SARASOTA BAY ESTUARY PROGRAM
111 South Orange Avenue, Suite 200W
Sarasota, FL 34236
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
SCIENCE AND RESTORATION MANAGER
The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP), a National Estuary Program located in Sarasota, Florida, is hiring a Science and Restoration Manager to coordinate SBEP’s scientific and coastal restoration activities. Under the guidance of the Executive Director, the incumbent will be responsible for developing and managing restoration projects and scientific programs, will ensure the work of SBEP is informed by current science, and will effectively communicate Bay-related scientific information to our community. The Science and Restoration Manager will play a leading and integrating role among the many scientists and partner organizations at work in the Sarasota Bay watershed. The successful candidate will have a high level of technical knowledge related to natural resources, the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, and work effectively alongside a team. Their work will strengthen SBEP’s reputation as a source of reliable information on Sarasota Bay.
Scientific Activities (~40%)
•Stay informed on current science and research related to estuarine ecology, specifically issues affecting Sarasota Bay.•Develop and maintain databases and geospatial products to support scientific analysis, reporting, and decision-making.•Facilitate needed synthesis and interpretation of existing data to provide guidance on estuary environmental issues.•Develop reports on indicators of Sarasota Bay health by collecting, managing, analyzing, and reporting key indicators of bay health, including water quality, habitat condition, and biological metrics.•Track progress on the Water Quality Protection Plan for Sarasota Bay and provide annual updates to the Water Quality Report Card.•Work with SBEP staff, partners, and local communities to set science priorities and participate in research on Sarasota Bay.•Coordinate community engagement through citizen science for the Eyes on Seagrass monitoring program and new initiatives as needed.•Implement the SBEP Habitat Restoration Plan by evaluating ecological conditions and data to make appropriate project recommendations.•Implement the SBEP Monitoring Plan by collecting, managing, analyzing, and reporting key indicators of bay health, including water quality, habitat condition, and biological metrics.•Work with SBEP staff to track Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP) implementation.
Project Management (~40%)
•Serve as coordinator and project manager for SBEP’s technical projects and contracts.
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• Develop scopes of work, prepare Request for Proposals (RFP) language, and coordinate the contractor selection process including advertisement and review of proposals.
• Develop work plans, project timelines, vendor contracts, and purchase orders.
• Develop and closely monitor project budgets, review invoices, and ensure invoices are submitted in a timely manner.
• Oversee day-to-day activities of contractors and facilitate the final review to ensure all project goals are met.
• Develop grant-funded science and restoration initiatives, including proposal development, budgeting, project management, and reporting.
Science Communication (~15%)
• Coordinate and facilitate the SBEP’s Technical Advisory Committee. Provide consistent communication to members, develop meeting agendas, recruit guest speakers, and engage new members.
• Communicate with other scientists and stakeholders at academic organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies about issues related to Sarasota Bay.
• Ensure partners and policy makers have necessary information regarding SBEP policies, programs, and data to assist in implementation of the CCMP.
• Translate scientific information on Sarasota Bay for the public and work alongside the Public Outreach staff to provide technical input for SBEP’s website, e-newsletters, and social media.
• Make presentations to community groups about SBEP goals, projects, programs, and ecological issues that affect Bay health.
• Serve on committees and workgroups concerned with addressing the complex issues impacting Sarasota Bay and its watershed.
• Cultivate existing, and invite new, partnerships with science leaders and organizations to protect and improve Bay health.
Administrative Tasks (~5%)
• Compile habitat restoration implementation progress reports (e.g., NEPORT).
• Contribute to the writing and editing of annual work plans and EPA mid-year and annual reports.
• On a five-to-ten-year cycle, provide updates to the Habitat Restoration Master Plan and Water Quality Monitoring Plan, and assist with CCMP updates.
• Additional duties as reasonably assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
Master’s degree or higher in biology, chemistry, ecology, marine sciences, oceanography, environmental management, environmental science, or a related field, plus three (3) or more years of directly related work experience.
• Project management experience, including creating and overseeing project budgets, directing consultants or contractors, and assessing work products.
• Knowledge and experience in estuarine science and management, especially in areas of water quality and coastal habitat restoration.
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• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present and discuss complex environmental topics with fellow scientists, resource managers, the SBEP Management and Policy Boards, and the community.
