Code Compliance Officer

The City of Avondale is accepting applications for the role of Code Compliance Officer. This is a full-time, FLSA non-exempt position with benefits.

Oversees inspection of existing residential, commercial and industrial properties and structures. Monitors and enforces a variety of applicable City codes, ordinances and regulations of private and public properties related to zoning, land use, building, nuisance ordinances, property maintenance, housing safety, environmental safety, and other codes as assigned. Responsible for investigating violations, resolves compliance matters with solutions, alternatives, and resources to the public with the goal of achieving compliance in an expedited manner, and initiates procedures to abate a violation and obtain compliance. Provides education and community awareness to residents, businesses, associations, and community groups as part of the Code Compliance Division's community-wide outreach and education efforts. Responsible for performing related duties as required. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Code Compliance Manager, and the Senior Code Compliance Officer as assigned. Work schedule may vary subject to Department needs.

Inspects properties, investigates complaints, conducts training, coordinates work with other departments, evaluates and analyzes case progress, tours and evaluates neighborhoods, conducts field inspections, and plans and directs neighborhood assessment surveys and strategies.
Enforces property maintenance and rental codes, zoning, and local ordinances by inspecting developed and vacant parcels, and the interior and exterior of buildings/structures for structural defects, checking the safety and adequacy of buildings, issuing notice to repair, removing or correcting violations, and monitoring properties in violation.
Works resourcefully with citizens and property owners in order to achieve a high level of voluntary compliance. Mediates disputes and negotiates solutions to resolve instances of non-compliance.
Maintains administrative duties by preparing forms and letters advising owners and tenants of violations and time requirements, preparing and maintaining inspection and related reports, ascertaining and verifying property ownership, verifying accuracy of reports, verifying the correction of violations, and explaining the requirements of housing standards and ordinances to property owners, building contractors and other interested parties.
Work cooperatively with other City departments and researches information with internal departments, state, county, federal, and utility agencies to aid in the investigation of code violations and to promote voluntary compliance.
Prepares correspondence, staff reports, and technical documents to communicate violations and Code Compliance issues to citizens, elected officials, and staff.
Assists in determining appropriate disposition of outstanding cases, assists Code Compliance Manager, Senior Code Compliance Officer and/or City Attorney's Office in preparing court actions as required.
Performs related duties by conducting various inspections including difficult, complex or unusual inspections, collecting and preparing evidence for court, scheduling hearing dates, issuing summons, attending pre-court hearings, acting as court monitor, testifying in court, documenting and reporting the results of hearings, and attending training.
Incorporates innovative community engagement strategies to identify and address situations of hardship or other extenuating circumstances to achieve compliance.
Performs public services by representing the department and division at civic league meetings, interdepartmental meetings, participating in neighborhood enhancement projects and other forums to promote and explain objectives, referring issues to appropriate division, department or agency.
Performs general office duties by performing code case data entry, conducting research, answering phone calls and emails, and issuing postal mail notices.

High School diploma or equivalent required. Some college, technical school, or other certifications that may be relevant to the field of zoning, building and/or construction, and architectural design is preferred.
One (1) year of previous experience in Code Compliance/Enforcement with a city or county organization. Work experience can include city planning or zoning enforcement, or demonstrated experience in law enforcement, property maintenance or construction and two (2) years of experience working with the public preferably including the application and interpretation of rules and regulations.
Valid Arizona Operator's Driver's License at time of hire.
Zoning Enforcement Officer certification (ICC) or complete the Level I and II Code Enforcement Academy (CELA) within one (1) year of hire. Property Maintenance certification with ICC or similar organizations can be considered.

Work requires the ability to read City codes, ordinances, memos, and general correspondence.
Work requires the ability to perform general math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Work requires the ability to documents facts and photographs, write reports, memos, notices of violation and informational documents, prepare legal forms, and general correspondence with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech, and self-study.
Position does not exercise supervision over other employees.
Work is governed by both specific codes and broad instructions, objectives, and policies. Work requires the exercise of considerable initiative and independent analytical and evaluative judgment.
Effective and clear communications, solution-oriented, and innovated problem-solving are necessary for this position. Regular contact with Development and Engineering Services Department Divisions including Planning, Building, Engineering, Sustainability, Administration, Transit, Traffic, and other city departments and work units may occur and be involved in decision-making or providing approval. Management and coordination of procurement contracts with vendors may also be needed. Meetings and discussions may be conducted with citizens, landowners, business owners, homeowners and property associations, school districts, city management and elected officials, and city staff. Employee must maintain regular attendance. Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.