Code Enforcement Investigator I, II or III or CEP

POLK_BoCC_Career Site•Bartow, FL

3d•$27 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

Performs field inspections of private and public properties, including but not limited to commercial, residential, industrial, agricultural, manufacturing, salvage yards, construction sites, rental units, businesses, storage areas, and special hazardous facilities or situations, to enforce compliance with local codes, ordinances, and applicable state regulations. Inspection requests may originate from citizens, state and local agencies (e.g., Health Department, FDEP, SWFWMD, PCSO), or be initiated independently by the Investigator. Works directly with the public, legal counsel, regulatory agencies, and private businesses to investigate complaints, gather evidence, and communicate with property owners or tenants to address violations. Provides accurate information and practical guidance on code enforcement issues impacting public health, safety, and community welfare.

Requirements

Graduate from an accredited high school or an acceptable equivalent diploma.
Must undergo a Level 2 (FDLE) screening submitted electronically before commencing work. Those obtaining this certification must maintain certification as a condition of employment.
At least one (1) year of experience in code enforcement, real estate, building construction, investigations, code enforcement, or related regulatory work.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level I or Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification
Polk County Code Enforcement Property Maintenance Certification
At least two (2) years of experience in code enforcement, real estate, building construction, investigations, code enforcement, or related regulatory work.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level I or Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level II or Administrative Aspects of Code Enforcement
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Officer Safety and Field Applications Certification
Polk County Code Enforcement Property Maintenance Certification
At least three (3) years of experience in code enforcement, real estate, building construction, investigations, code enforcement, or related regulatory work.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level I or Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level II or Administrative Aspects of Code Enforcement
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level Ill or Legal Issues in Code Enforcement
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Officer Safety and Field Applications Certification
Polk County Code Enforcement Property Maintenance Certification
Minimum of four (4) years of code enforcement, real estate, building construction, investigative, governmental regulatory, or related work experience.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level I – Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level II – Administrative Aspects of Code Enforcement
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level Ill – Legal Issues in Code Enforcement
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Code Enforcement Professional (C.E.P.) Certification, including acceptance of a legal issue paper.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Officer Safety and Field Applications Certification
Polk County Code Enforcement Property Maintenance Certification
Must have a valid driver's license and obtain a Florida driver's license at the time of employment.

Responsibilities

Conducts field investigations in response to complaints regarding potential violations of the Land Development Code, Florida Building Code, and County Ordinances.
Gathering evidence, photographing violations, and interviews parties involved.
Inspects substandard residential dwellings to enforce the Minimum Housing Ordinance and determine habitability.
Identifies illegal dumping and coordinates cleanup efforts.
Interpret and understand the Solid Waste contract for garbage and yard waste disposal requirements and what constitutes excessive bulk waste.
Assist citizens on matters requiring a building permit, engineering and variances.
Identifies and recommends properties for demolition when conditions meet established criteria.
Participate in mobile home park and salvage yard inspections for proper licensing inspection requirements.
Issues notices of violation, posts legal documents to ensure due process, and ensures corrective actions are taken to achieve compliance.
Prepares and presents detailed case reports for Polk County Special Magistrate or judicial hearings.
Conducts routine neighborhood inspections to ensure overall code compliance.
Research property ownership using legal descriptions, deeds, tax records, and Property Appraiser, GIS databases.
Maintains detailed case files using code enforcement software.
Prepares descriptive narrative written summaries, inspection reports, and evidence documentation.
Coordinates case presentations and testifies at hearings before the Special Magistrate and Appellate Special Magistrate, subject to cross-examination.
Meets with property owners, tenants, and complainants to assess violations, explain code requirements, and guide corrective actions.
Responds to public inquiries, explains code requirements, and provides educational support to promote voluntary compliance plans.
Coordinates with Planning, Building, Roads& Drainage, Solid Waste, Keep Polk County Beautiful, PCSO Environmental Unit, State DEP, and other departments.
Identifies and responds appropriately to hazardous conditions and have the mental, physical and verbal ability to think and respond quickly while remaining courteous and professional while safely interacting with the public during situations. (e.g., chemical spills, hazardous waste sites, hoarding, drug paraphernalia, aggressive individuals, and mentally ill or unstable citizens).
Assists with damage assessments and inspections during emergencies and natural disasters including identification, placarding and reporting requirements to FEMA; identify structures for power pulls, required permitting and those unfit for habitation.
Applies FEMA guidelines and protocols during declared emergencies.
Have situational awareness about safety hazards during property abatements involving hoarders, death investigations and search warrants where a crime has taken place.
Ability and training to utilize issued safety equipment including but not limited to work boots, gloves, garbage collection equipment, posting stakes, safety/ballistic vests and law enforcement issued radios (appropriate dialogue: 10 codes & signals).
Inspects and removes illegal signage from public rights-of-way.
Manage contracted vendors during nuisance abatement activities or Special Magistrate order of enforcement. This position has a great deal of oversite and liability in the part of the County.
Participate in community meetings and events within neighborhoods to provide educational assistance and address needs within assigned area.
May represent the department at public meetings or outreach events.