Department:

Parks Recreation & Natural Resources

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Sarasota County is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to oversee the operations of our county-managed parks, beaches, and water access areas. This role is responsible for supervising staff, ensuring high-quality customer service, maintaining park facilities, and protecting natural and cultural resources. This position also represents the division at public meetings, advisory boards, and community events. A strong background in parks management, environmental stewardship, and public engagement is essential. Apply today to make a difference in the community!

About the Position

In this role, you will...

• Supervise staff to ensure excellent customer service for park reservations, events, programming, and daily operations.

• Collaborate with park staff to maintain clean parks, including janitorial services and cleanup of seaweed, red tide, and fish kills.

• Coordinate with regulatory agencies (e.g., FDEP, FWC, Sarasota County) on permitting, environmental compliance, and natural area activities.

• Oversee and maintain public access to parks and recreational amenities.

• Protect natural and cultural resources, including listed species; coordinate with public safety and Risk Management to ensure staff and visitor safety.

• Manage water access points (e.g., kayak launches, boat ramps) and trails; provide interpretive and environmental education programs for the public.

• Develop and implement goals, policies, and procedures for staff, volunteers, vendors, and contractors; oversee park services and recreation programs.

• Assist with budget tracking, purchasing, project management, and financial planning; review audits and implement necessary controls.

• Handle public complaints, resolve issues, and respond to inquiries about services and facilities.

• Coordinate with public agencies and partners on infrastructure, education, and government use of park lands.

• Respond to media and public information requests; represent the division at public boards, committees, and community meetings.

• Direct and supervise park operations and repairs within the Beaches and Water Access Division.

• Support park planning and provide input on capital improvement projects and facility designs.

• Manage proactive assessments of fraud awareness, prevention, detection, and risk mitigation activities in the area of responsibility; oversee financial, compliance, operational, and performance audits; review audit findings and ensure appropriate controls are established and implemented.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week.

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

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in recreation, leisure services, education, one of the biological or natural sciences, or a related field AND Four (4) years of professional experience.

• -OR- An Associate Degree from an accredited college or university AND six (6) years of job-related experience.

• -OR- A Master's Degree in recreation, leisure services, or an environmental field can substitute for one year of professional experience.

• -OR- Year-for-year experience may substitute for the college degree.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay Range: $75,233.60 - $83,000, based on your 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