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Highlands Today

Tourist Council Approves Director Job Description

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By Bill Rogers | Highlands Today

Published: December 9, 2007

SEBRING – Highlands County could hire a new tourism director in February 2008 if the interview process moves along without a hitch, according to county Administrator Carl Cool.

Cool presented the job description for the position and talked in general about the hiring process during Thursday's Highlands County Tourist Development Council meeting. The county will be seeking a replacement for Jim Brantley, who resigned as director earlier this year. Brantley is continuing to work for the county as a consultant.

Cool told the council there was a difference of opinion between the county's Human Resources department and Brantley regarding the minimum amount of education for the position. The county staff wants the individual to have a four-year college degree, while Brantley doesn't believe it should be required.

"I would love to see someone come in with a master's degree and three years experience in tourism," Brantley said. "There are no degree programs in tourism development."

Brantley noted that most of the applicants will likely have a marketing or communications background.

While Cool said he did not have a strong feeling one way or the other on the matter, he said he wouldn't require the degree so the county wouldn't "lock a person out" if the applicant had tourism experience.

The salary range will be $41,017.60 to $67,496.

The council unanimously approved the job description.

The county commission is expected to review the it on Dec. 18.

Once it is approved, the position will be advertised. A subcommittee of the TDC will be appointed to interview candidates. Brantley and a human resources employee will also participate.

The final decision on the director will be made by county commissioners.

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