Longboat Key looks to hire new code enforcement officer

The town of Longboat Key is looking to hire a new code enforcement officer as part of its Planning, Zoning and Building Department.

Friday, May 22 marks the last day for current Code Enforcement Officer Chris Elbon, who is leaving the position for personal reasons.

“This is an important position for the town, and I’m looking to have it filled as soon as possible,” Planning Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons wrote in an email.

Elbon has held the position since September 2014.

The town is accepting applications through May 27. The salary for the position is listed between $40,920-$60,000.

With Elbon’s departure, Parsons said the town is using a “highly qualified temporary Code Enforcement Officer” until someone is hired full time.

Police Chief Pete Cumming said Parsons had initially arranged to meet with the police department to ask for assistance in the interim. However, Parsons has since found a temporary code enforcement officer.

The town’s code enforcement officer is responsible for a variety of inspections to ensure adherence to and identification of violations to town codes, ordinances and regulations.

Work involves active participation in code-enforcement activities and compliance with environmental restrictions. It includes high grass or weeds, property maintenance records, unpermitted work, short-term rentals, sea turtle protection, trailer or vehicle parking, environmental hazards and zoning.

The position also requires the code enforcement officer to review and investigate business tax receipts to make sure land-use regulations, town codes and ordinances are being followed.

If someone is found to be violating an ordinance, it is the code enforcement officer’s responsibility to prepare and serve violation letters and notices.

The turtle nest monitoring portion of the job requires seasonal night inspections of the beach area for turtle lighting and beach obstruction violations.

The town is looking for candidates with a bachelor’s degree and certification through the Florida Association of Code Enforcement, Inc. (F.A.C.E.).

The position requires the candidate to have completed Level 1 code enforcement certification from F.A.C.E., completion of sea turtle lighting workshop for code enforcement, building professionals training from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or Sea Turtle Conservancy and have a high school diploma.

A physical, background check and drug screening are also required.

Anyone who wants to know more about the position can visit the town's website or call 941-316-1999.