Code Enforcement Officer

Department: Police

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Annual Salary: $36,552.41

Position Overview

Help protect the safety and health of citizens by ensuring that properties and buildings are in accordance with housing and zoning ordinances. Determines the nature of environmental or health hazards, nuisance violations and unsafe building conditions.

Position includes responsibility for performing field and office work. Inspections are conducted independently in accordance with departmental regulations.

Essential Job Functions

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, May include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Respond to citizen’s complaints of code violations.
• Inspects and investigates potential violations of city ordinances which have been reported to determine if a violation has occurred.
• Proactively patrols and inspects properties for code violations during the course of duties.
• Researches land ownership records, permitting records and past or current code violations using computer.
• Prepares and issues notices of violation to be sent after inspection; communicates with alleged violators regarding findings, the process they will be involved in, and the resolution of the violation.
• Re-inspects violations for compliance.
• Post properties in accordance with state laws as required.
• Aid property owners in the abatement of nuisance or violation.
• Develop, organize and submit paperwork as deemed necessary to support Environmental Court proceedings.
• Appears in court or other judicial proceedings to submit testimony, evidence, and case summary for the enforcement/prosecution of criminal infractions of codes, ordinances and/or laws.
• Works in compliance with other departments that are engaged in code compliance tasks. (i.e., building inspector, public works, storm water, fire codes, etc.) Maintains communications for establishing coordination with other departments/agencies relevant to code enforcement activities.
• Performs data entry in computer as necessary.
• Maintain accurate records and documentations of complaints, property inspections, and case violations.
• Maintains cleanliness of assigned vehicle and equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Municipal Code enforcement methods and procedures.
• Safe and efficient work practices related to inspections and enforcement duties.
• Techniques of negotiations and conflict resolution.
• Possess strong customer service skills with the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and citizen groups, businesses, and other internal and external agencies.
• Ability to deal with the public tactfully and courteously.
• Ability to enforce regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from the general public, City Official or other department employees.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Gather and analyze data for the purpose of preparing accurate and concise written and statistical reports.
• Ability to extract legal descriptions and ownership information from records as required.
• Interpret and implement assigned regulations, policies, and procedures as they are related to the program.
• Interpret City codes and determining corrective action.
• Apply analytical skills and understand impact and consequences of decisions and actions.
• Read and interpret laws, codes, ordinances and policies.
• Process information and data in a relevant manner to reach reasonable conclusions and make practical decisions.
• Travel to remote sites within the city to conduct inspections.
• Work indoors or outdoors in a variety of climatic conditions.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Meet deadlines and work independently.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondences.
• Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications.
• Maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees, supervisor and other departments.
  
  

Education And Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent. Experience or training dealing with the public in any of the following types of work: Code Enforcement, Planning, Building Inspection, Investigation or other closely related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above.

Required Licenses Or Certificates

Must possess a valid Mississippi driver’s license. Must obtain ICC Inspector Certification within 12 months of hire.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

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

Physical requirements include occasional lifting/carrying of 50+ pounds; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer keyboard and basic office equipment. Subject to sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting and kneeling to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are both indoors and outdoors.