Code Enforcement Officer I

Job Summary

Performs technical, detailed and specialized work investigating complaints, conducting research and inspections, making reports and performing proactive patrols for violations and non-compliance with local, state and federal codes, ordinances and regulations; prepares and prosecutes cases in court and quasi-judicial boards based on area of assignment.

Essential Functions

• Interprets, administers, and enforces the provisions of County and state laws, ordinances, and regulations of contractor licensing, answers questions about contractor issues and licensing, code requirements for contractors, property owners, engineers, architects, and attorneys.
• Assists with the development, drafting, and revisions to County ordinances based on observations in the field.
• Performs proactive patrols of assigned areas within the County to detect violations; removes signs on right-of-way along roadways.
• Serves as liaison between County Divisions, contractors, citizens, or business owners to correct violations.
• Responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information/assistance from the public, civic groups, business/property owners, court personnel, contractors, various agencies, employees, officials, attorneys, inspectors, supervisors, or other individuals regarding the most common violations; develops proactive plans to address community issues to include sweeps for violations and community education programs; provides timely response to all correspondence.
• Establishes and maintains positive public relations; attends community meetings; and informs and educates business owners and homeowners on code issues and regulations.
• Enters signs, property, and violation photographs and other information into a computer database; retrieves, reviews, or organizes case information using a computer database; verifies the accuracy of data; and makes corrections as appropriate.

• Receives, investigates, and validates complaints of violations to the County’s ordinances, codes, and regulations about the most common violations regarding operational and tag requirements of all vehicles, parking and storage requirements of recreational vehicles, prohibition of weeds, litter and exotics, fence permits, prohibited uses of unimproved property, vertical construction requirements, canopy tents and/or shade permit requirements as well as regulations about the number and type of animals in residential areas; obtains witness and/or complainant statements.
• Reviews blueprints, plats, and various maps; ensures structures are constructed to plan or waste materials are disposed of properly.
• Performs research to determine ownership, location, and legal description of the property, zoning requirements, and other concerns; obtains property deeds; and research permits; informs citizens and business owners of violations and explains problems; prepares, issues, and/or posts warnings, notices of violations and citations for code violations; and issues citations and notices to appear to violators.
• Re-inspect properties to ensure infractions have been abated and properties are in compliance with all regulations.
• Provide direction to Code Enforcement investigative staff (Park Rangers, law enforcement, Domestic Animal Services, and Public Utilities) regarding Code Enforcement Board (CEB) and Office of Special Magistrate (OSM) rules and regulations and hearing proceedings.
• Schedules, attends, and oversees pre-hearing meetings for both OSM and CEB; researches and compiles all data outcomes from CEB and OSM hearings and enters them into the Department database; generates and completes required post-hearing results and fees; transfers appropriate evidence that was presented at the hearing to Minutes and Records; and reviews CEB and OSM hearing minutes for accuracy.
• Prepares and reviews legal documents used in the prosecution of violators and attends hearings to provide testimony; prepares legal documents to obtain inspection warrants; negotiates and drafts stipulated agreements for presentation in the appropriate legal forum; and acts as a prosecutor for the County and presents code violation cases (or citations) before the Special Master or the Code Enforcement Board for adjudication.

• May investigate damages done to or by County vehicles while performing County services.
• May provide direction or assign cases as needed.
• Maintains current field and code manuals, policy and procedures, employee handbooks, various maps, addresses, and related material for reference and/or review.
• Works assigned weekend and holiday shifts as needed.
• Operates a motor vehicle to perform work activities.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• One (1) year of related experience.
• Fingerprinting required.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License with any applicable endorsement(s) to drive a County vehicle as provided in CMA 5805.
• Must obtain FEMA and NIMS certifications as required.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a Public Notary License.
• Must obtain and maintain state certification as a Code Enforcement Investigator by successful completion of Level I FACE Certification within 18 months of hire.

Supplemental information

• Salary offers above the minimum pay grade may be considered based on qualifications.
• Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared or declared emergency. The County’s Administrative Office will determine who will be required to work on an incident-by-incident basis.
• This job posting is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.