LT-Code Enforcement Officer

City of Des Moines Washington•Des Moines, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Des Moines Police Department is establishing an eligibility list for the position of Code Enforcement Officer. This is a limited-term position with an anticipated duration of up to (24) months. The Code Enforcement Officer plays a key role in maintaining the quality, safety, and livability of the community. This position works directly with residents, businesses, and property owners to address concerns, ensure compliance with municipal codes, and support neighborhood standards. Through field inspections, investigation of complaints, and proactive outreach, the LT Code Enforcement Officer helps resolve issues, educate the public, and promote long-term compliance. The position also collaborates with internal departments and community partners to support consistent and effective enforcement across the City.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED required.
Two years of professional in experience code enforcement, property management, inspections, land use or a closely related field involving interpretation or enforcement of regulations.
A combination of experience and training enabling the individual to perform the position's essential functions may be considered.
Possession of and the ability to maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License throughout employment with a good driving record.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relations with other City employees, other law enforcement agencies, civic leaders, and the general public.
Ability to become thoroughly familiar with the policies, procedures, rules and regulations of the department dealing with all matters pertaining to the area of responsibility.
Ability to understand and execute moderately complex oral or written directions, and to prepare clear and comprehensive written reports.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and to restrict the use of such information to work duties.
Ability to acquire a good working knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances which are enforced by the municipal police department.
Ability to address all violators in a firm, courteous manner in order to develop public respect and confidence in the officer and department.
Ability to safely and legally operate City vehicles.
Skill in reading and interpreting codes, building plans and plat maps.
Skill in performing inspections and preparing reports.
Skill in researching property features, zoning, ownership, history and legal descriptions.
Knowledge of municipal code enforcement methods and procedures, related to areas such as zoning, housing, transportation, health, sanitation and nuisance ordinances and codes, business license/permit regulations, regulations and requirements of court evidence, rules of evidence and related procedures.
Knowledge of code compliance methods, inspection and investigation techniques.
Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances.

Nice To Haves

Associates degree in planning, public administration, criminal justice, or a related field.
Knowledge of zoning, building, housing, shorelines, and environmental codes.
Experience with a public agency in land use planning, zoning enforcement, or regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

Performs code enforcement duties to include processing complaints, conducting field investigations and inspections, documenting violations and, when appropriate, issuing notices of infractions.
Conducts on-site visits to ensure compliance with applicable municipal codes and ordinances, with the expertise of other staff as needed; creates and maintains comprehensive records of visits and investigations, including photographs, documenting phone calls, emails and written correspondence; conducts follow-up inspections and verifies compliance.
Prepares correspondence to advise property owners of violations and steps needed to correct them.
Inspects junk vehicles on private property and completes junk vehicle affidavits.
Works with the City Attorney's office to resolve challenging cases; prepares documentation, presents evidence, provides testimony and recommends dispositions to the court as required.
Communicates with residents, neighborhood/homeowner associations, and/or other agencies, and the public regarding City code, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; provides information and recommendations within scope of authority.
Communicate and clearly explain findings and testify in court.
Establishes and maintains cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the general public using principles of good customer service.
Reports for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
Performs other duties as assigned, provided such duties are consistent with development-related code enforcement responsibilities.