Working in Sarasota County

Community Services provides educational and recreational opportunities, encourages community involvement and preserves natural, historical, and cultural resources. Eight libraries offer books, movies, presentations, and provide a meeting place for the community. With more than 200 parks, 109 athletic fields, and more than 2000 acres of open space parkland, Sarasota County Parks and Recreation offers something for everyone! We have tennis parks, pools, gyms, and a shooting range. Our parks provide recreational classes and sports and run camp every summer for youth. The History Center collects information and artifacts related to the history of Sarasota County.

Emergency Services provides lifeguard operations over the beaches and pools and their fire operations protects property and lives by providing both fire fighting and emergency medical services. Emergency Management staff prepares and assists during disasters.

Environmental Services safeguards our environment with many programs, including Green Business Partnerships, Keep Sarasota County Beautiful, and Sustainability. Natural Resources protects air, water, and land with a focus on improving natural systems. Sarasota County collects, processes, and disposes of different types of waste with a focus on recycling and sustainability. To improve wastewater treatment for home and businesses, we have implemented a septic-system replacement program. The Utility Section runs water and wastewater treatment plants providing services to many citizens.

Human Services provides health care, human services, and environmental services to residents of Sarasota County. Two departments that fall under the responsibility of the Board of County Commissioners include Mosquito Management Services and Veterans Services.

Planning and Development Services provide unincorporated Sarasota County physical planning services, land use enforcement services, geographic information systems support, and neighborhood services necessary for the support and facilitation of growth. Sarasota County is partnering with residents, businesses, and organizations to develop housing policy that balances the economic, environmental, and social needs of the community. The goal is a housing market that meets the needs of Sarasota County families and individuals across a wide spectrum of age and income. The Planning Section is responsible for the review and processing of Rezoning Petitions, Special Exceptions, Developments of Regional Impact (DRI), Developments of Critical Concern (DOCC), and the review of Small Area Comprehensive Plan Amendments when associated with a Rezoning Petition. Zoning Administration is responsible for the Zoning Ordinance and all zoning related issues. Land Development Services is responsible for reviews and inspections for all horizontal construction (roads, sidewalks, water and sewer and stormwater systems) relating to new development in Sarasota County. Land Development Inspectors provide inspections for all permitted projects for both commercial and residential development for horizontal construction. Inspection Services perform code compliance inspections on new construction of residential, commercial and industrial structures along with repairs, renovations, alterations, additions, and restorations of existing buildings. These inspections include structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Survey-Mapping serves as a repository for various maps and supports all Sarasota County Business Centers by providing internal field survey support and review of survey data prepared by consultants.

Public Works is responsible for the core services of Mobility and Facilities. Mobility provides transportation (bus service to our citizens) and a wide range of services such as planning, designing buildings, connecting and maintaining roads, sidewalks and bridges, as well as trails, bicycle, and walking paths. Facilities Services oversees long-range planning, space planning, construction, maintenance, and repairs of public buildings and grounds, as well as energy and water usage in public facilities.

Support Services include Communications, Enterprise Information Technology, Office of Financial Planning, and Talent Performance Management (Human Resources and Training and Development including Process Development)