Code Officer

Largo•Largo, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Code Officer investigates community complaints and requests, determines whether violations exist, and enforces compliance with City of Largo ordinances and Comprehensive Development Codes when needed. The role emphasizes diplomacy and customer service to resolve cases voluntarily. Work is performed independently in the field and within the City of Largo. The position reports to the Chief Code Officer and may require participation in Code Enforcement Board and Special Magistrate meetings and hearings. The Arborist Code Officer assignment focuses on reviewing residential tree-removal permits and conducting related inspections, including site inspections, pre-installation reviews, final inspections, documentation, and enforcement. It also includes coordinating tree-removal waiver programs. The Solid Waste Code Officer assignment focuses on enforcing the City's Solid Waste Ordinance and Solid Waste Collection Program. The role supports the City's mission, vision, values, and high-performance organization model. Employees are expected to demonstrate leadership, effective management of assignments, technical competence, and teamwork. As a condition of employment, employees may be directed to work during declared or undeclared emergencies, recalled around the clock, work irregular hours or at other locations, and perform duties beyond those in the official job description.

Requirements

High school diploma and at least two years of experience in code enforcement, building, permits, or related front-line customer service, or equivalent.
Valid driver's license; the work requires frequent driving and a valid Florida driver's license.
Obtain Fundamentals of Code Enforcement certification within one year of hire. Candidates without the certification may be considered if a qualified certified candidate is not available.
Communicate clearly in writing and verbally, including writing concisely with correct spelling and punctuation.
Research relevant City codes and ordinances concerning residential parking, junk vehicles, overgrown vegetation, debris, signs, and other violations.
Apply knowledge of City ordinances to potential violations and investigate options and solutions that support voluntary compliance.
Listen actively, work effectively with residents and businesses, provide quality customer service, operate a motor vehicle safely, use a two-way radio, and locate City addresses using maps or GPS.
For the Arborist Code Officer assignment, obtain Florida Certified Horticulture Professional certification; candidates without certification may be considered if they demonstrate horticultural knowledge and experience, but the certificate is required within six months of hire.
For the Arborist Code Officer assignment, know proper landscape materials and pruning, landscaping, and horticultural methods, and identify hazardous or diseased trees and trees, plants, and ground-cover vegetation.
For the Solid Waste Code Officer assignment, research and develop knowledge of pertinent City ordinances and procedures related to service levels, carts left at the curb, illegal dumping, dumpster enclosure repairs, educating residents of new annexations, and illegal haulers.
For the Solid Waste Code Officer assignment, apply City ordinance knowledge to potential violations, communicate clearly orally and in writing, provide quality customer service to residents and businesses, and operate a motor vehicle safely.
Operate department software for case information, spreadsheets, word processing, email, and staff reports, as well as printers, phones, copiers, digital cameras, computers, tablets, radios, flashlights, light meters, measurement devices, ladders, and hand tools as applicable.
Meet the physical and sensory requirements of predominantly field-based work, including outdoor work in adverse weather, frequent driving, and the stated lifting, carrying, movement, hearing, speaking, and seeing requirements.

Nice To Haves

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification is preferred for the Arborist Code Officer assignment.

Responsibilities

Respond to citizen requests and complaints, assess whether violations exist, and enforce applicable City ordinances and codes in a timely and professional manner.
Monitor and promptly return customer inquiries and phone calls, and respond to departmental email complaints and requests.
Enter customer case details and supporting information accurately into a computer system.
Investigate cases and follow up to achieve code compliance.
Contact violators, explain compliance requirements and procedures, issue notices to correct violations, and follow up to ensure compliance.
Initiate and pursue legal action when necessary.
Research ordinances, laws, board and commission meeting minutes, and other relevant information.
Attend business meetings, training classes, and policy-related educational sessions.
Attend Code Enforcement Board, Special Magistrate, and related hearings when required.
Prepare cases and provide testimony to City Boards, Special Magistrates, the City Commission, and courts, and respond to formal and informal inquiries.
Investigate materials left for pickup on City property and rights of way.
Perform Department of Motor Vehicle computer searches to verify individuals' identities when required.
For the Arborist Code Officer assignment, review and inspect tree-removal permits on private property and coordinate tree-removal waiver programs.
For the Solid Waste Code Officer assignment, enforce the City's Solid Waste Ordinance and Solid Waste Collection Program.
Manage assignments and priorities, follow risk-management and safety procedures, support transparent decision-making, and collaborate accountably with team members.
Perform related work as required and work as directed during emergency-response operations.