Department: Planning and Development Services

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here. Are you ready to lead impactful environmental initiatives in one of Florida’s most unique natural landscapes? As the Environmental Permitting Manager (Manager II) within Planning and Development Services, Environmental Protection Division, you’ll guide a dedicated team responsible for implementing the Comprehensive Plan and County Code while balancing environmental stewardship with community growth.

In this leadership role, you’ll oversee environmental permitting and compliance activities, support ordinance development, and help shape policies that protect Sarasota County’s natural resources for generations to come. We’re looking for an experienced professional who brings strong leadership skills, regulatory knowledge, and a passion for environmental protection. You’ll have the opportunity to lead and mentor staff, manage budgets and performance measures, serve as a trusted technical resource, and contribute to meaningful, countywide initiatives. If you’re motivated to make a difference, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are ready to take the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply today and join a team committed to responsible growth and environmental excellence.

About the Position

In this role, you will lead the Environmental Permitting team, overseeing implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and County Code requirements while balancing environmental protection with community needs. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Comprehensive Plan & Environmental Protection

• Lead implementation of environmental policies within the Comprehensive Plan and County Code.
• Oversee environmental permitting and reviews (Unified Development Code, building, tree protection, coastal setback, mangrove protection, and more).
• Ensure consistent application of environmental standards and regulatory requirements.
• Direct field inspections related to native habitats and protected resources.
• Collaborate with County departments, municipalities, and state/federal agencies on permitting and compliance.
• Review and advance permits, recommendations, and ordinance updates for County Commission consideration.
• Oversee compliance monitoring, resolve complex compliance and permitting issues, and maintain tracking/reporting systems.
• Prepare reports, support Board assignments, and manage special projects.

Administration & Leadership

• Provide leadership, set priorities, and delegate work to Environmental Permitting staff.
• Hire, train, mentor, and evaluate team members.
• Oversee division budget, revenues, expenditures, and fee recommendations.
• Ensure payroll, personnel actions, and health and safety standards are properly managed.
• Track performance measures and support business and communication planning.

Facilitation & Special Projects

• Serve as an internal environmental consultant and technical resource.
• Partner with cross-functional County teams on project development.
• Provide technical guidance to the public on environmental regulations and compliance.
• Lead and support special projects across the organization.
• Oversee audit activities, risk mitigation efforts, and implementation of internal controls.

About the Schedule

Work Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 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

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

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required in a specific field of endeavor with 4+ years of related work experience.
• OR: Associate's degree from an accredited college or university and 6+ years of related work experience.
• OR: 8+ years of related work experience may substitute for the college degree.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience required.
• 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.

• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations, ecosystems, and southwest Florida habitats.
• Understanding of management and leadership principles, and budgeting.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, regulations, and scientific information.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities independently using standard computer applications.
• Demonstrated expertise in preparing and editing clear, well-organized written materials that effectively translate technical and regulatory information into accessible language suitable for public, stakeholder, and executive audiences.

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 50 lbs. Employees can use handling devices (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessive poundage of 50-plus pounds.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay Range: $77,105.60 - $83,605.60, 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. You will need to present the following items on your first day:

• 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.)
• 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.

Do you like leaving things better than you found them? We serve the greater good! Our team is here to make Sarasota the premier community to live, work and play! Sarasota has 37 miles of award-winning beaches, over 80 parks and 100 golf courses, and is known as the cultural capital of Florida with museums of art, theaters, an aquarium, botanical gardens and the annual international film festival. Unsurpassed beauty, rich cultural offering, diverse educational opportunities, wide-ranging recreational possibilities make Sarasota a great place to live and work! We believe in work-life balance with a generous leave plan. “US News & World Report: Sarasota is No. 1 in Florida and No. 18 in the country for best place to live.” We need YOU to help create wonderful experiences for residents and vacationing guests enjoying Sarasota! Apply today!