Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

As the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director, you will oversee 155+ parks, 55,000 acres of land, management of significant economic driving facilities, planning of new parks and initiatives, administering a multi-million dollar budget, strategic planning, increasing revenue streams, developing innovative ideas for cost savings and efficiencies and building partnerships.

You'll be responsible for the development, organization, staffing, coordinating, directing and controlling of all policies, procedures, functions and operations of the Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources system (PRNR). Develop high performing employees, seek opportunities for collaborations, and study the needs of the community. Leverage Parks and Recreation services with Natural Resource management to achieve community health, economic and environmental sustainability.

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.

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

About Sarasota County Government

Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department, a CAPRA Accredited Agency, is comprised of seven divisions: Beaches and Water Access; Business Operations; Maintenance Services; Natural Areas and Trails; Park Planning and Development; Recreation and Neighborhood Parks; and Sports Development and Athletics. Our department oversees more than 55,000 acres of preserves, parks and trails, and offers outstanding natural areas, unique sporting venues and safe places for people of all ages and abilities to play, learn and grow. Our playgrounds, beaches, trails, natural areas, athletic facilities, recreation centers and water access parks provide Sarasota County residents and visitors a wide range of opportunities to stay healthy and active.

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