Code Enforcement Officer I/II

City of Eureka • Eureka, CA

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under general or direct supervision, performs a variety of technical duties in support of the City’s code enforcement program. Monitors and enforces a variety of applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations related to land use, building, housing, health and safety, property maintenance, and other matters of public concern. Investigates violations and initiates procedures to abate violations and obtain compliance, including issuing notices of violations, citations, and other correspondence specifying necessary corrective actions, compliance dates, and serves as a resource and provides information on City regulations to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public, and other City departments and divisions.

Code Enforcement Officer I is the entry-level class, expected to perform with less program knowledge and independent discretion than the II level, and is expected to learn the full range of code enforcement investigative work. Progression to Code Enforcement Officer II is possible after one year of satisfactory performance and meeting qualifications.

Code Enforcement Officer II is the journey-level class, requiring demonstrated ability to perform responsible code enforcement duties and provide training. Incumbents must have completed a P.O.S.T. - certified PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Course and obtain a Code Enforcement Officer – Intermediate certification from CACEO within one year of hire.

Requirements

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training and/or college-level coursework in criminal justice, planning, public administration, law enforcement, construction inspection, or related field.
• Code Enforcement Officer I: One (1) year of experience performing code enforcement or similar public contact work of an investigative or inspection nature for a public or private agency.
• Code Enforcement Officer II: Two (2) years of experience performing public contact work of an investigative or inspection nature including at least one (1) year of code enforcement investigation/inspection work at a level comparable to a Code Enforcement Officer I with the City of Eureka.
• Valid California class C driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.
• Knowledge of pertinent codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations related to assigned duties.
• Knowledge of procedures involved in the enforcement of codes and regulations including research methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of conducting and documenting lawful field investigations.
• Knowledge of municipal zoning and land use principles.
• Knowledge of City services and organizational structure as they relate to code compliance.
• Knowledge of legal actions applicable to code enforcement compliance.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of customer service and public relations.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures of record keeping and filing.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques used in the preparation of business correspondence and technical reports.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers, smartphones, tablets and supporting word processing, database, and spreadsheet and mobile applications.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices including personal safety practices and self-defense when in confrontational encounters with the public.
• Knowledge of use of mobile navigation and mapping applications.
• Knowledge of effective communication techniques required for gathering, evaluating, and transmitting information.
• Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Knowledge of basic mathematical principles for reading maps, measuring, and other computations necessary to identify violations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to independently perform a full range of municipal code enforcement and compliance duties with minimal supervision.
• Ability to respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a timely and tactful manner.
• Ability to work in potentially confrontational settings and use accepted and appropriate techniques to ensure officer safety.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret, apply, and explain applicable codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures related to assigned area.
• Ability to inspect and identify violations of applicable codes and ordinances.
• Ability to enforce pertinent codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations with impartiality and efficiency.
• Ability to defuse and react appropriately to potentially dangerous and confrontational encounters with the public.
• Ability to represent the City in a professional manner and deal effectively with the public to gain their cooperation in resolving problems and concerns.
• Ability to research, compile, and collect data.
• Ability to prepare accurate and detailed documentation of investigation findings.
• Ability to prepare and maintain a variety of correspondence, logs, records, and files.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise technical reports.
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents and descriptions.
• Ability to read maps.
• Ability to make oral presentations and testify in court.
• Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Ability to understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
• Ability to operate communication devices including portable radios and wireless phones.
• Ability to type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Ability to demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of a P.O.S.T. - certified PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Course within one (1) year of hire.
• Certification as a Code Enforcement Officer – Intermediate from the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers Association (CACEO) within one (1) year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of field and office work in support of the City’s code enforcement program.
• Enforces compliance with applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations including those pertaining to land use matters, building, housing, health and safety, property maintenance, neighborhood blight, and other matters of public concern.
• Receives and responds to citizen complaints and reports from other agencies and departments on violations of City zoning and related municipal codes and ordinances as well as State regulations.
• Conducts investigations; interviews complainant and witnesses; inspects residential, commercial, and industrial properties for code violations.
• Attempts to make contact with property owners or tenants to resolve violations and work toward compliance.
• Issues and posts warning notices, notices of violation, corrective notices, orders to comply, and related documentation for code violations.
• Schedules and performs all follow-up functions to gain compliance including letters, inspections, calls, meetings, discussions, and negotiations.
• Prepares requests for legal action and issues administrative and misdemeanor criminal citations as necessary.
• Operates computers, smartphones, tablets and other technology to enter, process, and report data relative to complaints.
• Maintains complete and accurate documentation and case files on all investigations, inspections, enforcement actions, and other job-related activities.
• Establishes and maintains a case management system.
• Prepares and provides documentation and evidence in support of legal actions taken by the City; prepares warrants; appears in court as necessary; testifies at hearings and in court proceedings as required.
• Prepares a variety of written reports, memos, and correspondence related to enforcement activities.
• Attends meetings and serves as a resource to other City departments, divisions, the general public, community groups, and outside agencies related to code enforcement.
• Works cooperatively with other departments regarding code enforcement issues.
• Works cooperatively with local, state, and federal agencies including social services agencies.
• Interprets and explains municipal codes and ordinances to members of the general public, contractors, business owners, and other interested groups.
• Issues stop work notices for construction or alterations being performed without proper permits.
• Assists all parties involved in achieving compliance.
• Performs related duties as required.

Benefits

• All City of Eureka employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED