Code Enforcement Inspector I

About the position

As a Code Enforcement Inspector I with County of Sonoma, you will be responsible for preparing detailed and complex reports, providing correspondence involving code violations, and preparing and maintaining case files regarding enforcement functions. Code Enforcement Inspectors calculate and impose civil penalties and review permits and submitted plans to resolve violations. This position works independently resolving complaints, with a partner when working on investigations, and with a team for warrant services. Code Enforcement Inspector I's interpret and explain county codes, ordinances, and abatement regulations, issue notices of violations, prepare written reports and stipulated administrative abatement orders, and record abatement liens. In addition, you will research and analyze county records, property history, files, and maps, present complex enforcement cases at administrative hearings, and attend abatement and other public hearings.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze county records, property history, files, and maps
• Present complex enforcement cases at administrative hearings
• Interpret and explain county codes, ordinances, and abatement regulations
• Conduct field investigations
• Research file data and identify code violations
• Resolve complaints and offer solutions to property owners with violations
• Facilitate permit process coordination
• Investigate complaints related to cannabis compliance, construction projects without permits, substandard housing, dangerous buildings, grading and drainage violations, zoning and land use violations, installation and repair of sewage disposal systems, failing sewage disposal systems, and water well installations

Requirements

• Any combination of work experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed
• Normally, one year of experience performing duties involving code enforcement, or two years of related work experience utilizing zoning and land use, building, health or other related regulations
• Any combination of education and training that would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed
• Normally, course work in code enforcement, zoning, land use regulations, investigative techniques and methods, construction and/or building inspection, public health, planning, environmental studies, or related courses
• Possession of PC 832 Powers of Arrest (POST Certified) is required within one year of appointment
• Possession of Code Enforcement Certification from an approved and accredited organization is required within two years of appointment

Nice-to-haves

• A background in general construction, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or law enforcement
• Experience with cannabis cultivation, production, or distribution
• Knowledge of warrants and investigative report writing
• Experience with court procedure, direct examination and cross examination is beneficial, but not required
• Basic (English/Spanish) bilingual skills are desirable, but not required

Benefits

• Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Code Enforcement Officer II (Starting salary up to $57.28/hour)
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education