CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Salary: $27.73 - $33.00 Hourly
Location : Lewis County Courthouse, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600027
Department: Fire & Building Codes
Opening Date: 04/22/2026
Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


Distinguishing Features of the Class


The work involves responsibility for administering and enforcing the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and any local laws pertaining to building code violations and enforcement. The incumbent is also responsible for the enforcement of the County Junkyard Law and rules and regulations related to the use, development and operation of junkyards within the county, which also includes answering complaints, determinations of violations, and processing applications. Activities are conducted both in the office and at inspection sites. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Code Enforcement with leeway allowed for the use of independent judgment in carrying out details of the work. Incumbent performs related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

• Administers and enforces all provisions of New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, and other codes, laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the construction or alteration of buildings and structures;
• Prepares application form, building permits, and certificates of occupancy;
• Inspects various stages of construction, and upon completion of construction of buildings and structures;
• Issues, denies, or revokes building permits and certificates of occupancy as required;
• Issues written notices to correct unsafe, illegal, or dangerous conditions in existing structures;
• Inspects, as necessary, buildings and structures for compliance with the fire prevention provisions of the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code;
• Issues a certificate of occupancy for a building constructed or altered in compliance with the provisions of the Uniform Code;
• Maintains accurate records on all transactions and activities including all applications received, permits and certificates issued, fees charged and collected, inspection reports and notice and orders issued;
• Reviews junkyard license applications for compliance with the County Junkyard Law and distributes licenses once issued;
• Inspects new and existing junkyard sites and notifies the Junkyard Review Board of junkyard law compliance/non-compliance;
• Responds to complaints and referrals pertaining to uniform code, junkyard law, and unsafe structures, and prepares notices of law violations, and advises violators of required procedures;
• Issues notices of violation, orders to remedy, appearance tickets and attends court proceedings as necessary for all violations;
• Coordinates the enforcement of activities on any properties in violation, condemnation, and/or ordered for demolition;
• Responds to emails and phone calls timely and professionally and interacts with residents, county agencies and state agencies with courtesy, tact, and discretion;
• Prepares a variety of reports relevant to code enforcement activities as requested.

Minimum Qualifications


Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and either:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an associate's degree in architectural, civil, or mechanical engineering or construction technology, or a related field, and one year of full-time paid experience in building construction work; or
B. Three years of full-time paid experience in building construction work or in a building trade such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, or related trades; or
C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
A. Must possess a valid New York State Driver's license at time of appointment and must maintain it throughout employment.
B. Must obtain New York State Code Enforcement Official Certification within one (1) year of initial employment and maintain certification pursuant to Title 19 of NYCRR Part 1208.

Full performance knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics


Thorough knowledge of modern practices, principles, materials, and tools used in building construction; good knowledge of building trades; good knowledge of the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code; good knowledge of the principles of fire prevention; ability to write clear and concise reports and to maintain records in an orderly manner; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with other public officials, building contractors and the general public; ability to read and interpret plans and specifications; ability to be firm but courteous; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Lewis County offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package including NYS Retirement, medical coverage, dental coverage, and vision coverage. The County offers paid vacation, sick, and personal time as well as holiday pay.