Environmental Specialist III

Sarasota County Government•Nokomis Beach, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field -AND- three (3) years 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

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree may substitute for one year of professional experience.
Progressively responsible professional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree.
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.

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, 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.

Benefits

Benefits begin within 60 days of hire
Opportunities for advancement
Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Florida Retirement System (FRS)
Three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
Award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.
11 paid holidays
3 personal days
16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service.