Code Enforcement Investigator, Grant Services Specialist II (NCS) - Department of Housing and Community Development

Baltimore City•Baltimore, MD

About The Position

Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team! The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. NOTE: GRANT POSITIONS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RETIREMENT BENEFITS Job Summary: A code enforcement investigator I, investigates alleged violations of environmental and housing code regulations and laws and participates in identifying violators and planning their apprehension, indictment and conviction. Incumbents receive moderate supervision from a technical supervisor. employees in this class work a conventional work week that may include evenings, weekends and holidays. The employees work in an office and on site of violations where such conditions as seasonal weather extremes, hazardous waste, and hostile confrontations may be encountered. Work involves moderate physical exertion involving long periods of stooping, standing, climbing and jumping.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a GED.
Must be at least 21 years of age and satisfactorily pass a fingerprint and background investigation conducted by the Baltimore City Police Department.
Have two (2) years of experience investigating environmental, housing or other code violations, conducting environmental health or related code inspections, enforcing ordinances, regulations and public laws, or in monitoring and enforcing compliance with program requirements.
Have an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Each additional year of education at an accredited college or university may substitute for six (6) months of the experience requirement.
Have a valid Maryland Class C Noncommercial driver's license or an equivalent driver's license and eligible to obtain a Baltimore City driver’s permit.
PROVISIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE OR LEARNER PERMITS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.
NOTE: YOU MUST UPLOAD A COPY OF YOUR VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE WITH APPLICATION AT TIME OF APPLYING.
Knowledge of investigative methods, techniques, practices and procedures.
Knowledge of environmental hazards and housing code violations.
Knowledge of environmental and housing codes and regulations.
Skill in conducting investigative interviews and eliciting cooperation from individuals and businesses.
Ability to utilize sound judgement and remain calm under stressful situations.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to utilize photographic equipment to photograph and document criminal evidence.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sources and records.

Responsibilities

Incumbent may, with a Baltimore city police officer, investigate complaints and violations of environmental and housing code laws such as illegal dumping, graffiti and illegal storage or disposal of non-hazardous materials and waste without proper licensing by inspecting sites, documenting conditions and violations, gathering evidence and researching clues and leads.
Interview witnesses, complainants, potential suspects and their family members, co-workers, employers and neighbors, to obtain information that will lead to the location, identification and apprehension of individuals or corporate violators, pursues all leads obtained in interviews.
Conducts scheduled and unscheduled patrols of known dumping or graffiti grounds and areas; conducts long-term covert observations of suspects and areas, using video, cameras and related equipment to document findings.
Conducts computer database and tax, land title and related City, State and Federal government record searches to identify and locate individuals and businesses violating environmental laws and housing codes.
Interprets State statutes and City ordinances regarding the protection of the environment and the enforcement of housing codes and regulations; prepares legal documents such as search warrants, statements of probable cause, criminal, civil and environmental citations based on pertinent code violations.
Participates in developing and planning investigations and enforcement strategies with Baltimore City Police and personnel from environmental enforcement programs; participates in joint investigative and surveillance operations.
Testifies in court as expert witness on arrests made or criminal citations issued for violations of environmental laws and housing codes; extends the city’s issuance of citations at environmental control board hearings.
Serves criminal summons documents within the City of Baltimore and civil summons documents within the state of Maryland on suspects and code violators.
Serves drug nuisance complaints on defendants and posts nuisance properties with copies of complaints.
Prepares narrative reports to document investigative activity and findings and to justify prosecution of a case; maintains pertinent records.
Employees must participate in and successfully complete ongoing skill development training related to investigation and enforcement of environmental laws and ordinances.