CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

City of Columbia,SC•Columbia, SC

49d

About The Position

This position enforces and inspects for the City's quality of life ordinances to ensure safe and healthy living environments for City residents, and to perform related work as assigned. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision. The work is considered light and involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, talking, visual acuity, and walking. Work environment may involve exposure to dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, electrical shock, heights, disease/pathogens; and spends most of the time physically threatening environment that requires life and death decisions for one's self and others.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Four (4) years of relevant prior experience
Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License
Have or be able to obtain the Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector certification administered by the International Codes Council (ICC) within one (1) year from the date of hire or promotion
Must have skill in the use of Microsoft Office
Must be able to effectively deal with irate citizens
May be required to work additional hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

Preference given for Residential Inspector certification administered by the International Codes Council (ICC).

Responsibilities

Inspects residential, commercial and other properties for compliance with the City, state and federal housing, property maintenance and environmental codes and regulations
Investigates public health complaints; meets with neighborhood and community leaders to discuss code enforcement and public health concerns
Schedules and inspects single- and multi-family housing for compliance with the City's property maintenance codes
Schedules and inspects vacant lots and City right of way for compliance with applicable City codes
Investigates property maintenance violations on occupied and unoccupied properties
Inspects existing structures for compliance with life safety, mechanical, electrical and plumbing codes
Inspects fire-damaged buildings
Inspects buildings for lead-based paint, asbestos and other hazardous materials
Investigates and records noise pollution
Prepares inspection reports; determines steps to be taken to bring buildings to code; initiates emergency vacate orders as appropriate
Explains, interprets and provides guidance regarding applicable codes and compliance requirements to property owners, residents, contractors and others
Follows up on each case to verify corrections have been made to comply with codes; issues uniform ordinance summonses and prepares cases for prosecution in the event of non-compliance; testifies in court as necessary
Participates in community services team efforts
Maintains a variety of logs and records related to inspection and enforcement activities
Maintains assigned vehicles and equipment
Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility
Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, attending meetings, etc.
Provides training of other inspectors as assigned
Attends training, conferences, meetings, etc., to enhance job knowledge and skills and maintain certifications
Performs other related duties as assigned.