Code Compliance Officer

Description

This position is responsible to support the City of Merriam's mission by interpreting and enforcing adopted codes, rules, and regulations in property maintenance, nuisances, and overgrown vegetation, could also include oversight of the rental property program.

Essential Functions

• Patrols and inspects the Merriam municipal area to monitor for violations of local codes
• Administers the property maintenance and environmental inspection functions including the receipt and investigation of complaints, property inspections, writing of corrective letters, and filing complaints in the municipal court, as necessary
• Responds to complaints of potential code violations relating to signing, building occupancy, nuisances, hazardous sidewalks or other conditions, housing conditions, construction, land use, zoning, noise, dumping, polluting, or other code related matters
• Conducts field investigations of potential violations; gathers evidence; questions complainants, witnesses and suspects; compares facts to code requirements; makes findings; and issues warnings, correction notices, or citations
• Coordinates property maintenance and housing inspection matters and maintains professional information liaisons with federal, state, metropolitan, county, municipal, and special purpose agencies
• Meets with owners, tenants, contractors, developers, businesses, etc. to review and explain code requirements and violations or potential violations; secures code compliance
• Distributes a variety of correspondence, memoranda, notices, flyers, brochures, media releases, and reports relating to code enforcement issues and actions
• Follows-up with requests for information or assistance in code enforcement related matters
• Maintains a variety of logs and records related to inspection and enforcement activities; prepares recommendations for amendments and additions to codes or regulations which relate to the position
• Coordinates efforts with the police, planning, building and related departments, the prosecuting attorney, and other staff or agencies, as needed
• Works with police and prosecutors to obtain written or tape-recorded statements, depositions, or admissions, as needed
• Reviews cases being prepared for trial with emphasis on the evidentiary and legal issues crucial to successful prosecution. Prepares detailed reports of activities and investigations made; consults with prosecutors and prepares case report for court action; testifies in court
• Assists in obtaining, enhancing, preparing or presenting exhibits or other evidence in court, as required
• May serve as a member of employee committees
• May have supervisory duties over contracted services (i.e., mowing services)
• Promotes City values at all times
• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Two years' experience related to inspection, law enforcement, building inspection, land use, public administration, or related field
• Must have a valid driver's license (or the ability to obtain one) with an acceptable driving record
• Equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have a basic understanding of code enforcement principles, practice, and methods as applicable to a municipal setting
• Knowledge and skills in word processing and database software
• Must be able to operate a computer, communications radio, and various office equipment
• Must have ability to communicate verbally
• Must be able to listen, comprehend, and recall information
• Ability to write legibly, coherently, and using correct grammar
• Ability to operate a city-owned motor-vehicle in carrying out essential functions of the position
• Must have the ability and skills to deal with members of the public who may be difficult and/or angry
• Ability to prepare typed reports generally free from spelling and grammatical errors
• Must have the ability to gain trust and establish working relationships with members of the public and peers

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed mostly in field settings. Considerable outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land uses and other matters. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and fumes or airborne particles. Employee must use caution near toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.