Parks Operation Specialist - Parks & Recreation Specialist III

Sarasota County Government

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) team in this professional role supporting the administration and oversight of the County’s Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator (CRTO) and Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operators (CBTO) programs. This position helps coordinate compliance and enforcement, monitor commercial activities in County parks and water access locations, track program performance and revenue, and provide operational support. Working with County departments, permitted operators, and the public, this role helps ensure responsible use of public resources, protection of natural resources, compliance with applicable regulations, and equitable access to County park facilities. In this role, you will administer the Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator (CRTO) Program and the Pilot Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operators Permit Program (CBTO). Assist in the coordination of solicitation processes, permit management, renewals, and vendor agreements in accordance with County policies and procedures. Maintain permit records, medallion tracking, and program documentation. Monitor permitted operator activities to ensure compliance with program requirements, operational guidelines, and County Code. Serve as the primary liaison for permitted operators, responding to inquiries and coordinating communication regarding program expectations, rules, and operational updates. Monitor commercial activity within County parks and water access facilities to identify permitted and unpermitted operations. Coordinate with Code Enforcement, Park Operations staff, and other departments to address violations and ensure program compliance. Track program revenue, utilization, and operational data and assist with preparation of program reports, performance metrics, and evaluations for leadership and Board updates. Support program improvements by evaluating operational trends, community feedback, and industry practices. Utilize County systems and software to manage permits, financial transactions, program tracking, and reporting. Assist with internal coordination related to program implementation, special projects, and policy updates related to commercial activity in parks. Perform related duties as assigned in support of PRNR Business Operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Public Administration, Business Administration, Environmental Studies, Leisure Services, or a closely related field.
Two (2) years of related professional experience in program administration, regulatory program oversight, parks operations, business operations, or contract/vendor management.
Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License is required.
Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification within six (6) months of hire and maintain certification thereafter.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s Degree in one of the above fields may substitute for one (1) year of required experience.
Progressively responsible professional experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

Administer the Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator (CRTO) Program and the Pilot Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operators Permit Program (CBTO).
Assist in the coordination of solicitation processes, permit management, renewals, and vendor agreements in accordance with County policies and procedures.
Maintain permit records, medallion tracking, and program documentation.
Monitor permitted operator activities to ensure compliance with program requirements, operational guidelines, and County Code.
Serve as the primary liaison for permitted operators, responding to inquiries and coordinating communication regarding program expectations, rules, and operational updates.
Monitor commercial activity within County parks and water access facilities to identify permitted and unpermitted operations.
Coordinate with Code Enforcement, Park Operations staff, and other departments to address violations and ensure program compliance.
Track program revenue, utilization, and operational data and assist with preparation of program reports, performance metrics, and evaluations for leadership and Board updates.
Support program improvements by evaluating operational trends, community feedback, and industry practices.
Utilize County systems and software to manage permits, financial transactions, program tracking, and reporting.
Assist with internal coordination related to program implementation, special projects, and policy updates related to commercial activity in parks.
Perform related duties as assigned in support of PRNR Business Operations.

Benefits

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.