City Clerk

City of Cape Canaveral, FL

(Population 10,635)

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Background

Located approximately midway between Miami and Jacksonville and slightly over 50 miles east of Orlando, the City of Cape Canaveral and its sandy beaches are a popular tourist destination.  It is on a barrier island and largely residential.  The Atlantic Ocean lies to the east, the Banana River to the west, Port Canaveral to the north and Cocoa Beach to the south.  Just north lies Port Canaveral – the only deep water port between Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville – and just beyond that is John F. Kennedy Space Center and NASA.  Seven miles to the south is Patrick Air Force Base.  As a result, the area has a strong military presence along with the supporting contractors.  When you put it all together, the City is an integral part of the residential, business, and recreational activities of Brevard County. 

The Government

The City follows the Council-Manager form of government with a Mayor and four Council Members.  All serve three year terms.  Two members are elected each year to three-year terms, except on every third year only one member, who is also the mayor, is elected to a three-year term.  All of the Council Members are elected at large. 

The City government is lean and well run.  It has 52 employees excluding police and fire which are provided through service contracts.  The total budget is approximately $14.3 million of which the general fund composes $9.5 million.  With the recent property tax reform in Florida, some belt tightening has already occurred.  The City provides almost all the standard city services (police, growth management, parks and recreation, wastewater and stormwater).  Water services are provided by the City of Cocoa and library services are provided through the County. The government is fiscally conservative.  The current millage is 3.0671. 

City Clerk

The City Clerk’s position is a professional, administrative and supervisory position overseeing Records Management, Human Resources, Risk Management, Public Information and Elections.  The Clerk reports to and is appointed by the City Manager.  Specific duties include:  (1) Serving as Custodian of all the City’s public records, (2) Preparing the agenda’s and minutes for the City Council as well as scheduling of meetings and public notices, (3) Responding to all public information requests, (4) Preparing the department’s annual budget, (5) Coordinating advisory boards, (6) Overseeing all municipal elections, (7) Coordinating all activities related to the human resources, and (8) overseeing risk management.   

The Issues

While the work of the City Clerk is largely routine, the City Council has asked staff to evaluate contracting out the human resource and risk management functions of the City Clerk’s Office.  Hence, the responsibilities of the Clerk may become smaller.  The City Council is also establishing a charter review committee that will start in the summer of 2009 and present any proposed charter amendments to the voters in November of 2010.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a strong manager and leader with excellent communications skills.  He/She will be extremely customer service oriented, both with respect to the internal city staff and to the City’s residents and businesses.  The individual will have a strong knowledge of municipal codes, intergovernmental relations, election laws and procedures as well as state regulations for public records management, retention and disposition.  The individual will be proactive, very detail oriented and have a good sense of humor. 

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and three years related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  Certification by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks is also required. 

Compensation

Salary will depend upon qualifications but will be between $51,584 and $75,982.  The City has an excellent benefit package. 

How to Apply

E-mail your resume to Recruit25@cb-asso.com by July 24, 2009.  Faxed and mailed resumes will not be considered.  Questions should be directed to Colin Baenziger of Colin Baenziger & Associates at (561) 707-3537.  

The Process

The applicant screening will begin on July 25, 2009 and interviews held shortly thereafter. 

Other Important Information

Cape Canaveral is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages minorities to apply.  Under the Florida Public Records Act, all applications are subject to disclosure upon receipt. Veteran’s preference will be awarded under applicable Florida law