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Job Description
The Town of Longboat Key is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, who provides hiring preference to eligible veterans and their family members, and has a strong drug free workplace and alcohol abuse policy. Additionally, where appropriate, the Town may waive post-secondary education requirements for certain service members and veterans.
General Description
The Town of Longboat Key is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, who provides hiring preference to eligible veterans and their family members, and has a strong drug free workplace and alcohol abuse policy. Additionally, where appropriate, the Town may waive post-secondary education requirements for certain servicemembers and veterans.
The Town of Longboat Key Is accepting applications for a Full-Time Plans Examiner/Building Inspector in our Planning, Zoning & Building Department. A pre-employment physical and drug screen will be required, except for current employees who have met the requirement.
FUNCTION
Under the general direction of the Building Official, provides plan review with supplementary ability to provide inspection services and code enforcement functions of the Building Department. Employee performs residential and commercial review of plans, blueprints, diagrams, surveys, flood certifications and other related documents for code compliance with local, state and federal codes. Work will also involve inspections and enforcement duties with building inspector licenses in one or more of the building trades such as Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical. Responsible for the enforcement of the Florida Statewide Building Code, FEMA floodplain development requirements, Town codes, ordinances and regulations and of the code inspection program relative to the construction, alteration, fire protection, and repair of buildings and structures.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- Responsible for reviewing building permit applications for compliance with the Florida Building Code, Town Ordinances, including local flood control ordinance, FEMA regulations, and any other applicable codes.
- Responsible for performing plan review of building, plumbing, electrical or mechanical permits.
- Periodically may need to fill in performing Inspections of structuresto verify compliance with codes and ordinances with related flood plain compliance.
- Visits building sites and inspects construction for building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and flood plain code compliance. Inspects work in process of construction, alterations and, upon completion, for compliance with Town codes.
- Advises and confers with contractors, engineers, architects, the public and others regarding construction and code compliance.
- Investigates building code violations and enforces correction of defects in a professional manner. Works closely with other Plans Examiner, Inspectors and Town Code Enforcement Officers and other internal staff members in coordination of duties and in carrying out building code and flood plain compliance.
- Maintains inspection records and creates reports.
- Performs technical and clerical work associated with the review of building permit applications.
- Provides written directives for the issuance of building permits for residential and commercial construction.
- Assists in coordinating plan review with other departments.
- Performs special projects as assigned.
- Researches, analyzes, and reviews existing and proposed code requirements and makes recommendations for changes and/or adoption to management.
- Prepares plan review summaries that clearly state design deficiencies, citing the related code requirements by section or citation.
- Assists in educating and informing the public on the contents of the building code and other applicable regulations.
- Ability to coordinate the functions of the department with other departments and agencies to maintain good working relationships with related trade groups representing developers, builders, contractors, architects, and engineers, so they are informed and supportive of Town policies.
- Ability to analyze problems related to the department's operations and recommend solutions.
- Report to work as required by the Disaster Plan Recovery Guide and regular attendance during normal work schedule other than excused or job-related absences.
- Any other functions deemed essential by the Town and communicated to the employee by his/her supervisor or department head.
OTHER TASKS
Every incidental duty connected with this position cannot be specified in the job description and an employee, at the discretion of the Town, may be required to perform duties that are not included in this job description.
Knowledge, Abilities, & Qualifications
JOB PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Extensive knowledge of the Florida Statewide Building Code. Considerable knowledge of the building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning ordinances. Considerable knowledge of ordinances and other laws relating to code enforcement, construction and building inspection. Considerable knowledge of building construction methods, trade procedures, and construction methods and practices. Knowledge of possible building construction and/or mechanical defects, and ability to be firm and polite in requiring a remedy of these defects.
Ability to read and interpret construction plans and blueprints. Ability to maintain clear and adequate records, and to make required written and verbal reports and presentations. Ability to correctly interpret code requirements and render decision with little supervision. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors and the general public. Ability to deal with public relations problems effectively, courteously, and tactfully.
