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Director - Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources

Sarasota County Government
Sarasota, FL Full Time
POSTED ON 5/5/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/4/2026

Lead of a team of 260 full-time employees, including 4 direct reports.

  • Develops positive relations and partnerships with the community; coordinates responses to citizen concerns and complaints; resolves issues; develops public understanding and participation in PRNR programs through public- relations activities; ensures the coordination of marketing efforts and develops cooperative planning and working relationships within County government, local agencies and organizations interested in local PRNR issues.
  • Develops and implements PRNR’s mission and vision, long-range operation plans and goals, assigns and adjusts priorities to meet shifting long-range plans and emergencies; oversees planning and research activities for Park development programs that will meet the needs of the community; oversees the development of major capital plans, improvements and acquisition of lands.
  • Strategically plans, presents and administers annual budget; monitors expenditures to ensure fiscal
  • Responsibility: ensures research is conducted to confirm the feasibility and costs of alternative methods of providing services to the public and recommend improvements.
  • Ensures supervision of staff in the performance of their duties including assigning and prioritizing duties; reviewing and approving work; providing input regarding performance, reward, recognition, and discipline issues; develops a high-performing team.
  • Develops and implements operating policies, procedures, and practices for PRNR; monitors operations to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, rules, and policy.
  • Collaborates with service providers, maintains effective working relationships and serves as a source of PRNR information to County Administration, the leadership team, the public, PRNR advisory boards (ESLOC and PARC), Friends of Sarasota County Parks, Friends of the Legacy Trail, Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy (NBPC), Sarasota Sharks, the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves and other partners.
  • Oversees Visit Sarasota County and Arts Cultural Alliance Grant Program contacts.
  • Manages proactive assessments of fraud awareness, prevention, detection and risk mitigation activities in area of responsibility; oversees financial, compliance, operational and performance audits; reviews audit findings and ensures appropriate controls are established and implemented.

Qualifications:

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Parks & Recreation, Public Administration, Business Administration or other related field AND 10 years of progressively responsible related experience
  • OR a Master’s Degree with eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible related experience; six (6) or more years of supervisory/management experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous work as a high-level manager.
  • Advanced professional certification.
  • Master’s degree.
  • CPRP/CPRE.

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 (5) years. 

About Everything Else

Starting Salary Range: $150,000 - $160,000/year, based on your experience

Salary : $150,000 - $160,000

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