Code Enforcement Technician

WORK OBJECTIVE

This is a position responsible for obtaining compliance with the zoning, building, signage and public nuisance codes of the City of Winter Garden. Under assigned supervision, assures compliance of new or existing structures, property and areas with the City of Winter Garden Codes and Ordinances by observation and inspection. Issues citations to property owners and/or tenants and prepares written reports documenting non-compliant properties observed and measures taken to correct them; makes public presentations to Code Enforcement Board.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Patrols neighborhoods identifying non-compliance in areas affecting health, zoning, business licensing and other city ordinances and enforcing the applicable law. Works with property owners and/or tenants to enforce ordinances in response to complaint calls, dispatched calls or personal observation.
• Investigates complaints on non-building problems such as grading, blowing dust and debris, mud and dirt in streets and zoning.
• Inspects residential, industrial and commercial sites within the City to assure compliance with housing ordinances. Investigates complaints and notifies the parties not complying what changes are required to bring property into compliance. Files “Notice of Violation” and “Notice of Hearing” complaints against property owners and/or tenants.
• Investigates and assists the Building Department in the legal process of the abatement of abandoned and dangerous buildings.
• Meets with various community groups to educate, provide information, and solve existing zoning or housing problems. Develops programs to improve the overall quality of the neighborhood.
• Provides direction when deficiencies or non-compliances are discovered and issues “Stop Work” orders or citations for noncompliance with appropriate codes. Investigates complaints, makes reports of field inspections, and may consult with the City Attorney’s office and act as witness in prosecution of code cases.
• Takes corrective action to ensure compliance with codes and ordinances in accordance with prescribed department/division procedures.
• Schedules cases to be presented to the Code Enforcement Board and give evidentiary testimony/documents on the non-compliant areas.
• When applicable, review and prepare case packets for non-compliant issues that are forwarded to the County Court for prosecution. Ensures that these cases are delivered to the County Court to be scheduled for a hearing date and give evidentiary testimony/documents on the non-compliant issue(s) at these hearings.
• Maintains an accurate daily log and a list of current inspections, complaints and problems reported so that the status can be determined at all times. Prepare all necessary documents and input all ordinance cases into the computer program. Prepares cases for the court/code hearings and appear in court as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or a General Education Diploma and knowledge of Code Enforcement rules and regulations, building codes, and construction.
• Valid Florida driver’s license.
• Bilingual English and Spanish (both reading and writing highly desired).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Effective verbal and written communication skills to produce correspondence with City boards and the public.
• Ability to work on multiple assignments in several areas and disciplines.
• Ability to organize, prepare, compile, and process required reports, records, documents, and related information for public records.
• Ability to work as a team player within the Community Development Department; and possess skills for dealing with diverse groups including the general public, co-workers, other city departments and other Code Enforcement/law enforcement agencies both on the telephone and in person; promote a positive image of the City of Winter Garden.
• Proficient knowledge of computers and Microsoft software applications (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook), HTE software applications, and the ability to operate all level of office equipment including FAX machine, copy machine, camera, telephone, and radios.
• Make simple mathematical calculation; make conclusions from written and verbal materials; attention to detail; sort, separate, arrange, bend, stoop, produce, file and distribute various original reports requiring proper sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation.
• Maintain confidentiality within the parameters of law enforcement ethics.

ENVIRONMENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to perform tasks that involve sitting, standing, walking, grasping, handling and feeling with hands and fingers, reaching with hands and arms, climbing, balancing, talking, hearing, kneeling, bending, stretching, twisting, stooping, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, and driving a motor vehicle.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, climb (i.e., ladders) and balance for long periods of time.
• Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination and the ability to occasionally climb ladders, work at heights, and/ or in confined spaces.
• Ability to remain alert at all times.
• Ability to regularly move, lift and carry up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Requires sufficient visual acuity (i.e., read plans and blueprints, see details of objects, distinguish between colors and shapes, etc.), periods of prolonged visual concentration, and the ability to hear above considerable noise levels (i.e., at building sites).
• Daily exposure to conditions of buildings or facilities under varying stages of construction, demolition, or disrepair, including materials used in the building trade.
• Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions with exposure to varying weather conditions including exposure to inclement weather, heat, humidity, cold, dust, fumes, noise, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

The City of Winter Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Winter Garden provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.