Thorough knowledge of and ability to interpret federal, state, and local laws and applicable policies.
Ability to do the following:- Review and interpret construction plans quickly and accurately.
- Communicate technical information effectively, using various means to both design professionals and the general public.
- Meet rigid deadlines and organize daily work effectively.
- Learn and adapt to new building codes, and/or regulations.
- Use independent judgment and make decisions in a timely manner.
- Maintain clear concise records and produce reports.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, civic leaders, public officials, developers and the general public.
- May Make public presentations clearly and concisely and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Deal with public relations problems effectively, courteously, and tactfully.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
PREFERRED Possession of three (3) or more active Florida Licenses in Plans Review and as a Building inspector, including residential and/or commercial, mechanical, electrical, and/or l plumbing. Certification as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) and/or a Coastal Construction certification.
REQUIRED High School diploma or equivalent. Possession of at least two (2) active Florida Licenses as a Plans Reviewer and Building Inspector, with one being a Building Plans Review for Residential and Commercial Construction and valid Florida Driver’s License.
A comparable amount of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
Working Conditions & Supplemental Information
WORKING CONDITIONS
General office with significant public contact in and outside the office. Work involves serving walk-in clients, at the public service counter, and may require standing for long periods of time, with close in-person contact with the public. Work involves interacting with the public by telephone. Overtime as required. Work is performed in a variety of locations, inside and outside, as required. Outside work may be under adverse conditions. Physical capability to maneuver outdoor work site is necessary, requiring good physical condition. Capability to manage frequent interruptions and sustained attention to detail is required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Successful completion of an employment physical and drug screen to confirm the ability to perform the essential functions of the job (waived for promoted or transferred Town employees who have previously met this requirement); signed Acknowledgement for the attached “Drug Free Workplace Policy” must be provided prior to assuming Town duties.
The Town is a Drug Free Workplace, in compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, in § 440.102, FS and Rules 59A-24 F.A.C (Florida Administrative Code). State and federal laws and regulations may subject certain employees to additional drug testing requirements. Any employee who violates the program is subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our Web page at:
https://www.longboatkey.org/town-government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits
Closing Date/Time: 4/30/2025 3:59 PM Eastern -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Town of Longboat Key
Show moreLongboat Key is an offshore barrier island running roughly north to south and enclosing the western boundary of Sarasota Bay in Southwest Florida. The island’s eastern shoreline has dense mangroves except where canals have been dredged and marinas built. The western shoreline consists of a white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico. On both the north and south ends, Longboat Key is separated from neighboring islands by deep water passes from the Gulf to Sarasota Bay. St. Armands Key and Lido Key lie just south of Longboat Key and West of Sarasota. Lido Key is bordered by Sarasota Bay on the East and by the Gulf of Mexico on the West. St. Armands Key is surrounded by Lido Key on the West and Sarasota Bay on the East. Longboat Key, Lido Key and St. Armands Key are directly connected to each other by bridges.
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GEOGRAPHY
LONGBOAT KEY:
- Land Area: 4.26 square miles
- Length: 10.8 miles
- Width: .05 to 1 mile
- Elevation: 3 to 18 feet
LIDO KEY:
- Land Area: 530 acres
ST. ARMANDS KEY:
- Land Area: 83.6 acres
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POPULATION
LONGBOAT KEY:
- Full-time Residents: 8,000
- Seasonal Residents: 12,000
- Peak Season: 22,000
- Average Age: 66
- Male: 46.1%
- Female: 53.9%
- Avg. Household Income (2013): $175,000
LIDO KEY:
- Full-time Residents 1,475
- Seasonal Residents 1,000
- Peak Season 2,500
ST. ARMANDS KEY:
- Full-time Residents 743
GOVERNMENT
Longboat Key lies in two counties- Manatee on the northern half and Sarasota on the southern half. The island was incorporated as a township in 1955 and is governed by a seven member Town Commission, each serving a two-year term. The Mayor is elected for a two-year term by the Town Commission. Administration is under Town Management with a full complement of departments; building, planning & zoning, finance, town clerk, police and fire/rescue. Additionally the Town maintains coorperative relationships with police and fire rescue in neighboring communities. Lido Key and St. Armands are both in Sarasota County and are governed by the City of Sarasota. The Sarasota City Commission consist of five elected commissioners. The Mayor and Vice-Mayor are chosen by the Commisson and serve one year terms. All elections are non-partisan and Sarasota has a Commission Manager form of governement. The Commission appoints a City Manager. City departments include police, public works, building, zoning and code compliance, finance, housing and Community Development, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Planning and Engineering.
