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Department:

Parks Recreation & Natural Resources

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Are you passionate about the environment and have knowledge of Florida native ecosystems and natural areas? Our Natural Areas and Trails department is in need of an Environmental Specialist II. This role will work to coordinate activities for safe park/trail use and positive visitor experiences; planning, organizing and implementing paved multi-use trail and trailhead maintenance, contractual and in-house invasive and exotic species management and habitat resource management, assisting with facility operations, volunteer recruitment, training and coordination, assists with special events, reservations and programs, assisting with projects and other duties as assigned. Sites include The Legacy Trail, Venetian Waterway Park, the North Port Connector and associated trails, parcels, and trailheads. Apply today to make a difference in the community!About the Position

In this role, you will...

Multi-use recreational trail and trailhead management and oversight, including:

+ Regular on-site inspections of trails and trailhead parks, including facilities and amenities, to ensure safe, clean, and enjoyable experiences for patrons and volunteers.

+ Document needs or deficiencies and submit service requests. Report issues for Trails Trades Worker or completes repairs and projects as needed.

+ Stewardship of resources, protected species, and habitats, including nuisance invasive and exotic vegetation and animal management, habitat protection, and enhancement.

+ Document, monitor, and treat invasive plant occurrences. Obtain a Florida pesticide applicator license.

+ Develops scopes of work and coordinates contractual services and in-house projects for trails and trailhead parks.

+ Work with staff to develop an IPM Plan and Annual Plan for invasive plant management.

+ Coordination with inter-agency and inter-departmental trail partners.

+ Promote environmental standards for the protection of species and habitats consistent with the Environmental Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.

+ Assist the fire mitigation team with prescribed fire and fire line management.

+ Assist and coordinate trail data collection.

Customer Service and Volunteer Coordination, including :

+ Ensure good outreach and communication of maintenance and trail notices, and respond to customer requests/concerns regarding vegetation and maintenance.

+ Maintain effective relationships with community organizations, groups, and the public. Communicates professionally and timely manner in response to internal and external customer inquiries, complaints, and service requests.

+ Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers for workdays, projects, programs, and events, and ensure hours are appropriately tracked.

+ Assist with the coordination of Friends of Osprey Junction Trailhead, Friends of The Legacy Trail, Venice Area Beautification Inc., and other volunteer organizations.

Programming outreach and events:

+ Plan, develop, and implement a range of customer-focused, nature-based programs and outdoor recreational opportunities.

+ Assist with program marketing when possible and work through PRNR/Communications for program and marketing materials.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

+ Full-Time, 40 hours per week.

+ Typical Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

+ As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

+ A Bachelor’s Degree in one of the biological or physical sciences, or related field, AND two (2) years of related professional experience.

+ -OR- A Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in one of the above areas and one year of related professional experience.

+ -OR- Six (6) years of related professional experience (in lieu of degree).

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Certification as a Parks and Recreation Professional from the National Recreation and Parks Association is preferred.

+ Natural Areas Pesticide License or ability to obtain within 18 months of employment. (We can help with this!)

+ Certification from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group for completion of Firefighter Training S-130 and Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior S-190, or ability to obtain within 12 months of employment. (We can help with this!)

+ Experience working on a prescribed burn team; knowledge of Florida’s flora, fauna, and habitats.

+ Awareness of federal and state protected species.

+ Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to define and solve problems and develop service improvements.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay Range: $53,456.00 - $56,000.00 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 (http://www.scgov.net/home/showpublisheddocument/66596/638617478290291353) . 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! C hoose 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 (https://www.scgov.net/government/human-resources/employee-health-and-benefits) 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.