Code Enforcement Officer

PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION:   

Performs a variety of technical duties in support of the City's local code enforcement program; monitors and enforces a variety of applicable ordinances, codes and regulations related to zoning, land use, nuisance housing, building codes, health and safety and other matters of public concern; and serves as a resource and provides information on City regulations to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public and other City departments and divisions.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

• Performs a variety of field and office work in support of the City's local code enforcement program; enforces compliance with City regulations and ordinances including those pertaining to zoning, land use, derelict structures, dilapidated buildings, building codes, health and safety, weeds, grass and trash and other matters of public concern. 
• Receives and responds to citizen complaints and reports from other citizens, agencies and departments on alleged violations of City zoning and related municipal codes and ordinances; interviews complainant and witnesses; conducts investigations and provides recommendations for resolution.
• Conducts field investigations; inspects properties for violations; attempts to make contact at the residence or business in order to resolve violation; issues and posts warning notices, notices of violation, corrective notices, orders to comply and related documentation for code violations; schedules and performs all follow-up functions to gain compliance including letters, inspections, calls, meetings, discussions and negotiations to ensure compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances; issues administrative and parking citations and notices of violation as necessary.
• Will enforce codes including, but not limited to: zoning violations, non-conforming uses, care of premises, mobile homes, places of amusement, auctions, street corner peddlers, etc.
• Determines ownership of homes and property.
• Will work closely with the Planning and Community Development Department in determining zoning violations and adherence to Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, Master Street Plan and Comprehensive Plan.
• Prepares evidence in support of legal actions taken by the City; appears in court as necessary; testifies at hearings and in court proceedings as required.
• Maintains accurate documentation and case files on all investigations, inspections, enforcement actions and other job related activities including accurate and detailed information regarding code enforcement activity to substantiate violations; draws diagrams and illustrations and takes photographs.
• Prepares a variety of written reports, memos and correspondence related to enforcement activities. 
• Operates computer to enter, process and acquire data relative to complaints, inspection sites and effective code enforcement; researches complaints.
• Operates office equipment such as fax machines, copiers and phone systems and uses computer for spreadsheets, word processing, database management and other applications; learns to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented.
• Performs other work as necessary and or as assigned. 
• Must report to work on a regular and timely basis.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

The Code Enforcement Officer reports directly to the Chief Code Officer.   

The Code Enforcement Officer does not have any direct reports or supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:  Graduation from high school and three (3) years of experience in customer service/public contact work.  Preference will be given to those with experience in legal investigations, code enforcement, real estate or work involving zoning administration.  An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:  Working knowledge of the International Property Maintenance Code; knowledge of the operations, services and activities of a municipal code compliance program; pertinent codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations of related areas; procedures involved in the enforcement of codes and regulations; conducting and documenting field investigations; legal actions applicable to code enforcement compliance; effective public relations practices; principles and procedures of recordkeeping; modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications; occupational hazards and standard safety practices; geographic features and locations within the area served.  Ability to inspect and identify violations of applicable codes and ordinances; enforces pertinent codes, ordinances, laws and regulations with impartiality and efficiency; responds to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful and firm manner; investigates complaints and mediates resolutions in a timely and tactful manner; prepares accurate and detailed documentation of investigation findings; maintains complex logs, records and files; researches, compiles and collects data; makes oral presentations and testifies in court; works independently in the absence of supervision; and understands and follows oral and written instruction. 

Physical Requirements:  The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.  On a case by case basis, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, arm and hand steadiness and finger dexterity will be needed enough to use a keyboard and telephone.  Frequent walking and standing is required.  Occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to ten (10) pounds; frequent carrying of objects weighing up to five (5) pounds.  Constant balancing; frequent reaching, stooping, handling, twisting and repetitive movements.  Vision, speech and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks.  Punctuality and reasonable attendance is essential.     Must submit to drug screening and fitness to work physical exam.

Licenses and Certificates:  Possession of a valid Oklahoma Class D driver's license is required.  Obtain certification as a Code Enforcement Officer through the Oklahoma Code Enforcement Association and/or the International Code Council within one (1) year from date of promotion or employment.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:  Primarily in an outdoor setting and in varying weather conditions; may be exposed to environmental hazards and weather/temperature extremes.  Driving vehicle to and from properties within the city limits, requires a good driving record and driving skills. Occasional work in an office environment. 

Notice:  This classification is a "safety sensitive" position as defined by the United States Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations, the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Act and/or the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana laws.  As a "safety sensitive" classification, the employee will be subject to drug and alcohol testing including random testing.  Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening.  Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse the employee from the testing process or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana.