Code Enforcement Officer

National Police; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 51,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

Life insurance

FRS retirement

Paid time off

Job summary

Sarasota County Government is seeking a Code Enforcement Officer to investigate and resolve code violations, educate residents, and enforce regulations across property maintenance, zoning, and safety standards.

The role requires strong communication, interpretation of codes, and professional conduct in a fast-paced outdoor environment. Certification (F.A.C.E.) is preferred but can be obtained within a year. Scheduling includes standard weekdays with some weekend shifts.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 3+ years of enforcement experience.
• Associate degree can substitute for 2 years of the required work experience.
• Valid Florida driver’s license required at the time of hire.
• Must obtain F.A.C.E. Certification within 1 year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, document, and resolve complaints related to County codes and ordinances.
• Research property ownership and legal descriptions using County records.
• Maintain accurate case records and public records requests.
• Coordinate with contractors to abate code violations when necessary.
• Prepare case documentation and testify at code enforcement hearings.
• Recover illegally placed signs from public rights‑of‑way.
• Build relationships with residents and associations through education and outreach.
• Participate in ongoing training and support team operations.

Skills

Strong communicator

Explain regulations

Customer service

Computer skills

Regulatory interpretation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

3+ years enforcement experience

Associate degree substitute for experience

Valid Florida driver’s license

Tools

Sound level meters

Light meters

Cameras

Measuring wheels

Job description

Department:

Planning and Development Services

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Help protect and enhance the quality of life in Sarasota County as a Code Enforcement Officer with our Planning and Development Services team. In this role, you’ll investigate complaints, educate residents, and enforce Federal, State, and County codes related to property maintenance, zoning, building standards, solid waste, sound ordinances, and more. If you enjoy problem-solving, working outdoors, and making a positive impact in the community, we’d love to hear from you.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator who enjoys working with the public, can confidently interpret and explain regulations, and remains professional in a fast-paced environment. F.A.C.E. (Florida Association of Code Enforcement) Certification is preferred but not required for consideration. We can help the right candidate obtain the certification within 1 year of hire! Starting pay is $24.74/hour. Read on to learn more about the responsibilities, qualifications, and schedule

About the Position

In this role, you will...

• Investigate, document, and resolve complaints related to County codes and ordinances while ensuring consistent and fair code enforcement.
• Research property ownership and legal descriptions using County records to support investigations.
• Maintain accurate case records, enter information into the County’s tracking system, and compile documentation for public records requests.
• Coordinate with contractors to facilitate the abatement of code violations when necessary.
• Prepare case documentation and testify before the Special Magistrate during code enforcement hearings.
• Recover illegally placed signs from public rights-of-way to help maintain safe and attractive roadways.
• Build positive relationships with residents, homeowner and civic associations by providing education, attending meetings, and participating in community cleanup events.
• Participate in ongoing training, cross-training, and administrative support activities to expand knowledge and support team operations.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Schedule can include rotating Saturday or Sunday shifts, early morning and evening inspections, occasional overtime, and Saturday Community Clean Up events.

As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

About You

To be considered for this role, you must have the following:

• High School Diploma or its equivalent and 3(+) years of field enforcement experience involving interpreting, documenting, reporting, and/or correcting violations of regulatory codes or ordinances.
• OR: Associate degree can substitute for 2 years of the required work experience.
• Valid Florida driver’s license required at the time of hire.
• Must obtain F.A.C.E. (Florida Association of Code Enforcement) Certification (one level) within 1 year of employment. We can help with this!

The ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:

Please note that these are not requirements but bonuses for your consideration.

• F.A.C.E. Certification prior to hire (preferred but not required).
• Experience using inspection equipment such as sound level meters, light meters, cameras, and measuring wheels.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with general office equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain codes and regulations clearly to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to remain professional in challenging situations, make sound decisions, and provide exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of 5 years.

Physical Demands: Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay: $24.74/hour

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

• If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed above – List B Documents.)

2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed above – List C Documents.)

• Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more!Cchoose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
• For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net for additional information.
• Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multipleSarasota County Government locations.
• Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)

A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.

We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.

Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally.

A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance).

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.