Re-Posting of:

SCIENCE AND RESTORATION MANAGER

All applications submitted in October 2025 are still under active review.

Individuals who applied during that period do not need to reapply.

Announcement

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) is currently hiring for the position of Science and Restoration Manager to coordinate SBEP’s scientific and coastal restoration activities. This is a full-time role which requires a minimum of 40 hours per week, with occasional evening and weekend work. Candidates must meet one of the following qualification levels: a Bachelor’s degree with at least six years of directly related experience, a Master’s degree with a minimum of three years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree with at least two years of applicable experience. The annual salary for this position ranges from $70,000 to $80,000 and includes benefits such as paid leave and health insurance. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s education, experience, and qualifications.

Position Details
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 the 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.
• 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 and submit the 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.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields: biology, chemistry, ecology, marine science, oceanography, environmental management, environmental science, or a related field; and six (6) or more years of directly related work experience in environmental science, estuarine management, or coastal restoration.

OR

• Master’s degree in one of the following fields: biology, chemistry, ecology, marine science, oceanography, environmental management, environmental science, or a related field; and three (3) or more years of directly related work experience in environmental science, estuarine management, or coastal restoration.

OR

• Doctoral degree in one of the following fields: biology, chemistry, ecology, marine science, oceanography, environmental management, environmental science, or a related field; and two (2) or more years of directly related work experience in environmental science, estuarine management, or coastal restoration.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated project management experience, including budget development and oversight, contractor or consultant coordination, permit oversight, and evaluation of deliverables.
• Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in estuarine science and management, particularly in water quality and coastal habitat restoration.
• Proven written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex environmental topics to diverse audiences including scientists, resource managers, policy boards, elected officials, and the public.
• Experience leading multi-stakeholder workgroups, including federal, state, local, non-governmental, and community participants.
• Ability to facilitate consensus among diverse scientific and resource management stakeholders on complex environmental issues.
• Familiarity with quantitative data analysis techniques and statistical tools.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS or related geospatial software.
• Willingness to reside in or relocate to the watershed area.
• Ability to provide own transportation, possess a valid driver’s license, and comply with Florida vehicle insurance laws.
• Capability to perform fieldwork in challenging environments, including:
• Boarding and exiting watercraft
• Swimming and snorkeling
• Walking over one mile
• Lifting up to 50 lbs
• Working in conditions with uneven terrain, dense vegetation, high temperatures, sun exposure, and potential exposure to irritating plants and animals

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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, presentations, and meetings.

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 (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.