Code Enforcement Officer

Shoreline is an inclusive City that endeavors to build a work culture which embraces diversity, encourages participation, and promotes equity. The City of Shoreline is seeking an excellent candidate to serve in the Code Enforcement and Customer Response Team to perform violation case management, code enforcement, and violation abatement for the City. This position works closely with other members of the Code Enforcement and Customer Response Team, the City Attorney's Office and other City departments to coordinate code enforcement activities. This position has extensive interactions with community members, developers, business owners, and other City, State and Federal agencies. Candidates should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to coordinate and manage cases while continuing to improve processes and respect timelines. The ideal candidate will exhibit grit, poise and calm demeanor while resolving difficult situations. DEFINITION Responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the City's comprehensive code enforcement compliance program. Interacts with City business and residential communities to educate, interpret and achieve compliance with City codes. Under general supervision, receives, investigates, researches and resolves complaints, violations, questions and issues concerning a variety of City codes pertaining to land use, zoning, building construction, fire, surface water, wastewater, right of way and nuisances. Develops code compliance strategies and policies and executes the Tenant Relocation Assistance program and the City's abatement process. Works effectively and coordinates code enforcement activities with other City departments and with appropriate City, State and Federal agencies. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives administrative direction from assigned supervisory or management staff. ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential Functions Initiate or respond to complaints pertaining to City code violations and receive, record, investigate, research, track, monitor and resolve complaints, violations, questions and issues concerning nuisances, land use, zoning, right of way, and building construction codes enforced by the City. Gather evidence for enforcement action by conducting field investigations and site inspections, obtaining photographic documentation and researching City and County records. Issue Notices of Violations and Orders to Correct and civil infractions. Meet with developers, business owners, residents and other stakeholders to understand and explain issues, codes and code enforcement procedures. Provide direct assistance to the City Attorney's Office related to civil prosecution of code enforcement cases by appearing as a witness before the Hearing Examiner and in legal actions in court and providing documented evidence. Administer all aspects of the City's abatement program for the legal removal of violations on private property, including scope of work and abatement contract development, vendor identification, police participation coordination, contractor scheduling and oversight to ensure abatements are completed in a timely and safe manner, and bill and document preparation for assessment of tax lien. Assist in resolving code enforcement violations during permit application and project review process to gain compliance or imposing necessary penalties. Develop, organize, implement and update code enforcement programs and procedures, including programs and procedures which enhance the City's enforcement capabilities and amendments to City codes or regulations; advise City departments on specific ordinances and enforcement issues. Coordinate efforts with other departments to ensure appropriate action and uniformity of interpretation, application and enforcement of regulations and codes. Prepare and give public presentations regarding code enforcement and program administration. Attempt to resolve complaints through mediation or enforcement and meet with affected parties to evaluate proposals to achieve compliance, develop voluntary compliance agreements and assist with successful implementation of compliance agreements. Collect, select, classify, and compile data from several sources to prepare summary reports as required. May involve statistical calculations and tabulations in accordance with established formulae, equations, and technical data, or analysis and interpretation of data. Prepare detailed written reports and records, maintain enforcement files and computer database of violation cases, track enforcement penalty fines and fees, and maintain follow-up system on matters requiring action on a periodic basis. Participate in the development of recommendations for the revision of City policies and legislation governing issues related to assigned area of responsibility. Attend and participate in meetings and trainings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of code enforcement. With assistance from the City Attorney's Office, manage, implement and execute all aspects of the Tenant Relocation Program, including substantiating that the violations create sub-standard housing conditions, evaluating tenant eligibility, establishing relocation amounts in conformance with state and local codes, submitting check requests and managing disbursement and coordinating with property owners. With assistance from the City Attorney's Office, create documents, forms, notices and methods of issuing emergency orders that will withstand legal challenge in court. Evaluate conditions and post condemnation placards on private property. Marginal Function: Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Knowledge of: Applicable federal, State and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures related to code enforcement. City ordinances and codes concerning health, safety and sanitation standards for housing, buildings, premises. Effective investigation techniques. Conflict resolution skills. Applicable computer software applications. Fluency in one of Shoreline's top languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Amharic, Tigrinya, Korean), desired. Ability to: Participate and work effectively in an organization committed to advancing principles and practices of equity and anti-racism. Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations. Learn the City's codes, policies, organization, operations, and objectives. Interpret City codes and regulations to people of diverse backgrounds. Assist with case file preparation and documentation for legal action. Compose concise, clearly written and error-free correspondence, reports, and related documents. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse groups and individuals. Respond to difficult and sensitive public inquiries. Maintain a calm and professional demeanor, resolve conflicts in a positive manner, and defuse potentially difficult situations. Exhibit interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Use electronic and manual measuring devices to record and preserve evidence and testify to its use in judicial proceedings. Use of computer hardware and software, office equipment and applicable assigned devices. Maintain an accurate and confidential record-keeping system. Organize work to achieve timely resolution of complaints and completion of reports. Work effectively and in collaboration with community members, citizens, the business community and colleagues. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Experience and Training Guidelines Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Two years related experience in code enforcement, law enforcement, planning, municipal code administration, researching, writing or interpreting related uses, management of a related program or experience involving direct contact with the public in inspection and enforcement of regulations. Training: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, criminal justice, public administration or a related field. Licenses and other requirements: Possession of valid state-issued driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Note: Employment is contingent upon successfully passing state/federal pre-employment background checks. The City's mission is to fulfill the community’s vision through highly valued public service. Our employees work relentlessly to achieve organizational goals while embracing the City’s values. City Mission, Values, and Goals Working Conditions: Environmental Conditions: Field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, inclement weather conditions; work in or with water; work on slippery or uneven surface. Works indoors in a clean, climate-controlled workspace. Sits in and operates a vehicle for extended periods of time. Required to wear a uniform while on duty. May be subject to disgruntled and hostile individuals requiring the use of conflict management skills; frequently required to perform work in confidence and under pressure; standard hazards involved in working in an office position. Physical Conditions: Must be able to perform the essential functions including sitting, standing, walking, climbing, stooping, lifting up to 25 pounds, pulling, pushing, balancing, etc.; frequent and repeated dexterity of hands and fingers to operate general clerical office equipment and to write and issue citations, file papers. Remote Work Eligibility: This position is eligible for remote work. The City’s remote work policy, Employees Working Remotely, requires staff in positions eligible for remote work to work onsite a minimum of four days per pay period (every two weeks). Full-time remote work is not an option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington. Conditions of Employment: Establishment of employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas. Prior to the start of employment, this position requires: A successful completion of reference checks, including at least one prior supervisor A successful completion of a criminal background check. Possession of valid state‑issued driver's license with successful results of pre‑employment check of driving record with an “acceptable” rating or better according to the City’s Using City Vehicles administrative policy. Recruitment Timeline: Review of applications: November 3 Panel interviews: Week of November 16 Second interviews if needed: Week of November 30 Background and/or reference checks: Week of November 30 Targeted start date: December 21 #J-18808-Ljbffr