Full Time County Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $65,118.41 - $104,189.46 Annually
Location : Sarasota, FL
Job Type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Job Number: 26-00314
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Information
Work Location: 2411 Tallevast Road Sarasota, FL 34243
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 4:00pm
Expected Starting Annual Range: $65,118.41 - $84,653.94
This classification directs, coordinates, administers and evaluates day-to-day Transit operations. The position oversees all Fixed-Route and Para-Transit bus service throughout Manatee County; supervises bus drivers, supervisors and dispatchers.
Note: This position is designated by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. Employment in this position is at will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Nothing in this job posting, any application materials, or any related communications shall be construed to create a contract of employment or to limit the County Administrator's authority to terminate the appointment at any time, with or without cause and with or without prior notice, subject only to applicable law.
Working Conditions
Indoor/outdoor situation; high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting equipment up to 50 lbs. alone; up to 100 lbs. with assistance.
This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment and continued employment with Manatee County Government is contingent upon passing pre-employment and employment screenings identified in Section XX of the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual. An applicant/employee who fails to pass a drug/alcohol screening, shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of three (3) years.
Job Description
Essential Functions:
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
Applies knowledge of applicable traffic laws and regulations; applies knowledge, or quickly learns and applies knowledge, of the geography of the County and applicable bus routes; applies knowledge of security and safety requirements associated with transit operations.
Meets with operator supervisors to resolve problems, issue special instructions, and/or schedule changes; reviews scheduling, passenger load patterns and driver workloads; makes recommendations for upgrading service to meet public needs; maintains operator records.
Establishes operating procedures and guidelines for Transit operations; ensures conformance with the Personnel Policy, departmental procedures and Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations.
Reviews, investigates and appropriately handles vehicular and personnel-related accidents and/or incidents.
Participates in development and administration of the division's training programs, i.e., first aid, CPR, emergency care, passenger relations, commercial driving, etc.
Reviews daily reports and monthly billings for accuracy and development of audit trail; provides assistance in the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget.
Coordinates preventive maintenance with the Fleet Services Division; assists in monitoring bus and equipment needs of the division and makes recommendations regarding replacement or other options.
Performs clerical and fiscal duties as necessary; may perform in other positions in the absence of staff, or on an as-needed basis.
Assists with policy development and new services and agency contracts for the division.
Ensures division runs smoothly and meets established goals and standards, reviews citizen complaints and addresses in a timely and appropriate manner.
Plans, assigns and directs work of assigned staff; performs other personnel-related duties, i.e., recommending hiring, firing and disciplinary actions, completing Employee Performance Evaluations, etc.
Checks routes for passenger safety, road conditions and scheduled arrivals at different points; drives support vehicles when required.
Communicates clearly, effectively, and tactfully, orally and in writing.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with, co-workers, supervisors, clients, etc.
Represents the division and the County at public meetings and forums in a professional and positive manner.
Provides technical support to County administrative staff for investigation and resolution of complaints and conflicts.
Generates statistical information for Federal and State mandated reports which directly affect funding. Track and revise existing reports, timetables and schedules.
Serves as Division Manager in absence of Operations Chief and Manager.
Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate's degree in business, public administration, planning or related field.
Minimum of four (4) years' work experience in mass transit and/or para-transit operations.
Minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience.
Class "B" Commercial Driver's License with passenger endorsement and air brakes endorsement, or Class "B" CDL permit with passenger and air brake endorsements, by effective date of employment required.
Must be able to pass the CDL skills Test within six weeks with training provided.
Must successfully pass a DOT physical and pass a Level 2 background check.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
More
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to perform physical tasks involving climbing, pulling, pushing, walking, standing, bending, balancing, kneeling, and stooping.
Complete field of vision required with near, far, and peripheral acuity and depth perception.
Skill in safely operating a County bus or other Transit vehicle with a constant exposure to variable and adverse weather and traffic conditions, noise, fumes/gases, radiant energy, uneven surfaces and moving objects.
Veterans Preference
In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.
EEO/ADA Statement
Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.
Drug-Free Workplace
Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.
Emergency Response/Recovery Activities
All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
Full Time Positions
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

• ComPsych- offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
• Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.

Wellbeing Benefits:

• Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
• On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access
• Personal Training (5 Free per year)
• Pharmacy Technician
• Group Fitness Classes
• Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
• Diabetes Care Program
• Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
• Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)

Miscellaneous Benefits:

• Workers' Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off:

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Personal Sick Leave
• Family Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
• Professional Medical Appointment Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Military Training Leave
• FMLA

Vacation Award: Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week.
Years of Service Vacation Days
0-5 16.25 days
6-10 19.50 days
11+ 22.75 days

• Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program

Insurance:

• Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

Retirement:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
• 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
• FRS Webinars
• Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner

Career Wellness:

• Professional Leadership Programs
• Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Career Counseling
• Toastmasters
• Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
• Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards

Education Benefits:

• Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement.
• Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexible Spending Account:

• Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.

Permanent Part Time - Benefits
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
• ComPsych - offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
• Workers' Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Fitness Center Access for employee only
• FRS options
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
Paid Time Off:
• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.
per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on
a pro-rated basis
01
VERY IMPORTANT - When answering supplemental questions about experience, education or certification, please be sure the information is reflected in the Education, Work Experience and Certificates and Licenses sections of your application.
Must include Monthly Salary, Name of Employer, Location, Phone Number and Duties for each employer in Work Experience.
Note: "See Resume" is not acceptable.
Identify all gaps not related to medical reasons.

• I acknowledge the above statement

02
If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, please check category of eligibility

• A disabled veteran who is eligible for receiving compensation under public law administered by Department of Veteran's Affairs and Department of Defense
• The spouse of a veteran who cannot qualify for employment because of total and permanent service-connected disability, or spouse of a veteran missing in action, captured or forcefully detained by a foreign power
• A wartime veteran who has served at least 1 day during a wartime period (active duty for training may not be eligible)
• An un-remarried widow or widower of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability
• The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who died as a result of military service under combat-related conditions as verified by the U.S. Department of Defense
• A current member of any reserve component for the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard
• A veteran with a "Honorable" discharge (Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility)
• Not claiming Veteran's Preference

03
Which level of education have you achieved?

• No high school equivalency
• High school graduate/equivalent
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree

04
How many years of experience do you have in mass transit and/or para-transit operations?

• None
• 1 year
• 2-3 years