.
• Conduct CFHA reviews to assist Building Department.

Skills

Project management

Hydrology concepts

Communication of technical comments

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related technical field

Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related technical field

Tools

HEC-RAS

ArcGIS/ArcMap

AutoCAD

StormWise (ICPR)

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Build a stronger, more resilient community through stormwater engineering!

Are you ready to put your engineering expertise to work protecting our community and supporting sustainable growth? Join Sarasota County and help shape how our watersheds are managed through watershed modeling, development reviews, and stormwater planning.

You’ll coordinate watershed model updates, review development plans for stormwater compliance, assess drainage and floodplain concerns, and support stormwater maintenance projects. Collaborate with County departments, engineers, and external partners to address drainage challenges and support responsible growth throughout Sarasota County.

Make an impact where engineering, environmental protection, and community growth come together.

About This Role

Watershed Modeling Activities:

• Update and maintain the County’s record watershed models and GIS database to reflect recent development projects and ensure consistency between systems
• Provide stormwater modeling support for maintenance projects, maintain floodplain delineations and level-of-service assessments, and evaluate alternatives to address problem areas

Site Development Review:

• Review site development permits, earth-moving permits, plat applications, and County capital improvement projects for compliance with the Unified Development Code (UDC), watershed models, and stormwater requirements
• Prepare and communicate technical comments regarding inconsistencies, and coordinate with engineers of record and County project managers to resolve stormwater concerns
• Maintain development plans, files, and models, and determine the appropriate timing for incorporating approved plans into the County’s Record Watershed Models

Planning Application Reviews:

• Review development plans and applications for stormwater compliance, potential adverse impacts, and level-of-service deficiencies
• Provide technical comments and participate in DRC meetings and public hearings

Building Permit Reviews:

• Conduct community flood hazard area (CFHA) reviews to assist the Building Department with obtaining local base flood elevation information

Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

Technical Specialist I: Starting Pay Range: $58,947.20- $69,513.60/ annually, based on experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Civil Engineering or related technical field
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant technical or engineering project experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis

Technical Specialist II: Starting Pay Range: $68,016.00- $76,814.40/ annually, based on experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related technical field AND two (2) years of engineering / project management experience
• -OR- A Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related technical field AND one (1) year of professional civil engineering experience
• -OR- An equivalent combination of education and relevant technical or engineering project experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis
• A valid EI (Engineer Intern) certification granted by the Florida Board of Engineers at the time of hire

Preferred "BONUS" Qualifications:

• Experience or certified training with hydrodynamic modeling such as StormWise (ICPR), HEC-RAS, and ArcPro (ArcGIS/ArcMap)
• Understanding in Hydrology, hydraulics, and water quality
• Knowledge of Stormwise (ICPR), and ArcPro (ArcMap)
• Familiarity with HEC-RAS and AutoCAD