Environmental Specialist II

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Do you have a love for Florida's natural areas and enjoy working outdoors with a motivated and dedicated team? The Natural Areas and Trails division of PRNR is currently recruiting for an Environmental Specialist II who can support land managers with assistance in the development, implementation, and coordination of land management projects and activities, including exotic plant treatment and prescribed fire.

In this role, you will also monitor habitat conditions and assist with the coordination of maintenance for public use infrastructure. We are looking for a self‑motivated, organized person with good communication skills. Apply today and know that your role benefits both the environment and Sarasota County overall.

In this role, you will...

• Participate in coordinating activities necessary to properly manage County‑owned natural lands and support public use.
• Document, monitor, and treat exotic plant occurrences on natural area lands.
• Develop contract specifications and perform contractor oversight for land management activities.
• Assist in the collection, analysis, and evaluation of land management activities and projects.
• Conduct report and document preparation (management plans, interoffice reports, grant reports).
• Work with Emergency Services on prescribed burns.
• Provide site maintenance and upkeep of trails, preserve amenities, and signage.
• Develop and conduct environmental/educational programs.
• Ensure equipment maintenance and upkeep.

• Full‑Time, 40 hours per week.
• Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• On rare occasions, days and hours can vary based on prescribed fires, including extending days beyond 8 hours.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or physical sciences or related field and two (2) years of professional experience.
• -OR
  - Master's degree may substitute for one year of professional experience.
• -OR
  - Professional responsible professional experience may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for the required college degree.
• Ability to pass a moderate or arduous pack test within one (1) year of employment and to pass on an annual basis.
• Ability to obtain FACS pesticide applicator license within ten (10) months of employment. ( We can help with this !)
• Valid Florida Driver's License by date of hire.

• Experience in land management activities such as prescribed burning, exotic control, habitat maintenance, and restoration.
• Herbicide applicator's license.
• Basic Fire Training S130, S190, L180, ICs 100, and ICs 200.
• Certified NATA Natural Areas Manager.

This position is subject to passing a pre‑employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of five (5) years.

Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.

Starting Pay: $56,139.20 annually

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in‑person interview(s).