JOB DESCRIPTION

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Bring your skills and experience to a role where you'll be rewarded from day one. This position offers a starting salary between $55,000 (Tier I) and $73,000 (Tier II), excellent benefits beginning within 60 days of hire, and an outstanding work-life balance. Sarasota has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top places to live in Florida, and now YOU can help shape the experiences of both residents and visitors.

As a Land Development Technical Specialist, you will play a key role in the review of site development projects to ensure compliance with the Sarasota County Unified Development Code, local ordinances, and state regulations. You'll be part of a high-performing team that manages and reviews a wide range of development activities, including residential subdivisions, commercial projects, plats, right-of-way improvements, and lot drainage plans.

We're looking for a motivated, detail-oriented professional who is passionate about shaping responsible growth in our community. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and contribute to a collaborative, forward-thinking team, we encourage you to apply today and join our dynamic team!

About the Position

As a Land Development Reviewer, you'll play a critical role in shaping responsible growth within the community. You'll play a key role in helping ensure development projects align with local codes and standards, while serving as a resource to developers, engineers, and the public throughout the review process.

Key Responsibilities:

Plan Review & Code Compliance

• Evaluate land development plans, including site, subdivision, commercial, plat, and drainage proposals, for compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Conduct research on zoning, floodplain, environmental, and historical site requirements.
• Guide applicants through permitting processes, code requirements, and application procedures.
• Provide accurate and timely feedback, cost estimates, and direction to keep projects on track.
• Coordinate with engineers, developers, and internal staff to ensure designs meet all required standards.

Field Visits & Project Oversight

• Conduct site visits to support inspection teams and verify project compliance before and during construction.
• Monitor right-of-way usage and drainage systems to ensure adherence to approved plans.
• Address community questions and resolve issues related to active development projects.
• Participate in pre-construction meetings to establish clear expectations and project readiness.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

• Contribute to pre-submittal meetings, plan reviews, and subdivision inspections.
• Act as a liaison between departments, developers, and external agencies.
• Collaborate with regional partners, including state agencies, cities, and counties, to support coordinated development efforts.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. (no weekends!)

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 -

Technical Specialist I:

• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in civil engineering or a related engineering field.

-OR-

• An equivalent combination of education and experience or technical, engineering-related project experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the degree.
• Valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.

Technical Specialist II:

• BS degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering or a highly related field

-AND-

• 2 years of professional-level civil engineering experience.

-OR-

• Master's degree in a related field may substitute for 1 year of required experience.

-OR-

• Technical, engineering-related project experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, if candidates are not available who fully meet the minimum requirements of the position (6 years minimum of related experience).
• Possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate granted by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers.
• 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.

• Prior related engineering work experience, engineering internship, or Engineer-in-Training certificate granted by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers.

About Everything Else

Technical Specialist I:

Starting Pay Range: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 based on experience.

Technical Specialist II:

Starting Pay Range: $63,000.00 - $73,000.00 based on experience.