Encampment Response Coordinator

City of Garland•Frederick, CO

10d

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Encampment Response Coordinator coordinates the City of Garland’s response to and cleanup of homeless encampments. The position works closely with the Garland Police Department and other City departments to plan and carry out removals, pursue compliance for encampments on private property, and coordinate cleanup crews and contractors. It tracks cleanup costs and encampment data, responds to complaints, conducts public education and outreach, and evaluates programs and practices for improvement. The role also supports other Environmental Compliance Department projects, serves as the Department Purchasing Coordinator, and performs light administrative duties.

Requirements

Associate degree in Environmental Science, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Human Services, or a closely related field.
At least two years of progressively responsible work experience in field operations, code enforcement, environmental compliance, public works, project coordination, or a related field.
Experience must include coordinating work activities, responding to complaints, working with contractors or multiple stakeholders, or conducting field inspections.
An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience sufficient to perform the essential functions may be considered.
Knowledge of municipal code enforcement and compliance processes, including notice, documentation, and due diligence requirements.
Knowledge of safe work practices for handling hazardous materials, sharps, and biohazards.
Ability to lead, coordinate, and work as part of a team with police, City staff, contractors, and outside agencies.
Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and tactfully, verbally and in writing, including in difficult situations with property owners and members of the public.
Ability to speak in public and give presentations to groups of varying sizes.
Ability to keep accurate records, track costs, and maintain organized data.
Ability to apply policies and procedures in decision-making and problem-solving.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to changing field conditions.
Professional customer service skills.
Skill in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, and in using inspection or case-tracking software.
Texas Class C driver’s license.
Must obtain Hazardous Materials, First Aid/CPR, Needle and Sharps Safety, and Bloodborne Pathogens/Exposure Control training within six months of hire and maintain it as required.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors regularly in all weather conditions and throughout the year.
Ability to work in conditions that may involve hazardous materials, used needles and sharps, biohazards, uneven terrain, and potentially volatile situations, while following safety procedures and using required personal protective equipment.
Mobility to work in field settings and a standard office setting, and ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree, including 30 semester hours in any combination of environmental science (preferred), biological sciences, microbiology, chemistry, physical sciences, environmental engineering, or related fields.
Additional coursework in communication skills is highly desirable.
Knowledge of or experience working with people experiencing homelessness or homeless encampments.
Prior experience in city government, including familiarity with municipal ordinances, departmental responsibilities, interdepartmental coordination, public complaint resolution, and local government operations.
Knowledge of issues affecting people experiencing homelessness and local social service and outreach resources.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the City’s response to homeless encampments from initial complaint or discovery through site assessment, notice, removal, and cleanup.
Work with the Garland Police Department and other City departments to plan, schedule, and conduct safe removals and cleanups in accordance with City policy and applicable law.
Coordinate and direct cleanup crews and contractors on site, ensuring work is completed safely and to standard.
Pursue compliance for encampments on private property by communicating with property owners, managers, and responsible parties about violations, requirements, and deadlines.
Document private-property compliance efforts, including notices, correspondence, photographs, and site visits.
Track cleanup costs, including labor, contractor, equipment, and disposal costs, to support budgeting, reporting, and cost recovery.
Maintain accurate records and data on encampment locations, complaints, actions taken, and outcomes; prepare reports and summaries for the Director as requested.
Answer questions and respond to encampment-related complaints by phone, email, or in person; enter complaints into the inspection system and route them appropriately.
Give presentations to community groups, businesses, property owners, and other audiences about homelessness, encampment impacts, and preventing illegal camping on private property.
Attend council meetings and outreach events to inform and update audiences on encampment-related topics.
Research and compare City programs, policies, and procedures with those of other municipalities and recommend improvements.
Identify and recommend ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the City’s encampment response.
Work on assigned projects involving other areas of the Environmental Compliance Department.
Serve as the Department Purchasing Coordinator.
Perform light administrative duties and other tasks as assigned.