Stormwater Environmental Compliance Specialist

Sarasota County Government

12d

About The Position

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here. Sarasota County is seeking a driven and detail-oriented Stormwater Environmental Compliance Specialist to help protect and preserve our vital water resources. In this impactful role, you’ll be on the front lines of environmental stewardship, ensuring stormwater systems operate effectively and in full compliance with environmental regulations that safeguard our community and natural ecosystems. You will conduct field inspections of stormwater treatment and management systems, identify and resolve compliance issues, and collaborate with a wide range of partners—including regulatory agencies, contractors, and County staff—to ensure projects meet established environmental standards. Your work will directly support healthy watersheds, protect native habitats, and promote sustainable development throughout Sarasota County. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in both field and collaborative environments and is passionate about environmental protection, problem-solving, and public service. If you’re motivated to make a tangible difference and want to contribute to the long-term sustainability of Sarasota County’s infrastructure and natural landscapes, we invite you to bring your expertise and enthusiasm to our team. Inspection of SWFWMD Permitted County Stormwater Treatment Systems: Conduct regular field inspections of permitted stormwater treatment systems and coordinate with Field Services staff to address noncompliance issues and maintain tracking spreadsheet. Collect, analyze, and interpret permitted documents to successfully set up an inspection Conduct substantial completion walkthrough inspections for County Capital Projects that include new or revised stormwater infrastructure and identify deficiencies and needed corrections. Investigate complaints and inspect sources of pollution. Conduct joint field inspections with regulatory agencies (e.g., Southwest Florida Water Management District, Army Corp of Engineers) to coordinate and streamline permit compliance efforts. Prepare recertification packet for professional engineer’s review and approval. Management of Stormwater Managed Sites: Conduct field inspections to confirm native habitat types and the presence of listed species. Review design plans (including permit applications and contracts) and provide comments and recommendations regarding environmental issues. Interpret environmental rules and regulations and provide cost-effective recommendations on compliance with environmental rules and regulations at the Federal, State and local levels. Verify contractors are utilizing best management practices and complying with local environmental ordinances. Vegetation management within mitigation areas or other environmentally sensitive lands. Oversee contractor activities during design, construction, maintenance, and monitoring of Regional Offsite Mitigation Areas, County mitigation sites, and other Stormwater managed sites. Coordinate long-term maintenance (nuisance plant control) and management of County Stormwater managed property. Coordinate with contractors, County staff, and regulatory agencies regarding maintenance and other activities within Regional Offsite Mitigation Areas and other county mitigation sites. Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Requirements

• A valid Florida driver's license at the time of hire
• Environmental Specialist I: A two (2) year degree AND two (2) years of professional experience in related field -OR- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or physical sciences, Environmental Engineering, or a related environmental field appropriate to the position -OR- Progressively responsible professional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree
• Environmental Specialist II: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or physical sciences, Environmental Engineering, or a related environmental field appropriate to the position AND two (2) years of professional experience in related field -OR- Master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or physical sciences, Environmental Engineering, or a related environmental field appropriate to the position AND one (1) year of professional experience in related field -OR- Progressively responsible professional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in Florida natural areas and providing vegetation management within wetlands, other natural areas, and stormwater treatment systems
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and drainage plans
• Experience with delineation of wetlands and other natural habitats
• Experience applying/using aquatic herbicides in the environment
• Understanding of principles of traditional BMPs for stormwater treatment
• Basic knowledge of GIS (ArcPro)

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular field inspections of permitted stormwater treatment systems and coordinate with Field Services staff to address noncompliance issues and maintain tracking spreadsheet.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret permitted documents to successfully set up an inspection
• Conduct substantial completion walkthrough inspections for County Capital Projects that include new or revised stormwater infrastructure and identify deficiencies and needed corrections.
• Investigate complaints and inspect sources of pollution.
• Conduct joint field inspections with regulatory agencies (e.g., Southwest Florida Water Management District, Army Corp of Engineers) to coordinate and streamline permit compliance efforts.
• Prepare recertification packet for professional engineer’s review and approval.
• Conduct field inspections to confirm native habitat types and the presence of listed species.
• Review design plans (including permit applications and contracts) and provide comments and recommendations regarding environmental issues.
• Interpret environmental rules and regulations and provide cost-effective recommendations on compliance with environmental rules and regulations at the Federal, State and local levels.
• Verify contractors are utilizing best management practices and complying with local environmental ordinances.
• Vegetation management within mitigation areas or other environmentally sensitive lands.
• Oversee contractor activities during design, construction, maintenance, and monitoring of Regional Offsite Mitigation Areas, County mitigation sites, and other Stormwater managed sites.
• Coordinate long-term maintenance (nuisance plant control) and management of County Stormwater managed property.
• Coordinate with contractors, County staff, and regulatory agencies regarding maintenance and other activities within Regional Offsite Mitigation Areas and other county mitigation sites.

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!
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees