Department:
StormwaterStart Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.
Sarasota County’s Stormwater Department is seeking a Community Rating System (CRS) professional to support the County’s participation in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. In this role, you’ll help maintain and enhance the County’s CRS classification while leading public education efforts related to FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps and floodplain management. This position plays a key role in advancing community resilience through program coordination, outreach, and regulatory support.Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in Earth Science, Environmental Science, or a related field with 3+ years of experience; a master’s degree with 2+ years of experience; or 7+ years of related professional experience in lieu of a degree. We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of FEMA programs and flood mitigation practices, who is comfortable working with technical information, engaging with the public, and collaborating across teams. Experience with GIS (ArcMap) and knowledge of floodplain regulations are a plus. Apply today!
In this role, you will be responsible for...
CRS Program Support:
Lead implementation of activities to maintain the County’s Community Rating System (CRS) classification
Coordinate annual recertification and verification efforts with FEMA and ISO/CRS specialists
Maintain accurate records and ensure readiness for audits and verification visits
Ensure compliance with environmental, historic preservation, and flood protection requirements
Public Education & Outreach:
Develop and deliver presentations, outreach campaigns, and educational materials
Provide guidance to residents, businesses, and industry professionals on flood protection and mitigation
Respond to media and public inquiries related to flood insurance, mapping, and CRS topics
Conduct site visits to assess drainage concerns and recommend mitigation solutions
Grant Preparation, Reporting & Tracking:
Identify and evaluate state and federal grant opportunities for flood mitigation projects
Support application development and determine project eligibility and funding needs
Track project progress, ensure compliance, and manage reporting requirements
Prepare reports, Board materials, and documentation for audits and legal inquiries
Legislation & Policy Monitoring:
Track updates to FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and CRS-related policies
Analyze legislative changes and communicate impacts to stakeholders
Provide insight on how policy updates affect flood insurance cost and availability
Interagency Coordination & Regulatory Support:
Collaborate with local, regional, state, and federal partners on CRS and mitigation efforts
Support development and reporting for the County’s Local Mitigation Strategy
Provide guidance to internal teams on CRS program requirements and best practices
Help ensure alignment across departments to support overall program success
Work Hours:
Full-time, 40 hours per week.
Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. (no weekends!)
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.
To be considered for this role, you must have the following:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Earth Science, Environmental Science, or other related field with 3+ years of related experience.
OR: Master's degree in a similar field with 2+ years of related experience.
OR: 7+ years of professional job-related experience in the management of technical projects/programs and strategic planning may substitute for the required education.
Valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.
The ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:
Please note that these are not requirements but bonuses for your consideration.
ASFPM Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification.
Working knowledge of FEMA programs, including the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Community Rating System (CRS), and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Familiarity with flood mitigation practices, elevation certificates, map revisions, and Letters of Map Change.
Understanding of flood insurance, Florida Building Code, and general construction and development regulations, with experience in technical review, public speaking, and GIS (ArcMap).
Subject to Passing Substance Screening: 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 for a period of five years.
Physical Demands: Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.
Starting Pay: up to $85,009.60, based on experience.
E-Work/Hybrid Work: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home up to 2 days per week! After your first 6 months, and based on job performance and departmental needs, you’ll be eligible to take advantage of this great benefit.
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. 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
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:
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.