Jill Parnell is a Supervisor with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. Her duties include supervising an operations team of six who are responsible for maintenence of preserve amenities, assisting with prescribed fire, and conducting integrated pest management practices on 53,000 acres of natural areas. Prior to Sarasota County, Jill worked for Florida State Parks at the Southwest District office, Myakka River State Park, and Jonathan Dickinson State Park as Information Specialist, Assistant Park Manager, and Park Ranger, respectively, for 27 years. She earned her Certified Prescribed Burn Manager number in 1991 and has been involved with prescribed fire for 29 years.

Jill graduated from the University of South Florida in 1985 with a degree in Mass Communications, Broadcasting. She spent 2 years in high school with the Youth Conservation Corp program and missed being in the woods, which led her to her long career in natural ares. In her off hours, she enjoys spending time with family, enjoying nature, traveling to state and national parks, camping, fishing, and riding her motorcycle.

Jill earned her Certificate in Natural Areas Management in April of 2019.