• Experience leading workgroups with a variety of stakeholders (e.g., federal, state, local, non-governmental, the public, etc.).
• Ability to facilitate consensus among scientists and resource managers on complex environmental issues.
• Familiarity with modern quantitative data analysis techniques and tools, including statistics.
• Experience using ArcGIS, and/or related software.
• Residence in or ability to relocate into the watershed.
• Can provide own transportation, proof of a valid driver’s license, and compliance with Florida law regarding vehicle insurance.
• Fieldwork, both on water and on land, is an essential requirement of this position. Candidates must be able to climb in and out of watercraft, swim, snorkel, walk more than one mile, and lift 50 lbs. Work may involve exposure to natural hazards such as uneven terrain, dense vegetation, high temperatures, sun exposure, and irritating plants and animals.
Preferred Qualifications:
• MS or PhD in marine science, coastal ecology, or related discipline.
• Previous experience working for a public (federal, state, or local) agency.
• Professional experience addressing environmental issues applicable to Sarasota Bay and its watershed.
• Experience conducting scientific research, preferably in estuarine science and/or water quality management.
• Extensive technical understanding of broad range of issues related to watershed management, including water quality monitoring and assessment, non-point source pollution, stormwater management, habitat restoration, and invasive species identification and control.
• Demonstrated experience in environmental data collection, management, and analysis.
• Proficiency in spatial analysis (GIS).
• Experience in scientific reporting and synthesis.
• Experience in grant and contract management.
• Experience in project planning and implementation.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey scientific concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities independently and strategically.
• Boating experience, knowledge of local waterways, and/or completion of an approved boating safety course.
Weekends and Travel: Occasional evening and weekend work will be required for presentations and events. Day travel throughout Sarasota and Manatee County will occur regularly, and personal auto miles will be compensated. There will be occasional overnight travel to attend conferences, trainings, and meetings.
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Screen of Candidate for Eligibility: SBEP participates in E-Verify, a screening system that allows employers to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. The selected applicant will also be subject to a criminal background check.
Compensation and Benefits:
• Salary: The successful candidate will be hired at a salary within the range of $70,000 to $80,000 annually, commensurate with education and work experience.
• Retirement: SBEP participates in the Florida Retirement System (www.myfrs.com).
• Deferred Compensation: Nationwide 457 Plan available.
• Health, Dental and Vision: Employer supplemented.
• Life Insurance: Employer paid for the employee.
• Paid Leave: Competitive leave package, including annual, sick, personal days, and holidays.
• Location and Hours: A flexible, hybrid work environment. Office location in downtown Sarasota with free parking.
Application Instructions:
Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references and/or letters of recommendation, and responses to the four questions below. Documents must be submitted through the application portal at www.sarasotabay.org/careers. Materials received through other platforms will not be considered.
All applications must be received no later than 4 pm (EST) on Monday, October 27th, 2025. Applicants should be available for an interview during the period of November 17th to November 21st. The selected candidate is expected to start work in the office on January 5th, 2026.
To ensure all applicants have the opportunity to address a common set of questions, applications should include written responses to the following:
1. What motivates you to apply for this position, and how do you plan to leverage your knowledge, skills, and abilities to support your career development and contribute to the mission of the SBEP?
2. Describe your experience with database management and compiling data sets used for determining the status and trends in water quality or ecosystem health, and how you’ve made this information available to the public in an understandable format.
3. Describe your experience with the design, permitting, and construction management phases of habitat restoration projects. If you have no direct experience, describe the steps, agencies involved, and challenges to overcome when leading habitat restoration projects.
4. Please describe your experience presenting technical concepts to the scientific community, elected officials/decision makers, and the general public.
No phone calls, please. Applicants are prohibited from contacting members of the Selection Committee about SBEP, their application, or any aspect of this selection process.
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Veteran’s Preference: All applicants who claim Veteran’s Preference must submit substantiation of their service with their application. Qualified veterans will be interviewed by the Selection Committee.
All applications and materials provided to the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program are considered public record.
The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program’s goal is to be an inclusive and equitable place to work, and we welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and skillsets. We are open to the possibility that a great candidate for this position may not precisely meet all the above criteria. If you believe you are the right person for this job and can persuasively make that case, we encourage you to apply