Code Enforcement Officer

City of Gainesville•Gainesville, FL

13d•$20 - $31

About The Position

This is responsible inspection work enforcing compliance with City Codes and Ordinances pertaining to zoning, housing, property maintenance, street graphics, lot clearance, junk vehicles, and related codes and ordinances. Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under limited supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on attention to detail and administrative duties.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma, and meet one of the following criteria: three (3) years of experience in construction rehabilitation or building construction trades, or three (3) years of experience in Code Enforcement, Law Enforcement or an equivalent enforcement position, or three (3) years of experience in land use planning or zoning; or three (3) years of experience in any combination of construction rehabilitation or building construction trades; Code Enforcement or Law Enforcement; or land use planning or zoning.
An Associate degree from an accredited college or university in any study may substitute for one (1) year of the required work experience.
A Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, architecture, electrical contracting, urban or regional planning, building construction, civil engineering or related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required work experience.
Applicants must have no conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral character, perjury, or making false statements; nor after July 1, 1981, have pled guilty or nolo contendere to, or have been found guilty of any such crimes.
Valid Florida Driver License and safe driving record required at time of appointment.
Must acquire, within twelve (12) months of appointment, certification at level I by the Florida Association of Code Enforcement (FACE).
Must maintain certification, throughout employment, by receiving required continuing education units.
Considerable knowledge of City ordinances and regulations related to building, zoning, property maintenance, junk vehicle, street graphics and lot clearance.
Knowledge of applicable state, federal and local laws, rules, ordinances and regulatory standards applicable to the work.
Knowledge of investigative principles, methods and techniques, and case management principles for the purpose of preserving evidence and establishing documentation and an audit
Ability to apply sound principles of independent judgment and discretion during inspection/enforcement activities
Working knowledge of personal computers and relevant software applications.
Knowledge of City geography.
Ability to read and interpret plan specifications and blueprints accurately and to compare them with construction in process.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to write clear, concise reports, letters and memorandum using standard business English, spelling, and punctuation.
Ability to work effectively with co-workers, other agencies and the general public.
Ability to apply principles and practices of customer service and public relations.
Ability to defuse and react appropriately to potentially dangerous and confrontational encounters with the public.
Ability to enforce ordinances and other regulations with professionalism, firmness, tact, and impartiality.
Work will require physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential job functions including walking over uneven terrain, standing, kneeling, and crawling to perform inspections.
Must communicate orally, see physical surroundings, listen, hear others, respond to oral commands, and demonstrate good communication skills.
Work requires normal vision to recognize zoning, housing and other City Ordinance violations.
Work requires continuous situational awareness while inspecting.
Must follow the safety rules and clothing requirements of each inspection.

Responsibilities

Receives and proactively finds complaints regarding violations of city ordinances and regulations; researches city codes for appropriate sections.
Conducts field investigations regarding possible violations of a variety of city codes and ordinances related to buildings, structures, property maintenance, animals, nuisances, business licenses/permits, zoning landscape ordinances, and other City codes and ordinances.
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 to provide resources and enforcement to the community; interprets and explains municipal codes and ordinances to members of the general public, contractors, business owners, and other interested groups in the field, over the counter, and on the telephone.
Writes notices of violation and directives outlining and describing areas to be brought into compliance.
Determines legal description, owner, and zoning of properties throughout the City.
Informs owner, holder of certificate of occupancy, or tenant of inspection findings and conditions requiring correction.
Reviews and decides on issuance of zoning related permits, including home occupation permits, landlord permits, alcoholic beverage licenses, and family daycare permits.
Keeps records of inspections and conditions of areas or structures covered by regulations issued through division.
Provides case preparation and sworn testimony in cases of non-compliance at the Codes Enforcement Board and in court.
Performs re-inspections, gives legal notice, and files legal complaints for prosecution for non-compliance with City codes.
Routinely attends public meetings and makes presentations.
Explains and interprets City ordinances to violators; sets deadlines for compliance and follow-up.
Takes photographs of violations and prepares drawings and comprehensive written reports.
Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
Performs other related duties as assigned.