Program Associate Jobs in Sarasota, FL (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $17.36 - $26.04 Hourly
Location : Bradenton, FL
Job Type: Part-Time (Temporary)
Job Number: 26-00334
Department: Natural Resources
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: 8/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Information
Work Location: 1501 Dam Road, Bradenton, Florida 34212
Work Hours: 29 hours per week; offices are open Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Expected Starting Hourly Range: $17.36 - $21.70
Provides administrative, technical, operations, and outreach assistance for the Environmental Protection, Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Program.
Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.
Working Conditions
The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds independently and up to 50 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work may involve strenuous physical activity under varying climatic conditions and in both indoor and outdoor environments. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds. Regularly required to drive County vehicles as part of the duties of the job, occasionally pulling trailers. Periodically required to work other than normal business hours, including nights and weekends.
Note: This is a part-time temporary OPS position. Not eligible for Health Benefits. Maximum six months assignment, with max of 29 hours worked per week.
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. Assists staff in the administration and promotion of assigned program.
Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Program
One or more years of work experience related to environmental science, biology or similar industry desired. Work hours: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Assists with the intake and release of gopher tortoises. Performs field work in remote locations in hot, humid conditions. Drives a County SUV while towing a trailer and drives an offroad UTV. Helps with enclosure fence repair and equipment maintenance.
Provides educational information, data gathering and research support to program participants, volunteers, and the general public regarding assigned program. Assists with development and preparation of teaching aids, fact sheets, charts, etc.
Strictly adheres to safety procedures to protect self, co-workers, volunteers, and the general public. Attends job-specific training classes as assigned by supervisor.
Maintains records and documents regarding assigned program.
May assist in compiling program reports for management use.
Represents assigned program at outreach events.
Staffs program booth/table at events.
Sets up and tears down displays and exhibits.
Makes presentations; distributes educational and promotional materials.
Acts as liaison between program participants, volunteers, community groups, and other relevant parties.
May assist with administration of volunteer programs.
Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee's qualifications, essential job functions, and appliable federal and Florida law.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver license required with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
More
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Able to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
Organizes own work and completes tasks within assigned timeframes.
Able to resolve routine situations and problems.
General knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties.
General knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties.
Depending on area of assignment, this may include social media platforms, online meeting platforms, Adobe Acrobat, ARC GIS, and/or QuickBooks.
Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to be able to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, volunteers, the general public, and other stakeholders.
Able to communicate routine information.
Capable of working under moderate supervision.
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.
No Benefits Offered
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
Do you possess a valid Florida driver's license or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire?

• Yes
• No

05
How many years of experience in environmental science, biology or similar industry do you have?)

• None
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5+ years

06
Are you familiar with Southwest Florida's land and water ecosystems?

• Yes
• No

07
Do you have experience working with live animals?

• Yes
• No

08
Are you able to work outdoors in variable weather conditions for multiple hours at a time?

• Yes
• No

09
What previous roles have you held that you believe qualify you for this position?
Required Question