Department:

Planning and Development Services

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Are you passionate about the environment and have an ability to read maps, engineer's plans, blueprints, and surveys? Our Planning & Development Services department has an opening for an Environmental Specialist II or III to help us implement relevant sections of the Environment Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan, and the associated Environmental Sarasota County Codes affecting coastal properties. This position particularly focuses on coastal systems, including beaches, dunes, bays, riverine systems, and mangrove shorelines.


If selected, you will supply technical reviews, evaluations and analysis of coastal development projects for consistency with the Coastal Setback Code, other County Ordinances, the Comprehensive Plan, and County policies. You will also provide technical review, analysis, and compliance monitoring of mangrove trimming and alteration permits. Lastly, you will serve as a resource on coastal issues for the County in the administration of other related Environmental Protection Division programs.

Benefits begin within 60 days of hire and there are opportunities for advancement. Apply today and know that your work impacts generations to come!

About the Position

In this role, you will...

Conduct technical reviews and processing of applications:

Review Coastal Setback Variance (CSV) applications, Written Conditioned Exemptions (WCE), Letters of Non-Contravention, exemption determinations, Mangrove Trimming and Alteration Permit applications, and barrier island Building Permits. Track variance resolution stipulation compliance, monitor files for expiration dates and perform final inspections for Coastal Setback Code approvals. Perform field inspections, document and analyze findings related to impacts to natural resources and consistency with applicable County regulations.Prepare correspondence, permits/approvals, notices, Board packets, and other technical reports based upon collected and analyzed data and resulting decisions made with regard to the applicable regulations.Coordinate regulatory processes with applicants, other government agencies, engineers and consultants, builders, and the general public.Interact with other County departments and divisions on Environmental Protection issues (i.e., Gulf Beach Setback Line, Threatened and Endangered Species, protected habitat, wetlands, etc.).Maintain up-to-date files and data entry within permitting database (e.g., Accela system).

Conduct compliance inspections and associated compliance measures related to Coastal programs (Coastal Setback Code, and Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Code): Respond to and properly resolve citizen complaints and initiate appropriate enforcement actions in a timely manner.  Provide expert technical testimony in legal actions.

Storm Assessments: Conduct county-wide pre-and post-storm beach and dune condition assessments.  Document and organize written and photographic records for each event.  Assist Manager with the preparation of post-storm beach/dune and property damage assessment report for County Commission, administration, emergency managers, and local news media.

Provide information to the public on applicable regulations, natural resources management issues and important coastal/ecological functions:  Conduct pre-application meetings with the public.  Create or update public outreach materials. Represent the County and present information at public events, neighborhood associations, etc., when requested. 

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

Full-Time, 40 hours per week.

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

Environmental Specialist II -

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or physical sciences, or a related environmental field (e.g., Coastal Engineering) appropriate to the position -AND- Two (2) years of professional experience related to the position.-OR- Master's degree from an accredited college or university in an appropriate field can substitute for One (1) year of professional experience. -OR- Progressively responsible professional experience as described herein may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree.  Valid Florida driver's license by date of hire. ​

Environmental Specialist III -

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or physical sciences, or a related environmental field (e.g., Coastal Engineering) appropriate to the position -AND- Three (3) years of professional experience related to the position.-OR- Master's degree from an accredited college or university in an appropriate field can substitute for One (1) year of professional experience. -OR- Progressively responsible professional experience as described herein may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree.  Valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

Short courses and seminars on coastal management, coastal habitat identification, and beach ecology would refine the technical knowledge used by the Environmental Specialist II.

Physical Demands: Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move more than 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.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay Range:

Environmental Specialist II: $53,456.00 - $58,000.00, based on experience.
Environmental Specialist III: $57,577.60 - $65,000.00, 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.