Code Enforcement Officer

City of Lakeland, FL•Lakeland, FL

33d

About The Position

This is responsible inspection work in enforcing compliance with City codes and ordinances pertaining to portions of the land development regulations, housing, environmental code, junk vehicles, derelict properties and the parking of trailers and recreational vehicles, environmental protection and solid waste, or signage and news racks. Work involves inspecting and investigating code violations and complaints and includes gathering, evaluating, and interpreting information with the ability to prepare and present cases to the Code Enforcement Board, if necessary. An employee in this position works independently, making routine decisions within established codes, regulations, and technical guidelines, but disputed or exceptionally different cases may be referred to a superior for assistance. The Code Enforcement Manager reviews work through performance reviews.

Requirements

A high school diploma from an accredited school or a GED.
Three years of responsible experience in code enforcement, code compliance, building inspection, housing inspection, property inspections, property appraisals, environmental inspection, planning or zoning, building construction or contracting, law enforcement, fire inspector, or public safety.
Must maintain a valid driver's license.
Must maintain a valid telephone number.
Must possess or acquire, within 12 months of employment, Certification in Fundamentals of Code Enforcement from the Florida Association of Code Enforcement, Inc. (F.A.C.E.).
Thorough knowledge of municipal codes and ordinances pertaining to zoning, signage, housing, environment, junk vehicles, derelict properties, and parking of trailers and recreational vehicles.
Knowledge of investigative procedures and ability to compile facts logically for presentation to the Code Enforcement Board or a court.
Ability to use good judgment and tact in securing the cooperation and compliance of property owners, tenants, and the general public.
Ability to enforce applicable ordinances and codes with firmness, tact, and impartiality.
Ability to read, understand, and explain maps, aerials, plates, plans, and other technical drawings.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing clearly and concisely in an easily understood manner.
Skill in using common computer hardware and software to perform tasks (e.g., PCs, laptops, printers, scanners, and software such as Code Enforcement Application and Mobile Application, Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Photo Editor).
Skill in using digital cameras, digital files, and secure digital memory cards (SD cards) to upload, download, insert, attach, import, and send electronic files and digital photographs.
Requires manual labor work that involves walking or standing some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard operations.
The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, texture perception, and good manual dexterity.
Ability to operate a City vehicle to travel to various locations.

Responsibilities

Investigates reported and observed violations of the City's ordinances and codes pertaining to zoning, housing, environment, junk vehicles, derelict properties and trailer/recreational vehicle parking, or environmental protection and solid waste.
Notifies code violators of code requirements and tries to obtain compliance through negotiation.
Issues citations and re-inspects premises after the allotted time to see if the violation has been corrected.
Refers non-compliance cases to the Code Enforcement Board for action. Presents testimony before the Code Enforcement Board.
Interprets and explains the assigned ordinances and codes to the general public, property owners, businesses, builders, contractors, and other interested parties.
Prepares and maintains necessary reports and records.
Works closely with other City Departments in resolving complaints and responding to concerns.
Makes presentations to and answers questions from various neighborhood and homeowner associations and civic organizations.
Provides information regarding Code Enforcement to supervisors, coworkers, other employees, and members of the public by telephone, in written form, email, and in person.
Removes illegally placed signs from public rights-of-way (Sign Enforcement).
Interprets and explains the sign code and news rack regulations to the general public, property owners, businesses, builders, contractors, and other interested parties (Sign Enforcement).
Patrols the City by vehicle or on foot, looking for City Code of Ordinance violations.
May be required to participate and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.
May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
Position is designated as Mission Critical by Department Director.
Performs related work as required.