Special Master Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This is a mission-critical position requiring strong knowledge of zoning laws, field inspection protocols, and the ability to make sound independent decisions that impact public trust and County development outcomes. The Zoning Inspector/Compliance Officer plays a vital and highly visible role in protecting Hernando County's development integrity, public safety, and environmental standards. This position is responsible for conducting inspections and enforcing zoning, land use, Riverine Protection Zone, and related County ordinances and regulations for residential and commercial properties. Duties include performing field inspections, conducting preconstruction meetings, preserving natural vegetative buffers, enforcing commercial zoning requirements, and achieving compliance through corrective actions and fines when necessary. The position also performs administrative and inspection work related to County zoning, land use, and code compliance activities.

The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

• Implement field and final zoning inspections to ensure compliance with zoning permits, specifically for commercial and industrial projects involving waterways, landscaping, mining, setbacks, and buffers
• Performs inspections related to the Riverine Protection Ordinance, final zoning, landscaping, mining, and waterways regulations
• Inspects commercial and residential subdivisions for compliance in support of performance and maintenance bond returns
• Performs Temporary Conditional Occupancy (TCO) and Conditional Occupancy (CO) inspections
• Performs field inspections principally to determine violations of zoning, building, landscaping, setbacks, street graphics, screening and related codes and ordinances. Enforces Code of Ordinances.
• Investigates reported violations and complaints, determines ownership, and advises owners of necessary actions.
• Serves legal notices to property owners and processes matters requiring prosecution, under the supervision of the Department Supervisor.
• Interprets existing regulations and codes. Makes impartial judgment decisions in determining compliance.
• Issues Civil Citations for violations of codes and ordinances.
• Attends County Court or Special Master Hearings and gives testimony when required.
• Coordinates with Planning & Zoning staff to achieve desired inspection results.
• Performs final zoning inspections for commercial and single-family homes.
• Attends weekly staff meetings and civic association meetings when scheduled.
• Inputs and manages data, generates correspondence, and maintains accurate and compliant records.
• Maintains consistent and reliable attendance.

Plan Review & Code Application:

• Reviews site plans, survey plats, construction drawings, and development plans for compliance with zoning and land use laws.
• Interprets and applies Florida Statutes and local municipal codes relevant to zoning, land use, and environmental protection.
• Conducts plan reviews concerning Riverine Protection and related waterways codes.
• Prepares materials for legal proceedings and provides testimony in County Court or Special Master hearings.
• Issues citations for enforcement of compliance when voluntary compliance efforts fail.

Public Interaction & Communication:

• Provides zoning-related information to property owners, contractors, developers, and the general public while offering referrals to appropriate agencies as needed.
• Explains complex zoning and waterways regulations in accessible language during meetings and consultations.
• Attends staff meetings as assigned.
• Conducts site visits in support of variances and special exception considerations.
• Reports zoning violations and complaints, determines property ownership, and advises stakeholders on corrective actions.
• Issues legal notices, civil citations, summons, and warrants as necessary.
• Educate commercial business owners on compliance matters.

Emergency Response County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description. Employees may request an exemption from this requirement by submitting the appropriate exemption form, subject to review and approval.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience in the interpretation and enforcement of Florida Statues, regulatory codes, site reviews, and guidelines
• Training and experience in one or more of the following fields preferred: Zoning laws, real estate, County building, planning, zoning, law enforcement and or Code Enforcement.
• Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter tailored to the position. Application materials must demonstrate clear, professional written communication skills.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License and be insurable by current insurance carrier.
• Certification with Florida Association of Code Enforcement (FACE) or obtain within one year of employment.
• NIMS certification 100, 200, and 700.

Required Competencies

• Ability to gain knowledge of County zoning, land use and related ordinances and codes.
• Ability to read or learn to read legal descriptions.
• Ability to uphold codes, ordinances, and regulations impartially and make interpretive judgment decisions within established guidelines.
• Ability to create and maintain good working relationships with officials, contractors, other employees, and the general public.
• Ability to prepare oral and written reports.
• Ability to analyze issues and render difficult recommendations or decisions.
• Ability to set forth a positive professional image.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Work involves outside and inside, adverse weather, working as a team and alone.
• The job involves frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 20 pounds.
• The job requires frequent bending, twisting, and occasional squatting, climbing, kneeling, and balancing.
• The job requires the completion of tasks that involve simple grasping, pushing, pulling, fine manual manipulation, and typing.
• The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, depth perception and color vision, hearing, and speaking.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pay Grade: 7 Salary Disclosure: Pay rates are based on policy, education, skill, experience level and internal equity. VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Hernando County BOCC provides to veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants. PLEASE REVIEW THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ON POSTING AND COMMUNICATE HOW YOU MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR APPLICATION/RESUME. MINIMUM REQUIEMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED. All applications will be carefully reviewed to evaluate qualifications and overall suitability for the position. The relevance, scope, and length of related work experience, training, and education outlined in the application and resume will be considered during the screening process. Selected applicants will be contacted to participate in interviews. Candidates are encouraged to clearly document all pertinent experience, including relevant knowledge, skills, or abilities gained outside of traditional employment, in the additional information section of the application. Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law. Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.