Codes Enforcement Officer

ABOUT OUR DISTRICT

The Syracuse City School District is On the Rise! We are undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and she is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of educators to partner with her in moving the district toward its goals.

The Syracuse City School District represents 35 schools and programs, including 6 high schools, 6 middle schools, 6 K-8 schools, 13 elementary schools, and 4 alternative education programs, serving approximately 19,000 students Pre-K–12. Of these students, 82.3% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 20.1% are served by the Office of Special Education, and 83% are students of color.

Location: Facilities Department

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for enforcing the provisions of local building and zoning laws and the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. An employee in this class is responsible for enforcing standards for the condition, occupancy, maintenance, conservation, rehabilitation and renewal of existing building structures and premises and for the safeguarding of life and property therein and thereabout from the hazards of fire, explosion or release of toxic gases arising from the storage handling or use of combustible or hazardous substances, materials or devices. Work is performed under the general supervision of a town or village board or administrative official depending upon assignment, with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment only as permitted by the board or administrative official. In some towns or villages, general supervision may be exercised over a Deputy Codes Enforcement officer and/or a small number of clerical employees. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

• Reviews, checks and passes on plans and specifications submitted with building permit applications for compliance with building code, the zoning ordinance and applicable laws prior to issuing permits.
• Inspects buildings and structures in the process of construction or repair for compliance with approved plans and specifications and all requirements of applicable ordinances and laws, including N.Y. State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
• Issues building permits and furnishes the prescribed certificates of occupancy upon application.
• Explains the requirements of the local building code, local zoning ordinances and the N.Y. State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building code law and other applicable laws to building contractors and to the general public.
• Provides for removal of illegal or unsafe conditions and secures the necessary safeguards during construction.
• Orders unsafe conditions in existing structures to be removed and arranges for condemnation notices to owners and builders of improper or hazardous structures.
• Inspects existing buildings and structures to insure their conformity with safety standards and eliminating of fire hazards.
• May conduct investigation of source, origin, and circumstances of fires, and fire prevention code.
• Investigates complaints and assists in prosecuting violation of the building and fire prevention code and zoning ordinances.
• Prepares periodic reports and keeps related records and may supervise a small size staff. 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Good knowledge of the requirements of the local and New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code and Zoning Code.
• Good knowledge of practices, principles, materials and tools used in building construction.
• Good knowledge of fire prevention practices and procedures.
• Good knowledge of the building trades.
• Ability to inspect buildings and enforce provisions of building and fire prevention codes.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with other public officials, with building contractors and with the general public.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications.
• Ability to prepare written and oral reports and maintain detailed records.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Promotion: One (1) year of permanent competitive class status in the title of Deputy Codes Enforcement Officer.

Open Competitive

1. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s degree in architecture, architectural technology, building construction technology, fire protection technology or engineering; or,
2. Two (2) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the performance of building or fire inspections or code enforcement activities; or in building trades; building construction or repair; or,
3. Four (4) years of work experience in firefighting*, two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or,
4. Current certification as a New York State Code Enforcement Official. A copy of certification must be submitted with the application.

*NOTE: Work experience in firefighting means length of time in calendar years as an active member in good standing in a fire department. This does not have to be full-time experience.

NOTE: At time of appointment, New York State Public Officers Law requires United States Citizenship.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT:

Once appointed, candidates must meet the training and certification requirements set forth by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. (see section 434.5 – Certification of Code Enforcement Personnel - of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR)).

WORKING HOURS: This position will work 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. This position is full-time. This position is non-exempt.

SALARY/COMPENSATION: The current salary range is $72,405 - $100,255 depending on experience and qualifications pursuant to the Unit 11 Collective Bargaining Agreement contract.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• To be considered, all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the position as outlined on the Onondaga County Civil Service job specifications for this title.

• NYS HELPS Program will allow us to hire for this position without participating in the Civil Service exam or being appointed from an eligible list. The selected candidate will serve a 52-week probationary period, and the position will mature into a permanent appointment.

• The successful candidate will be required to pass a fingerprint-based background check, at the cost of $107.50 to the candidate.

• City Residents are encouraged to apply!

The Onondaga County Civil Service job description for this position can be viewed by clicking here.