Code Compliance Officer

Code Compliance Officer

The purpose of this position is to ensure the safety and visual appeal of the City of Lauderdale Lakes by enforcing City codes and ordinances. This position investigates complaints, conduct inspections, and educate the public, takes progressive enforcement actions including citations and hearings before the Special Magistrate or Code Enforcement Board. This position collaborates with City departments and external agencies to resolve violations efficiently and fairly. Performs field inspections and administrative work to maintain compliance, exercising judgment under general supervision in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Supervision Received: Works under the general guidance and direction of the Code Compliance Supervisor and/or designee. Supervision Exercised: None.

The Code Compliance Officer conducts field inspections and investigations to identify and address potential violations of City codes, including property maintenance, zoning, signage, business tax, parking, noise, and environmental regulations. Investigations may be prompted by resident complaints, other City departments, elected officials, or the Officer's own observations, and can include issues such as overgrown lots, trash accumulation, abandoned vehicles, deteriorated structures, unsafe or unsanitary conditions, and illegal signage. The Officer promotes voluntary compliance through education and, when needed, enforces City codes via warnings, Notices of Violation, Uniform Code Citations, and hearings before the Special Magistrate or Code Enforcement Board. Follow-up inspections ensure violations are corrected and compliance is maintained. Responsibilities include documenting findings in the City's code compliance database, preparing reports, coordinating with City departments (Building, Fire, Public Works, Police) and external agencies (county/state code enforcement, animal control, sanitation, health), removing illegal signs from public rights-of-way, educating residents and business owners about code requirements, and promptly notifying the Code Compliance Supervisor of significant issues. The Officer also performs other duties as needed to support the Development Services.

Attendance Requirements: Ability to meet the attendance requirements of the position. Work schedules may vary based on the operational needs of the Development Services Department and Code Compliance Division. Must be available to work assigned days and hours necessary to perform all assigned duties and responsibilities, including evenings, weekends, holidays, emergency operations, and special assignments when required. Emergency coverage will be assigned based on a rotation schedule established by the Director. Must maintain regular and reliable attendance and be available to communicate and interact effectively with supervisors, coworkers, residents, contractors, business owners, outside agencies, and other individuals necessary to accomplish departmental and organizational objectives. As essential personnel, employees may be required to report for duty before, during, and after emergencies, hurricanes, natural disasters, or other City emergency operations.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The Officer enforces municipal codes and zoning regulations through inspections, investigations, and evidence collection, while maintaining accurate records and managing multiple cases. They communicate effectively with residents, businesses, and City staff, educating and resolving conflicts to gain voluntary compliance. The Officer exercises sound judgment, handles sensitive situations professionally, and applies City codes consistently. They prepare reports, notices, and case materials, represent the city in hearings, and use technology for inspections, photography, and mapping. Working independently, they support the Development Services Department and ensure compliance with City standards.

Qualifications:

• At least a High School Diploma or state issued GED and one (1) year experience in code compliance or related field.
• Must possess Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification (Level 1) from the Florida Association of Code Enforcement (FACE) or be able to obtain within one (1) year of employment.
• Must be proficient in operating a computer with standard office software and mobile field technology.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Driver's License.

Note: This position may be under-filled by someone who does not have the Level I Certification. Said Certification must, however, be obtained within one (1) year of employment and the Level II Certification within two (2) years of obtaining the Level I.

Physical Requirements: Strong sensory skills to communicate and interact effectively with employees and the public by phone and in person. They must be physically capable of using office equipment such as word processors, calculators, copiers, and fax machines. The role requires standing, walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and other physical activities, as well as the ability to operate a city vehicle for extended periods, including using it as a mobile field office. The Officer works both indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions, including inclement weather, and must have sufficient agility to conduct field inspections. Vision (20/20 with or without correction), hearing, and speech are necessary to perform inspections, discuss issues, and respond to hazards. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.