-
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 ofLongboat Key is accepting applications for a FT Police Chief for the Town’s Police Department that will work to keep our 7,500 residents and visitors (which swells to more than 20,000 in season) safe and secure. As a 10 mile long, 4.5 sq. mile barrier island located in both Sarasota and Manatee counties, Longboat Key enjoys a high quality of life with amazing natural resources. The Department received statewide accreditation in 2024 and consistently receives high ratings of citizen satisfaction for providing exceptional services. A pre-employment physical and drug screen will be required, except for current employees who have met this requirement.
Why Join Us?- Innovative Projects: Advance projects that protect and enhance our coastal environment and the Town way of life.
- Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuing education, certifications, and job specific training.
- Community Impact: Make a difference in a community that values dependability, resilience, fiscal sustainability and excellence.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a supportive work environment with flexible working arrangements
- Community Appreciation: Be part of a community that deeply values and respects its law enforcement. Longboat Key has a unique, strong connection to its police officers and truly understands and appreciates the work they do to keep the Town safe.
POSTING HIGHLIGHTS
The Town of Longboat Key is a beautiful place to live, work and visit. Join our team at the Town of Longboat Key, a premier coastal community renowned for its exceptional service and commitment to quality of life.
Benefits:- Retirement: Town contributes 16% of employee’s annual salary
- 401K: First 6% of employee contribution, 1-5 years of service: 25%; 5 years of service or more = 50%
- Health Insurance Cost: 100% for employees and 88% for family coverage
- Other Benefits: Dental plan, Vision plan, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, all at good, competitive rates.
- Regular Vacation: 80 hours earned per year plus 2 personal days
- Sick Leave: 95 hours per year
- Manager Hours, 80 hours per calendar year, does not roll over - must use by last period in the year or will be lost.
- Wellness Days: Earn up to two additional days off per year
EXPECTATIONS FOR EMPLOYEES IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Supports the organization’s mission, vision and values by exhibiting the following behaviors:
Servant Leader
Clear Vision for Department/Team
Nurture Growth & Development
Highest Degree of Integrity/Ethics/Accountability
Demonstrate Mutual Respect
Encourage Strategic Thinking, Innovation, and Action
Embrace Continuous Improvement
FUNCTION
The Police Chief is responsible for providing highly professional administrative, strategic and technical leadership in directing all employees and operations within the police department. This position entails overseeing the protection of lives and property in the Town, ensuring public safety through effective law enforcement practices and community engagement. The Police Chief supervises the department with considerable autonomy in the day-to-day operations, while aligning departmental goals and actions with the Town’s mission and values.
The Police Chief is also responsible for fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within the department. This position is considered a valuable part of the Town’s leadership team operating under executive direction by the Town Manager while being responsible for setting the department’s strategic vision, driving innovation, and maintain strong public relations. Additionally, the Police Chief is committed to building strong relationships with other members of the leadership team while ensuring the department remains responsive to community needs and is adaptable to emerging challenges in law enforcement and public safety.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- Develops and implements orders, regulations and polices governing the activities of the police department, in accordance with state and local laws. Collaborates with the Town Manager to formulate and refine departmental policies and practices. Communicates these policies clearly to all subordinate officers and staff, ensuring their understanding and compliance. Establishes and prescribes effective work methods and procedures for the department, continuously seeking opportunities for operational improvements. Takes appropriate disciplinary action when necessary to maintain department standards and performance.
- Ensures the highest level of professional law enforcement operations and maintains the police department’s accreditation.
- Promotes a Community Policing approach within the Department with a strong emphasis on customer service and building positive relationships with the community.
- Plans and supervises the enforcement of traffic and safety regulations as well as crime prevention and detention programs. Collaborates with state and federal law enforcement agencies in the apprehension and detention of wanted persons and works with other agencies as needed to support joint law enforcement efforts.
- Provides guidance and assistance to police officers in complex or non-routine criminal investigations and actively participates in resolving the most challenging issues encountered by subordinates.
- Encourages and cultivates courteous, professional, and helpful attitudes among all department personnel in their interactions with the with other Town departments, the public, elected officials, and the media.
- Attends civic club meetings, churches, schools, and other community gatherings to explain the police department’s activities and functions, fostering positive relations and community engagement.
- Prepares and manages the annual budget, implementing programs to reduce operational costs while striving to improve departmental services.
- Provides timely updates and reports to the Town Manager on department activities and significant police-related events within the community.
- Reports to work on emergency call back when notified, in accordance with departmental procedures. If an employee is unable to report for duty due to a violation of the Town’s Drug Free Workplace Policy, they must immediately inform the Supervisor so alternate coverage can be arranged. Employees are expected to perform all essential functions of their job, including on call duties. Failure to respond to call back duty may result in a performance review, and disciplinary action up to and including termination.
- In declared emergencies, reports to the Town’s Emergency Management Coordinator and participates in applicable emergency operations, while maintaining regular attendance during the normal work schedule, except for excused or job-related absences.
- Serves as an active member of the senior leadership team, collaborating with other departments as needed to accomplish the Town’s mission.
- Public Information Officer oversees communications between the Town and press media. The Police Chief is a key member of the Town’s communications team and may serve as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the police department. In collaboration with the Town’s primary PIO and other team members, the Police Chief ensures the accurate and timely dissemination of information, focusing on police department-related matters and supporting broader communication efforts between the Town and the media.
- Performs any other functions as deemed essential by the Town and communicated to the employee by the Town Manager.
Knowledge, Abilities, & Qualifications
JOB PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern police administration and law enforcement methods. Experience in pro-active community policing programs. Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances which are enforced by the Town police department. Considerable knowledge of scientific methods of crime detection and criminal identification. Experience in department level strategic planning and performance measurement. Considerable knowledge of the types and uses of firearms. Knowledgeable in police accreditation standards and maintaining the police department's accreditation status.
Strong ability to supervise, train and mentor a diverse team of law enforcement officers and support personnel.
Ability to build a strong team and to collaborate with other Town departments, outside agencies, media, and the community.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
PREFERRED
Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university with a major in public administration, law enforcement, or criminology; Ten (10) years law enforcement experience with 5 years in upper-level supervisory and administrative duties.
REQUIRED
Graduation from an accredited two-year college or university with a major in public administration, law enforcement or criminology, supplemented by advanced courses in modern police administration methods and practices; at least 5-7 years of extensive law enforcement experience including significant supervisory and managerial responsibilities. Must be a certified law enforcement officer in Florida or able to obtain certification within six to 9 months from date of hire.
A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
Working Conditions & Supplemental Information
Valid Florida Driver’s License (MVR background check).
Successful completion of an employment physical and drug screen to confirm the ability to perform the essential functions of the job
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.
Hepatitis A vaccination, or proof of the same, as a precautionary measure against exposure to raw sewage and a signed Acknowledgement for the attached “Information to Employees - Hepatitis A” must be provided prior to assuming Town duties.
Hepatitis B vaccination, proof of same, or signed Acknowledgement declining the vaccination (see attachedInformation to Employees - Hepatitis B) must be provided prior to assuming Town duties.
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: 5/12/2025 4:00 PM Eastern -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
-
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-