TRANSPORTATION
Longboat Key’s primary transportation element is Gulf of Mexico Drive (S.R. 789), a state highway classified as “urban minor arterial” running from the northern to southern ends of the key. All other roadways are Town-owned two lane streets connecting to Gulf of Mexico Drive. St. Armands Key’s primary transportation element is S.R. 789 which takes you around St. Armands Circle into Sarasota. Other roadways on St. Armands Circle are city owned. Lido Key’s primary road is Ben Franklin Drive which is just west of Blvd of the Presidents on St. Armands Circle. All other roadways on Lido Key are owned by the City of Sarasota. The Intracoastal waterway runs through Sarasota Bay and is accessible from Longboat from both the Gulf passes and numerous channels on the island’s bayside. There is public bus transportation serving the islands from Sarasota County. The Sarasota/Bradenton area has an international airport, extensive bus service, major state highways and the interstate highway system.
PUBLIC SAFETY
On Longboat Key there are 60 full-time employees in Police and Fire-Rescue Departments. All Fire-Rescue personnel are certified paramedics or EMT’s. Average response time of Fire-Rescue is only three minutes. Lido Key and St. Armands Key are under the jurisdiction of the City of Sarasota. Police Department and Fire-Rescue is through Sarasota County. Sarasota County has 127 Fire-Rescue personnel serving Lido Key and St. Armands Key and response time is just under three minutes. The City of Sarasota assigns four police to cover St. Armands Key and Lido Key, one of those four officers are present 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
TAXES
State sales tax is 7% in Sarasota County and 6.5% in Manatee County. However, medicines, medical services and most food items are exempt. Sales tax rates for transient rentals are 10.5% in Manatee County and 10% in Sarasota County. Area property taxes average 2% of assessed valuation, which is construed as market value. Taxes are assessed as of January 1 each year by the city, county and/or special taxing districts. All property taxes are conveniently combined in one bill due in November and delinquent if not paid by April 1 of the next year. Each person who owns and resides on real property in Florida on January 1 and makes the property his or her permanent residence is eligible to receive a homestead exemption up to $50,000. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes, including school district taxes. The additional exemption up to $25,000, applies to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and only to non-school taxes. You must have a deed, Florida Drivers License, voter’s registration or Declaration of Domicile to apply. Renewals are made through the mail and are automatic unless your status changes.
Tangible Tax – Business property is subject to Florida’s Tangible Tax, which includes everything used in performance of your business except real estate. All businesses whether individual, partnership or corporations, which control, manage, lease or own any tangible personal property such as furniture, equipment, computers, machines, etc. must file a tangible tax return prior to April 1 of each year. Failure to do so will result in a fine.
HOUSING
The islands have a mix of residential condominiums, single-family homes, mobile homes and tourist units. This housing reflects the areas popularity as a haven for retired and working residents, winter residents and tourists.
SARASOTA/BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, just east of Tamiami Trail (US 41) on the Manatee/Sarasota County line, is a convenient 30 minutes from Longboat Key.
Carriers include Air Canada, Air France, Air Tran Airways, Jet Blue Airways, KLM, United Airlines and US Airways. Commuter service is provided by air Sunshine & Conair. For information call 941-359-5200 or visit online at www.srq-airport.com.
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