Code Enforcement Officer

Description

This position will remain open until filled, with applications reviewed on an ongoing basis. This job posting may be removed at any time without prior notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration.

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, performs a variety of code enforcement inspections on residential and commercial properties. This position investigates complaints regarding potential code violations pertaining to nuisances, trash, debris or related unsanitary conditions, property, zoning, and vehicle code violations, and high grass and overhanging limbs. This position issues citations, notices or abatements as necessary; ensures work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures; performs the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility; and performs other duties as assigned. This position is a part of the Community Services portion of the Building & Community Services Department.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the entry/journey level classification in the Code Enforcement Officer series and is a single-incumbent classification. The employee receives leadership from the Senior Code Enforcement Officer and general supervision from the Building and Community Services Director or Assistant Director and exercises no supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

Investigate potential violations of municipal and state laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations relating to nuisance abatement of weeds, debris, brush, junk, junk vehicles, open private sewer lines, failed on-site sewage facilities, and illegal dumping on vacant, residential, and commercial properties.

Patrol assigned area; inspect properties to ensure codes are met regarding Environmental Condition; analyze factors of non-compliance and prepare reports for possible legal action.

Research property ownership through City records, plat maps, deeds, and other municipal records; inform property owner(s) of code violations through correspondence; provide information relating to bringing property into compliance.

Issue notices of violation and notices of abatement; conduct follow-up investigations to secure compliance with code and ordinance.

Compile evidence and photographs for potential legal actions.

Prepare a variety of written case reports, memos, record requests, and correspondence.

Document and maintain records of code enforcement activities.

Coordinate with City departments for assistance in cleaning rights-of-way, drainage easements, and creeks.

Coordinate with volunteer groups to provide assistance in bringing properties into compliance.

Ensure all City-owned property is maintained according to City codes.

Assign contractors to properties to mow and/or clean the unattended property and monitor work progress.

Coordinate with salvage yards for the removal of abandoned/junk vehicles in accordance with local ordinances and the Traffic Safety Code.

Respond and maintain a courteous manner when handling difficult and sensitive requests and when dealing with potentially hostile situations.

Adhere to all safety requirements pertaining to this position.

Assist Health Inspectors and Building Inspectors with various inspections.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Experience:

High school diploma or GED.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid State driver’s license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Special Requirements:

Ability to obtain and maintain a Texas Code Enforcement Officer license within 18 months of hire.

Position requires regular in-person attendance, which may include occasional evenings and weekends.

Supplemental Information

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Operations, services, and activities of a code enforcement program.

Methods and techniques of code enforcement.

State and local codes in order to site violations of grass, junk, junk vehicles, abandoned appliances, debris, and hazardous disposals.

Occupational hazards and applicable safety precautions.

Methods and techniques of report preparation.

Operations, services, and activities of the city.

Geographical features and streets within the city.

Local nuisance ordinances.

Basic principles and procedures of record keeping.

Modern and complex principles and practices of a code enforcement program.

Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws, and regulations.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Work independently in the absence of supervision.

Operate and use modern office equipment, including a phone, computer, etc.

Operate and use a digital camera and radio.

Follow all safety rules and regulations of the department.

Operate a variety of vehicular and stationary mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner.

Interpret, explain, and enforce departmental policies and procedures.

Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.

Prepare clear and concise reports.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, in English.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Effectively deal with irate citizens in a professional and courteous manner.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, and stand; talk and hear; use hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. The employee is frequently required to lift or move moderately heavy objects. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work, including frequent contact with customers and/or the public and dissatisfied/abusive individuals.

Work Environment

Outside working conditions that may require exposure to extreme weather conditions, possible exposure to electrical, explosive, radiation, toxic, and chemical hazards, animal attacks, and buildings in unsafe conditions. Work also requires on-site field inspections involving construction hazards. Inside conditions would be a normal office environment.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Not Applicable