Code Enforcement Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Job Summary:

Performs technical investigations on municipal adopted codes, performs field inspections on commercial, residential and rental properties. Enforces municipal code provisions and land use laws pertaining to public welfare, safety, public nuisance, property maintenance and structure design; explains regulations relating to municipal code provisions including zoning, land use, planning, design review, disabled access, and related codes to the public; and performs related work as assigned. May supervise Code Enforcement Specialist.

Essential Functions:

• Direct the enforcement of City Ordinances, including but not limited to junk vehicles, litter, solid waste disposal, minimum housing codes, signage, animal control, and other codes.
• Patrol the City in either vehicle or on foot looking for violations of the City Code of Ordinances.
• Receive and respond to calls and complaints from the public involving violations of the Code.
• Issue code enforcement citations and/or notices to appear; mail to property owners; places signage on property.
• Resolve violations through voluntary compliance, if not possible, then sets in motion the process for appearance before the Special Magistrate for further action or legal enforcement procedures.
• Attend Special Magistrate hearings; assimilate all materials for each case hearing; files liens in the public record.
• Prepares correspondence to educate the public and to advise individuals on the status of code enforcement activities.
• Plan and recommend code enforcement strategies and policies.
• Research parcels on Polk County Property Appraiser website.
• Develops code enforcement procedures and assists in preparing new municipal codes or revising existing ordinances.
• Seeks and gives out information and interpretation of policy or procedures which require considerable knowledge of zoning codes, regulations, etc.
• Prepare agenda items for City Commission consideration.
• Prepares annual operating budget and capital budget request.
• Make presentations to civic groups, neighborhood watch organizations, and others regarding various codes.
• Meets and deals with public and others in situations which require tact, discretion, and courtesy.
• Works directly with the City Manager and in partnership with other City offices, including the City Attorney, Deputy City Clerk, County and State agencies and local Law Enforcement to accomplish code compliance.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties, as required.)

Minimum Qualifications (KSAs):

• Knowledge of city, county, state and federal law s and regulations pertaining to land use, zoning, building permits, and property maintenance.
• Knowledge of the geography of the city.
• Knowledge of methods, procedures and techniques used in the identification, interpretation and enforcement of a wide variety of code violations.
• Knowledge of computers and other office equipment to prepare necessary paperwork.
• Ability to research and interpret land use, zoning and planning codes.
• Ability to recognize conditions that constitute code violations.
• Ability to enforce ordinance with steadfastness, tact and impartiality.
• Ability to analyze potential code violations accurately and adopt effective resolution processes.
• Ability to use effective interpersonal techniques to interact with citizens and the public.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to carry out duties with minimum supervision.
• Ability to represent the city in an ethical and professional manner.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, political science, management, or related field.
• At least five years of extensive, pertinent code enforcement experience involving considerable, sensitive public contact in a municipal setting.
• Ability to train and supervise technicians and/or specialists. 
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience may be substituted for education.

Licenses, Certificates, Special Requirements:

• Valid Florida Driver’s License
• Completion of Level I, II, and III Florida Association of Code Enforcement (FACE) certification or the ability to obtain within three years of appointment. Must maintain certification throughout employment by receiving continued education units.

Physical and Mental Demands:

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

Essential Physical Skills:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to touch and grasp, reach with hands and arms; stand; have good vision (with or without correction), talk and hear; walk; sit; with occasional handling, feeling or operating objects, tools or controls; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and lift 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.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; interact with City staff and other organizations; and may deal with dissatisfied or quarrelsome individuals.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee regularly works outside in various weather conditions, and hazardous materials.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions.

BENEFITS

The City offers comprehensive health insurance, city-paid basic life insurance and long-term disability insurance, optional vision, dental and short-term disability insurance, robust retirement plan options, both pension and deferred compensation, generous paid leave, and ample professional development.