Certified Code Enforcement Officer

Job Introduction


This is work involving complex, technical structural inspections of existing structures, and related codes enforcement. Bargaining unit position.


Certification is required at the time of application.

Nature Of Work


An employee in this class is responsible for performing building inspections, to include existing structures, residential, and commercial structures. Employees are required to have a background in the inspection field and knowledge of applicable codes, ordinances and inspectional procedures. The exercise of reasonable initiative and independent judgment is required in completing assigned tasks. Work is of more than average difficulty involves the inspection of commercial and residential buildings that are existing or are being repaired, remodeled or enlarged. Inspections are conducted to ensure the building's structural integrity and to check for compliance with building codes and ordinances. Employees may provide inspections necessary to enforce related tree removal, zoning, site clearing, flood plain, landscaping, parking regulations, storm water regulations and sign ordinances. The operation of a lightweight motor vehicle in traveling to and from work locations is also required.


In addition, an employee in this class must perform inspections to determine and enforce compliance with environmental standards and related codes. The purpose of such inspections is to uncover and correct such conditions as storage of junk and inoperative vehicles, excessive accumulations of trash and debris, illegal dumping, and improper or unsanitary harboring of animals which are a public nuisance, or which represent potential hazards to the health, welfare and safety of the city's citizens. In order to complete inspections in a timely and proper manner, employees must be knowledgeable of the contents of the code and keep abreast of any changes therein. Although employees have access to lead or supervisory personnel for assistance in resolving difficult, unusual or sensitive situations, reasonable initiative and independent judgment are required in seeking code compliance through voluntary cooperation, notices of violation and, when non-compliance persists, issuance of citation or processed through a court or magistrate hearing. Tact and courtesy are also required as work involves extensive public contact, often with irate or unreasonable people, builders, architects, property owners and other individuals involved. Although work is performed under general supervision, considerable time is spent engaged in fieldwork without proximity to the immediate supervisor. Work is reviewed through reports submitted, field observation, conformance to workload standards, and results obtained.

Examples of Duties

Inspects improved properties with residential or commercial buildings, both occupied and vacant to determine the condition of foundations, concrete slabs, beams, pilasters, steel placement, framing, interior and exterior walls, floors, electrical, plumbing, stairways, insulation, roofing, and related structural components of buildings, appurtenances, and accessory structures for structural integrity, sanitary facilities, damaged, rotted or termite infested wood, and conformance with building codes, ordinances, permits, and approved plans; conducts elevation and drainage inspections to ascertain compliance with flood control ordinances.


Conducts secondary inspections after necessary repairs have been made.


Prepares demolition orders for structures that meet the criteria of a condemnation. Prepares securing orders for open/vacant structures, that due to neglect and/or vandalism, advanced deterioration has occurred. Prepares vacate orders for structures that are determined to be unfit for human habitation. Prepares property maintenance abatement work orders for neglected properties.


Inspects improved and unimproved properties, including vacant lots and residential and commercial buildings, both occupied and vacant to determine compliance with environmental standards and related codes; observes and records detected violations, such as storage of junk and inoperative vehicles, placement of offensive matter on streets and vacant lots, littering, improper or unsanitary harboring of animals, harboring animals which are harmful to the public health, excessive accumulations of trash and debris, and other public nuisances; inspects illegal dump sites and participates in stakeout activities to identify persons responsible for illegal disposition of materials and trash; performs inspections to determine and enforce compliance with provisions of zoning/land-use and related sign ordinances.


Receives, records, and investigates code violation complaints; explains code violations and requirements for corrective action to property owners and occupants of residential and commercial properties.


Maintains records of inspections and other work performed; prepares and submits reports of field activities; utilizes computers and related software for research and report generation.


May inspect sites for issuance of site clearing and tree removal permits; checks plans, proposed and completed tree removals, landscape work, and site clearing activities for conformance with codes and ordinances.


Inspects retail businesses for compliance with the City of Tampa's fertilizer ordinance.


Verifies that persons performing work are properly licensed and have secured necessary permits; takes statements from witnesses and gathers other information for prosecution of violators.


Issues notices of violation, parking tickets and civil citations as necessary to secure code compliance; conducts re-inspections to determine whether or not corrective action has been taken; gathers information and testifies in court for prosecution of violators. Contacts property owners and contractors to explain the nature of violations detected and to provide building, permitting, and other code information.


Keeps records of inspections and other work preformed; compiles data and submits written reports.


Ensures that electronic equipment and automobile are in proper working condition; arranges for other transportation when notified to take car to garage for maintenance.


Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Considerable knowledge of : building construction methods and materials; building codes and ordinances; inspectional procedures, practices and methods. operation of computers and software,


Working knowledge of : the layout of the City and its geography.

Ability to : read and interpret construction plans and specifications; enforce applicable codes and ordinances with firmness, impartiality and tact; follow oral and written instructions; prepare and submit clear and concise written reports; present evidence and testimony in court or quasi-judicial hearings, perform work requiring moderate physical exertion; operate a lightweight motor vehicle; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.

Physical Requirements


Mostly standing; outdoors very frequently. Requires some use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.


Minimum Qualifications


Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school, one (1) year of public contact work, and one (1) year of experience in enforcement of standards and related codes; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.


Licenses or Certifications

Possession of:
A valid Florida driver's license


An ICC (International Code Council) Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector certification.


Examination


Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.


Comments


Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.


Conclusion

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