Stormwater Environmental Compliance Specialist

Public Works Sarasota County is looking for a passionate and detail-oriented Stormwater Environmental Compliance Specialist to join our team and help ensure the protection and preservation of our local water resources. In this essential role, you will play a key part in maintaining compliance with environmental regulations, overseeing the proper functioning of stormwater management systems, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of Sarasota County’s infrastructure and natural landscapes.

As a Stormwater Environmental Compliance Specialist, you will be responsible for conducting field inspections of stormwater treatment systems, collaborating with various stakeholders to address compliance issues, and ensuring that stormwater projects meet environmental standards. You’ll work closely with regulatory agencies, contractors, and County staff to coordinate efforts that maintain the health of our watersheds, protect native habitats, and promote responsible development practices.

This is a great opportunity for someone with a passion for environmental conservation, problem-solving, and making a meaningful impact on the community. If you’re ready to contribute to Sarasota County’s stormwater management goals and take on exciting challenges in environmental compliance, this is the job for you!

• Conduct regular field inspections of permitted stormwater treatment systems and coordinate with Field Services staff to address noncompliance issues and maintain tracking spreadsheet.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret permitted documents to successfully set up an inspection
• Conduct substantial completion walkthrough inspections for County Capital Projects that include new or revised stormwater infrastructure and identify deficiencies and needed corrections.
• Investigate complaints and inspect sources of pollution.
• Conduct joint field inspections with regulatory agencies (e.g., Southwest Florida Water Management District, Army Corp of Engineers) to coordinate and streamline permit compliance efforts.
• Prepare recertification packet for professional engineer’s review and approval.

• Conduct field inspections to confirm native habitat types and the presence of listed species.
• Review design plans (including permit applications and contracts) and provide comments and recommendations regarding environmental issues.
• Interpret environmental rules and regulations and provide cost-effective recommendations on compliance with environmental rules and regulations at the Federal, State and local levels.
• Verify contractors are utilizing best management practices and complying with local environmental ordinances.
• Vegetation management within mitigation areas or other environmentally sensitive lands.
• Oversee contractor activities during design, construction, maintenance, and monitoring of Regional Offsite Mitigation Areas, County mitigation sites, and other Stormwater managed sites.
• Coordinate long-term maintenance (nuisance plant control) and management of County Stormwater managed property.
• Coordinate with contractors, County staff, and regulatory agencies regarding maintenance and other activities within Regional Offsite Mitigation Areas and other county mitigation sites.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or physical sciences, Environmental Engineering, or a related environmental field appropriate to the position AND two (2) years of professional experience in related field.
• -OR- Master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or physical sciences, Environmental Engineering, or a related environmental field appropriate to the position AND one year of professional experience in related field.
• -OR- Progressively responsible professional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree.
• A valid Florida driver's license at the time of hire.

• Experience working in Florida natural areas and providing vegetation management within wetlands, other natural areas, and stormwater treatment systems.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and drainage plans.
• Experience with delineation of wetlands and other natural habitats.
• Experience applying/using aquatic herbicides in the environment.
• Understanding of principles of traditional BMPs for stormwater treatment.
• Basic knowledge of GIS (ArcPro).

• 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.)

• 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!
• 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!)