Compliance Specialist - Paralegal

Job Title: Compliance Specialist /Paralegal

Location: Sarasota, Florida (On-site, Full-time)

Reports to: Director of Compliance & Legal

The Ceres Commitment

Ceres Environmental Services is a national leader in crisis management, rapid response, and disaster recovery, committed to rebuilding stronger, safer communities. Since 1976, Ceres has been awarded over $3.2 billion in government-funded contracts by helping people when they need it most.

We specialize in emergency response, environmental services, planning, and consulting, including debris removal, blue roofs, logistics, debris management, demolition, recycling, forest management, and coastal and marine restoration. As a licensed general contractor, we offer unparalleled expertise to restore stability where it's needed most.

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People

At Ceres, we believe you're more than just an employee, you're part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope, helping communities recover and rebuild.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork.

If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you'll fit right in. We don't just respond to challenges-we rise to them.

This is a full-time, onsite position based at our Sarasota, Florida office. Candidates must be able to work in the office Monday through Friday.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Compliance Specialist /Paralegal to work under direct supervision of our Director of Compliance & Legal in Sarasota. This role is critical to ensuring efficient operations, adherence to corporate governance standards, and the execution of compliance programs across the organization.

Success in this role means building processes that make the legal and compliance functions more effective, providing clear and timely reporting to leadership, and helping protect Ceres as we continue to grow. The right candidate will be a trusted partner to leadership and will bring initiative, resourcefulness, and strong organizational skills.

What You Will Do

• Track and manage ongoing litigation with external counsel, ensuring timely updates and accurate reporting.
• Draft, review, and maintain contractual templates and corporate governance documents.
• Manage billing control, review, and reconciliation of law firm invoices.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of compliance programs, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare, deliver, and track compliance training across the organization.
• Maintain compliance documentation, reporting tools, and audit-ready systems.
• Assist in internal investigations and draft summaries, memos, and reports for leadership.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to strengthen organizational compliance and efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in legal studies or equivalent.
• 5-10 years of relevant experience in a corporate in-house legal department or law firm.
• Demonstrated experience with corporate governance frameworks, compliance programs, and contract management.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple priorities.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting compliance functions (ethics, anti-corruption, AML, sanctions).
• Knowledge of litigation processes and coordination with outside counsel.
• Experience developing or administering compliance-related training.
• Strong ability to prepare internal reports, policies, and leadership communications.

What to Expect

In this role, you will be trusted to bring structure and clarity to legal and compliance operations at Ceres. You'll collaborate closely with leadership, interact with external counsel, and provide the systems and reporting that strengthen decision-making across the company. Every day will bring a mix of paralegal assistance, compliance support, and cross-functional problem solving-all with the opportunity to directly contribute to Ceres' mission of helping communities recover and rebuild.

You can expect to be challenged, trusted, and supported by a leadership team that values initiative, precision, and integrity.

Physical Requirements and Environment

• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, climb, and balance in varying conditions.
• Ability to work in a dynamic office environment, occasionally interacting with field teams and leadership.
• Commitment to following safety standards and protocols.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Travel opportunities

Why Join Ceres?

At Ceres, you won't just have a job, you'll have a mission. Your work will directly impact the speed and strength of community recovery after disasters.

We offer:

• A collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• The chance to make a lasting difference for communities across the U.S.

Ceres Environmental is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.