Code Enforcement Officer

Job Title: Code Enforcement Officer

Department: Police Department

Division: Code Enforcement

Pay Grade: (Grade 13) $20.74 – $25.92 Hourly DOQ

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Safety-Sensitive Designation: Yes (Requires driving City vehicles and field inspections)

General Description

The Officer is responsible for the enforcement of housing and property maintenance codes and regulations/ordinances relating to weeds and high grass, unsanitary conditions, junked vehicles, and substandard building abatement. He/she assists in the abatement of zoning violations, prepares and issues violation notices, and gives testimony in municipal court. The Officer locates lots overgrown with weeds/grass; corner vision and traffic sign obstructions; water conservation violations; parking violations; and inspects for permits, zoning and other violations of related ordinances. He/she advises owners and agents of the need to comply with codes; makes recommendations for corrective action; and re-inspects to determine if compliance has been achieved. Other duties include providing information regarding ordinances, maintaining records, obtaining information from other cities, coordination with the Community Development, Fire, Police and other departments as necessary. The Officer exercises no supervision.

Essential Job Duties:

The Officer must be able to perform the following essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Patrol the City and investigate code and ordinance violations; work with owners and agents in securing compliance and, when necessary, take enforcement action with impartiality.
• Identify vehicles that are in violation of the City’s junk vehicle regulations and ensure that violations are abated in accordance with City ordinance requirements.
• Identify illegal signs and, in accordance with City ordinance and policy, ensure that illegal signage is brought into ordinance compliance, or removed.
• Assist other City departments with enforcement actions relating to identified zoning violations.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records; compile data and reports; utilize information as witness for prosecution in court cases; and prepares, processes and issues notices or citations for violation of applicable codes regulations or laws; follows through with appropriate actions.
• Respond orally and in writing to requests from City staff, contractors and property owners for code interpretation and application.
• Receive, investigate, and respond to complaints and reports of alleged violations of City Ordinances or codes relating to environmental or public health nuisances, including but not limited to weed control, water conservation, signs, trash, and parking violations.
• Monitor construction sites for adherence to permit requirements, allowable work hours, work site clean-up, noise complaints and parking issues; help resolve conflicts with contractors, owners and/or their representatives.
• Adhere to personnel, safety and departmental rules and regulations.
• Serve as a resource to other City departments, agencies and the public; establish and maintain effective communications and working relationships with governmental agencies, local officials and the general public.
• Use computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to enter data, or process information.
• Maintain daily on-site presence and regular in-person attendance to ensure on-demand availability to strategize with cross-functional teams (including Police, Fire, and Community Development).
• Participate in frequent ad hoc meetings with supervisors and other staff members to troubleshoot code enforcement issues and identify solutions.
• Must interact well with others, demonstrate the ability to work with demanding customers (such as non-compliant property owners or contractors), and be able to resolve interpersonal conflicts with a helpful, cooperative, and courteous attitude.
• Encourage and build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Respond to questions and concerns related to City Municipal Codes/Ordinances.
• Use good judgment in all decision-making and carrying out all job duties.
• Demonstrate initiative and diligence in the prompt and proper completion of all job duties, whether or not listed in this Job Description.
• Safeguard City property and recognize and report needed repairs.
• Work safely, follow safety rules and training, and maintain a clean, safe and healthful working environment.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality with regard to Police and other City business.
• Follow City policies and procedures and the instructions and guidance of supervisor(s).
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, co-workers and others (internally and externally) in order to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, or resolve and/or report problems or complaints.
• Communicate with people outside the organization; represent the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources.
• Discuss matters affecting his/her job or performance with immediate supervisor and up through the chain of command.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Basic Requirements:

The Officer must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Must be a United States citizen.
• High school graduate or its equivalent.
• Satisfactory results of background and employment screening checks.
• License Requirement: Have and maintain a clear and valid Texas Class C or higher driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. Maintaining this license is a requirement for continued employment.
• License Requirement: Must obtain Code Enforcement Officer I Basic Certification within one year of hire. Maintaining this certification is a requirement for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual in English-Spanish.
• One (1) year or more of code enforcement experience.
• Code Enforcement Officer I Basic Certification.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The Officer must have significant knowledge, skills and/or abilities as shown below.

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, employees in other City departments, outside agencies and the general public with a courteous, helpful, and professional demeanor.
• Possess knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar and must be able to understand written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Ability to understand (and request clarification when needed) and follow written and oral instructions, City and Departmental policies, rules, regulations and laws.
• Possess a genuine interest in helping people.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work in a high-stress, fast-paced environment; must be able to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt effectively to volatile situations.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task various fieldwork inspections, municipal court prep, and administrative reports.
• Ability to create and maintain records and reports.
• Possess knowledge of personal computer, copiers, printers and MS Office software.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas clearly, both orally and in writing so others will understand.
• The ability to operate a City Vehicle.
• When required, be available for and on duty before and after normal working hours.

Working Conditions & Environmental Hazards:

This position requires extensive field work. The Officer must be able to perform inspections and enforcement duties outdoors in various environmental conditions.

• Frequent exposure to extreme weather conditions, including severe heat, cold, and rain.
• May be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, dust, fumes, loud noises, and potential risk of electric shock.
• Frequent exposure to environmental hazards including overgrown vegetation, unsanitary property conditions, bees, insects, snakes, and other wildlife.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

In order to successfully achieve the goals of the City and Department, the Officer must meet the following physical and mental requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• The ability to understand, learn, remember and communicate information about the job.
• The ability to understand the meaning of and speak words understandably and effectively in the English language.
• Good hearing and listening abilities, that is, the ability to hear spoken words from coworkers, supervisors and others.
• Ability to remember details and logically process information.
• The ability to climb and traverse rough, uneven terrain in all types of weather.
• Good motor coordination skills; for example, the Officer must be able to coordinate his or her eyes, hands and fingers rapidly and accurately in order to handle precise movements such as driving, typing and in response to visual, auditory and other stimuli.
• Make/use repetitive hand motions over an extended period, as when driving or typing.
• Work efficiently and effectively under pressure in order to meet deadlines.
• Physical expectations include frequent standing, walking, driving, and moving outside the office environment in the field.
• Physical expectations include occasional sitting, bending, reaching, pushing/pulling, and lifting or moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Benefits Information

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical plan options; Vision and dental coverage for employees and their families.
• Paid Time Off: 14 Paid holidays (as established by City Council); Vacation leave accrues from the date of hire; Sick leave accrues from the date of hire.
• Retirement & Financial Benefits: Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS): 7% employee contribution with a 2-to-1 City match; Voluntary supplemental retirement plans; Voluntary flexible spending accounts (FSA) & health savings accounts (HSA) for health and dependent care.
• Professional Development & Additional Benefits: Tuition reimbursement for continued education; Certification pay for eligible employees; Longevity Pay; Safety Bonus.