Code Enforcement Officer Iii

In order to hire and maintain a quality workforce that reflects the diversity of the community and works well within our True North values-based organization, the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for the career-service position of Code Enforcement Officer III.
The Code Enforcement Officer III will assist the Code Enforcement Product Line Manager (PLM) in leading, training, evaluating, and overseeing the work of the professional Code Enforcement staff, and in the development of work plans and the scheduling of unit work.
In this role, you will provide quality control by reviewing reports, files and documentation of Code Enforcement cases handled by other Code Enforcement Officers; assist in the development of programs and procedures to improve the enforcement program; provide code interpretations and training to officers; provide public information and clarification on codes and their practical applications; assist with difficult public hearings and legal actions; and perform inspections on difficult or unusual sites. The Code Enforcement Officer III also directly handles more complex or difficult cases that may be assigned by the PLM.
Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering equity, racial and social justice in every aspect of our work. Our commitment to "True North" values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.
Applying equity, racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.
To be considered for this opportunity, you must at a minimum, demonstrate knowledge, skill, and ability to:

• Provide guidance to Code Enforcement Officers in resolving difficult and/or unusual situations related to Code Enforcement cases.
• Review case notes and enforcement files to determine adequacy of data entry, timing and frequency of inspections, and documentation of code violations.
• Monitor timelines for Notice and Orders, billing of civil penalties, appeals, etc. to assure appropriate and timely follow-up.
• Provide feedback to the PLM on employee work performance; and assist the PLM in case assignments to balance workload.
• Provide training and technical guidance to Code Enforcement Officers.
• Review and update form letters and public information materials as required, to reflect changes in code requirements and policies.
• Assist Code Enforcement Officers with difficult public hearings and legal actions and assist in the field with difficult site inspections.
• Review legal notices such as Notice and Orders, Compliance Certificates and Termination of Enforcement. Assist in recording documents as needed.
• Assist in the development of Code Enforcement programs and in planning and implementation of changes to current programs.
• Assist in the review and revision of Code Enforcement policies and procedures as needed and monitor staff to verify they are complying with policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and standardize section code interpretation and participate in Department code interpretation and code change recommendations.
• Represent King County in legal action by acting as expert witness, giving depositions, and answering interrogatories in litigation involving Code Enforcement actions.
• Provide information to the public on code clarification, code interpretation and enforcement issues, and be available to represent the Code Enforcement Section at community meetings if needed.
• Investigate reports of building, zoning, housing, grading, clearing/grading, critical-area, and nuisance code violations, including property research, site inspections, assessment of violations, interviews of involved parties, and making written and photographic records for evidence in hearings and trials.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience in the investigation of code violation complaints and the Code Enforcement process.
• Ability to plan and lead the work of others; ability to build consensus and motivate employees.
• Familiarity with terminology used in construction and land use; zoning, building, housing, shorelines, nuisance, and environmental and critical-area codes; and legal principles applied to Code Enforcement procedures.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations and right of entry requirements.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques; skill in investigating and researching information.
• Experience working collaboratively with staff from multiple disciplines and from various levels of the organization and coordinating their work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including providing training and making presentations.
• Experience in using data and spreadsheets to prepare reports.
• Skill in working effectively and cooperatively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Skill in providing solutions to code questions and interpretations.
• Skill in making presentations to non-technical audiences and/or providing testimony in litigation matters.
• Ability to use office equipment and software.

Desired Qualifications:

• International Code Council (ICC) Code Enforcement certification
• Demonstrated experience leading both entry and journey level Code Enforcement professionals.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable state, federal and local laws, rules, ordinances, and regulatory standards applicable to the work.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• An offer of employment will be contingent on the success of a pre-employment physical examination.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle throughout the county.
• Must be able to traverse difficult terrain in any weather condition.

First review of applicants will be on the week of February 12, 2024, Applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited for the first interview on February 22, 2024.
This recruitment may be used to fill vacancies for up to 6 months, including Career Service, Short-Term Temporary (STT), Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) and/or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions for current King County career service employees who have passed their probationary period. Current King County employees must have permission from their supervisor to be eligible for the special duty assignment.
Pay upon SDA placement: Current employees selected for SDA will be compensated based on the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement or Master Labor Agreement for their base assignment if applicable.
Who May Apply: This position is open to all qualified applicants. First consideration will be given to current PROTEC17 members in the same classification that are eligible for lateral transfer.
Work Schedule: The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 7.00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but may at times require work outside of normal business hours. This full-time position is non-exempt and not overtime eligible.
Forms and Materials: A completed King County Application is required. We highly recommend that you also provide a resume and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position.

Selection Process: Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Interviews will be conducted via Teams. Reference checks and file reviews will be conducted.
Union Membership: PROTEC17
Teleworking Requirement
This is a hybrid position. The work associated with this position will be performed by teleworking, field work, onsite work and meetings as needed. The responsibilities of this position may include regular and ongoing in-office work involving in person customer service in accordance with the division's available customer service options.
Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities.) Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Vivienne Swai
Human Resources Analyst
206-477-1538
vswai@kingcounty.gov
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Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To learn more about the Permitting Division, please visit our website at King County Permits.

To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.Employment Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week