Neighborhood Preservation Officer

The City of Covina is accepting applications for the position of Neighborhood Preservation Officer in the Community Development Department.

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, inspects residential and commercial properties and transient businesses to determine compliance with applicable federal, state and local codes, laws and regulations relating to maintenance of properties and structures and business licensing; initiates legal action to gain compliance; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Neighborhood Preservation Officer is thejourney level class in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned inspection duties. Incumbents are responsible for performing the full range of inspection and code enforcement responsibilities involving codes and regulations in a broad range of areas, including zoning, building, housing, weed abatement, health, and safety. The work requires independence and discretion in working with the public and in conducting field inspections and involves a proactive implementation of applicable codes and regulations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:

Receives general supervision from the Building Official. Incumbents in this classification do not routinely exercise supervision. (include but are not limited to the following) Performs the full array of residential and commercial property and transient business inspections; determines existence and type of code violation; compiles, analyzes and evaluates findings of investigations and inspections; coordinates with property owners or their representatives and other regulatory agencies to take corrective action; performs follow-up inspections and investigation as required; ensures compliance with all applicable municipal codes and regulations; issues citations for non-compliance; issues stop work orders and refer them to the proper department if necessary. Interprets, applies and explains applicable municipal codes, zoning ordinances, building codes, vehicle codes, state housing, health and safety codes, and other related laws, codes and regulations; advises property owners on the requirements for compliance; explains processes and procedures for obtaining compliance or appropriate permits, including re‑inspection on applicable permits and notices until compliance in attained. Maintains clear, concise and comprehensive records and reports related to enforcement activities; maintains daily log of contacts or inspections for code enforcement cases; enters and retrieves information from records systems. Enforces regulations pertaining to temporary signs, inoperable or abandoned vehicles, swimming pools, re‑roofing, residential upgrades, rehabilitation of substandard housing, and illegal construction and conversions. Photographs violations; gathers evidence and prepares cases for court proceedings; produces photographs and records of violations for evidence; files criminal complaints in court when necessary with supervisor’s approval; represents the City in court regarding non‑compliance if required. Assists at the front counter; answers questions at the counter and by phone regarding code enforcement, planning, building, or public information as necessary; receives complaints; issues building, electrical, plumbing and yard sale permits. Processes both incoming and outgoing mail; prepares a variety of reports and correspondence, including notices of violations and follow‑up letters; attends various meetings and training seminars; responds to emergency situations, including fires and sewage spills as required. Responds to questions and concerns from the public, departmental staff and other agencies; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints; cooperates with other agencies. Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, City management and staff, and the public. PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when making inspections, reading written reports and work‑related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing 25 pounds or more is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold. Incumbents may frequently deal with irate members of the public. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions and often work with constant interruptions. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.) Education and/or Experience: Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Neighborhood Preservation Officer. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of a high school diploma. Experience in municipal government code enforcement, building, business licensing, construction, or a related field is highly desirable. License/Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver’s license. Possession of P.C. 832 Certificate within one year. If performing housing inspections, possession of a Housing Inspector Certificate. KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.) Knowledge of: Modern principles, practices and methods used in the enforcement of a variety of codes, permits and regulations, including housing and building codes, business license codes, fire codes and health laws; methods and techniques used in enforcement and investigation; law enforcement procedures and administrative techniques; rules of evidence and court procedures; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Ability to: Inspect and analyze a variety of buildings and properties and identify code violations; appropriately apply codes and regulations to varying situations; effectively deal with angry and non‑cooperative people; keep up with constantly changing laws and learn more complex principles, practices, techniques and regulations pertaining to assigned duties; facilitate appropriate corrective action from property owners regarding violations; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; implement, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow‑up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships. Skill to: Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications. The City of Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Covina provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of Covina complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the City has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The City of Covina expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the City of Covina's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge. THE CITY OF COVINA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR REVOKE, WITHOUT NOTICE, ANY OR ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN PRIOR TO THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT, AND TO WAIVE ANY NONSUBSTANTIVE JOB REQUIREMENT AND MAKE SUBJECTIVE DECISIONS INTERPRETING AND ASSESSING THE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF ANY CANDIDATE, INCLUDING THE DETERMINATION THAT NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, EVEN THOSE WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE POSITION. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Covina