Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Do you have a love for Florida's natural areas and enjoy working outdoors with a motivated and dedicated team? The Natural Areas and Trails division of PRNR is currently recruiting for an Environmental Specialist II who can support land managers with assistance in the development, implementation, and coordination of land management projects and activities, including exotic plant treatment and prescribed fire. In this role, you will also monitor habitat conditions and assist with the coordination of maintenance for public use infrastructure. We are looking for a self-motivated, organized person with good communication skills. Apply today and know that your role benefits both the environment and Sarasota County overall.

About the Position

In this role, you will...

• Participate in coordinating activities necessary to properly manage County-owned natural lands and support public use.

• Document, monitor, and treat exotic plant occurrences on natural area lands.

• Develop contract specifications and perform contractor oversight for land management activities.

• Assist in the collection, analysis, and evaluation of land management activities and projects.

• Conduct report and document preparation (management plans, interoffice reports, grant reports).

• Work with Emergency Services on prescribed burns.

• Provide site maintenance and upkeep of trails, preserve amenities, and signage.

• Develop and conduct environmental/educational programs.

• Ensure equipment maintenance and upkeep.

Work Hours:

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week.

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

• On rare occasions, days and hours can vary based on prescribed fires, including extending days beyond 8 hours.

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or physical sciences or related field and two (2) years of professional experience.

• -OR- Master's degree may substitute for one year of professional experience.

• -OR- Professional responsible professional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree.

• Ability to pass a moderate or arduous pack test within one (1) year of employment and to pass on an annual basis.

• Ability to obtain FACS pesticide applicator license within ten (10) months of employment. (We can help with this!)

• Valid Florida Driver's License by date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in land management activities such as prescribed burning, exotic control, habitat maintenance, and restoration.

• Herbicide applicator's license.

• Basic Fire Training S130, S190, L180, ICS 100, and ICS 200.

• Certified NATA Natural Areas Manager.

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 in any class for a period of five (5) years.

Physical Demands: Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay: $56,139.20 annually

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

About Sarasota County Government

Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department, a CAPRA Accredited Agency, is comprised of seven divisions: Beaches and Water Access; Business Operations; Maintenance Services; Natural Areas and Trails; Park Planning and Development; Recreation and Neighborhood Parks; and Sports Development and Athletics. Our department oversees more than 55,000 acres of preserves, parks and trails, and offers outstanding natural areas, unique sporting venues and safe places for people of all ages and abilities to play, learn and grow. Our playgrounds, beaches, trails, natural areas, athletic facilities, recreation centers and water access parks provide Sarasota County residents and visitors a wide range of opportunities to stay healthy and active.

Connections working at Sarasota County Government