Preserve Land Manager

Department:

Parks Recreation and Natural Resources

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Are you passionate about protecting Florida’s natural landscapes? The Natural Areas and Trails Department is seeking a motivated, environmentally focused Land Manager to help steward County-owned natural areas and preserves.

In this role, you’ll develop and implement resource management and plans, oversee habitat restoration and invasive species management, support prescribed fire operations, and maintain trails and preserve infrastructure. You’ll collaborate with County and state partners, coordinate contractors and volunteers, and help ensure safe, high-quality public access to our natural lands. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, managing projects, and making a meaningful impact on Florida’s natural ecosystems.

The pay starts between $57,577.60 - $63,003.00/ annually, based upon experience, and benefits begin within 60 days of hire. Apply today and see how your role impacts the community for generations to come!

About This Position

• Evaluate natural and altered habitats and develop management strategies for restoration and long-term maintenance
• Prepare, implement, and update management plans, reports (including FCT reports), and required documentation for managed sites
• Monitor, document, and manage invasive, nuisance, exotic, and listed plant and wildlife species, including development of long- and short-term invasive species plans
• Develop annual prescribed burn plans and participate as a crew member on ecological burns
• Oversee resource management projects, including bid specifications, contractor oversight, and contract management duties
• Monitor and maintain park facilities and amenities to ensure safe and functional public use
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver interpretive and educational programs for the public
• Coordinate volunteers, respond to citizen concerns, and patrol County lands to maintain staff presence and address security issues
• Assist with budget planning, grant applications, and supplemental funding efforts for resource management projects
• Collaborate with County departments and state agencies, manage inter-agency agreements, review permits and research applications, and conduct conservation easement inspections

Work Hours:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

About You

To be considered for this role, you must have the following:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in one (1) of the biological or physical sciences, or a related field AND three (3) years of natural resource management experience
• -OR- Master's degree from an accredited college or university in one (1) of the biological or physical sciences, or a related field AND two (2) years of natural resource management experience
• -OR- Progressively responsible professional natural resource management experience (totaling a minimum of seven (7) years) may substitute for the required college degree, at management's discretion
• Valid Florida driver's license at the time of hire

Preferred "BONUS" Qualifications:

• Pesticide Applicator License or the ability to obtain
• Certified NATA Natural Areas Manager or the ability to obtain
• Completion of Basic Wildland Firefighting (S-130/190), Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290), Wildland Fire Chainsaws  (S-112 or S-212) and completion of ICS 100-200 or the ability to obtain
• Ability and willingness to annually pass the moderate FFS pack test (carry 25 pounds while walking 2 miles in 30 minutes)
• Ability to operate ATVs, brush trucks, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and chainsaws
• Florida plant identification skills
• Natural resource management (prescribed fire, invasive species management, habitat restoration, etc.) in Florida

Physical Demands:

• This role must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work outdoors in hot and humid conditions

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.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay Range: $57,577.60 - $63,003.00/ annually, based upon 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. 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! Choose 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 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.