Code Compliance Officer

City Property Maintenance & Zoning Inspector

This is professional-level work involving responsibilities for the enforcement of various City and State laws, Ordinances and Regulations pertaining to a wide variety of areas in the fields of property maintenance and Zoning. Employees in this class make personal inspections of vacant and occupied residential and commercial properties for the purpose of securing compliance with the City of Kenosha's Property Maintenance and Zoning Codes. The work is performed under the general direction of the Supervisor of City Inspections, however, the employee will be expected to exercise independent judgment and discretion in achieving program and departmental objectives and solving problems in their areas of work while simultaneously adhering to the department's policies and procedures.

Example of Duties & Responsibilities

Complaint Investigation & Enforcement: Investigates complaints regarding unsanitary conditions in residential and commercial properties, ensuring compliance with property maintenance standards, housing, health-related codes, and zoning regulations.

Inspection & Violation Response: Conducts interior and exterior inspections of various properties, including lodging houses, mobile home parks, and vacant lots. Responds promptly to complaints from tenants, property owners, and city officials, proactively citing observed violations.

Documentation & Legal Action: Prepares and issues warning notices, Orders to Correct, Municipal Court Citations, and maintains detailed records on individual properties and cases. Collaborates with the City Attorney's office, preparing court documentation and attending hearings to provide expert testimony.

Community Engagement & Education: Engages with residents and professional audiences to educate the public on specific code regulations and requirements. Provides referrals to other City Departments and outside agencies as necessary.

Case Management & Compliance Monitoring: Manages an open caseload through daily updates in the case management system, scheduling timely reinspections to determine if compliance was achieved, and informing involved parties of inspection results and potential solutions.

Professional Development & Collaboration: Attends meetings, clinics, and training seminars to stay informed on local, state, and federal requirements. Works with contractors to check the completeness of abated cases and provides City grant information to low-income homeowners with violations.

Additional Duties: Performs related duties and tasks as assigned by the Supervisor or Director.

Note: The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed by persons in positions covered by this classification specification. This list is not all inclusive. The omission of a particular job duty does not mean that the duty is not one of the essential functions of the position. Management reserves the right to assign employees in this classification to duties not listed above, if the duties are fairly within the scope of responsibilities applicable to the level of work performed by employees in positions covered by this classification specification. This classification specification does not create an employment contract between the City and the employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and the department change over time.

Requirements

Education, Training and Experience Requirement:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public health, construction or related field.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in housing code enforcement and/or environmental sanitation;
• Certification as a Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector through the International Code Council for II level, or the ability to obtain such certification.
• Experience in construction practices is desirable.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements:

• Knowledge of various types of construction materials and methods.
• Knowledge of City and property maintenance codes, and related laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of City regulations pertaining to the inspection of property.
• Ability to detect structural issues.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to make independent decisions and exercise good judgment.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to handle reasonably necessary stress.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships.
• Ability to consult with and enlist the cooperation of building owners, contractors and the public.
• Ability to calmly and effectively deal with difficult people and challenging situations.

Physical Requirements:

• Task involves frequent walking; standing; some lifting and carrying objects of moderate weight (12-20 lbs).

Environmental Requirements:

• Task may require frequent exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Sensory Requirements:

• Task requires color perception and discrimination.
• Task requires sound perception and discrimination.
• Task requires odor perception and discrimination.
• Task requires depth perception and discrimination.
• Task requires visual perception and discrimination.
• Task requires oral communication ability.

Other Requirements:

• Possession of a valid Driver's License and a good driving record.
• May be required to provide a personal vehicle for use on the job.

Method of Selection

Selection of qualified applicants will be based upon a rating of their training, experience and work record. The selection process may include written and/or oral examinations. Appointment will be made in accordance with City policy and the Civil Service Ordinance and Rules and Regulations. The City reserves the right to evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the City.

Benefits

Why the City of Kenosha? We offer a full benefit package, annual pay increases, generous paid time off and employee and community engagement opportunities for general full-time employees! The City of Kenosha is taking on many exciting projects in the areas of large scale developments and technological advancements to keep Kenosha the vibrant and growing community we love -- Join us! Most positions are included in a 17 step compensation plan. Most employees receive annual salary increases of 2.5% based on the current compensation plan. Additional across-the-board pay increases may occur annually. Insurance The City offers a high deductible health plan (HDHP) to eligible employees and their qualifying dependent(s) as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. All employees are required to pay a five percent (5%) monthly health insurance premium, which will be waived if the employee participates in an annual Health Risk Appraisal (HRA). Employees and qualifying dependents are responsible for any deductibles, co-payments, or other out-of-pocket costs associated with care received under the provisions of the plan(s). The City offers dental insurance to eligible employees as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. There are two options for Dental Insurance: CarePlus (Dental Associates) and Delta Dental. CarePlus (Dental Associates) monthly premiums are paid for by the City. Employees are responsible for monthly premiums if enrolling in Delta Dental. Only one dental plan may be selected if enrolling. The City offers vision insurance to eligible employees as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. This plan provides benefits (after applicable co-pay) including a comprehensive exam, eye glasses with standard single vision, etc. The City holds an open enrollment period each calendar year. If the employee waives coverage of health and/or dental insurance upon hire, they must experience a qualifying life event as prescribed by the Plan's summary plan description in order to enroll for either health or dental insurance at any other time during the plan year. Employees who do not experience a qualifying life event must wait for the open enrollment period to elect coverage. Insurance benefits are subject to unilateral changes by the City. We participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). This is a pension plan. We match the employee contribution amount monthly for general employees. The current contribution rate for general and teacher employees can be found here. Term group life insurance coverage is provided to employees who participate in the WRS through the Wisconsin Public Employers Group Life Insurance Program. The premium for Basic Plan coverage is paid by the City for active employees. Employees may elect to defer part of their income into a 457(b) retirement plan through Mission Squared Retirement Corporation, Nationwide Retirement Solutions or the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program. Employees enjoy numerous types of paid time off. Employees earn up to 12 days of sick leave per year. Sick leave can be carried over year after year & never expires during employment. Paid Vacation - available for use on January 1 each year! (pro-rated your first year of employment) Years of Service Days/Hours per Year Less than 1 year 12 days (96 hours) After 1-5 years 15 days (120 hours) After 6-10 years 17 days (136 hours) After 11-15 years 19 days (152 hours) After 16-20 years 21 days