"Alerted.org

Department:

Parks Recreation and Natural Resources

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Help shape the future of conservation and recreation in Sarasota County! The Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department is seeking a dedicated Land Acquisition Specialist to play a key role in protecting the region’s most valuable natural resources and expanding our award-winning regional park system.

As a Land Acquisition Specialist, you’ll receive and review land nominations for potential park acquisitions and environmental conservation projects that preserve vital habitats, enhance public recreation, and safeguard native habitat, wildlife, vegetation, and water quality. You’ll work directly with landowners, the department’s land acquisition services agent, partner organizations, and county staff to evaluate properties, conduct site assessments, and help guide projects from nomination to closing.

Why Join Us

At Sarasota County, you’ll be part of a team committed to balancing conservation and growth. We offer competitive benefits, professional development, and the opportunity to make a lasting environmental impact while contributing to the well-being of our community.

About the Position

In this role, you will...

+ Review land nominations for possible acquisition projects for parks, preserves, and environmental protection.

+ Communicate with landowners, the department’s land acquisition services agent, real estate professionals, and partner agencies throughout the acquisition process.

+ Conduct site visits, habitat assessments, and due diligence evaluations.

+ Research property ownership, zoning, and environmental attributes; order maps, appraisals, surveys, and historical use data.

+ Prepare presentations and reports for staff, the department’s management team, and advisory boards.

+ Support long-term conservation planning and funding initiatives.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

+ Full-Time, 40 hours per week.

+ Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

+ In the Office at Twin Lakes Park.

+ 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 Public Administration, Business, Finance, Planning, Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Policy, or a related field AND two (2) years of job-related professional experience;

+ OR six (6) years of professional job-related experience may substitute for the required education.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP).

+ Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

+ Familiarity with GIS principles, products, and mapping strongly preferred.

+ Good working knowledge of Southwest Florida ecology, habitat, and native/non-native vegetation and wildlife;

+ Real Estate experience/certification

About Everything Else

Starting Pay: $56,139.00

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.