Neighborhood Preservation Officer

City of Covina•Covina, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Covina is accepting applications for the position of Neighborhood Preservation Officer in the Community Development Department. This role involves inspecting residential and commercial properties and transient businesses to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations related to property maintenance and business licensing. The officer is responsible for initiating legal action to achieve compliance and performing other related duties as required. This is a journey-level position where incumbents independently perform the full scope of assigned inspection duties, including zoning, building, housing, weed abatement, health, and safety. The work requires independence and discretion in public interactions and field inspections, with a proactive approach to enforcing codes and regulations.

Requirements

Equivalent of a high school diploma.
Experience in municipal government code enforcement, building, business licensing, construction, or a related field is highly desirable.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver’s license.
Possession of P.C. 832 Certificate within one year.
If performing housing inspections, possession of a Housing Inspector Certificate.
Knowledge of modern principles, practices and methods used in the enforcement of a variety of codes, permits and regulations, including housing and building codes, business license codes, fire codes and health laws.
Knowledge of methods and techniques used in enforcement and investigation.
Knowledge of law enforcement procedures and administrative techniques.
Knowledge of rules of evidence and court procedures.
Knowledge of basic principles of mathematics.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments.
Knowledge of standard office procedures, practices and equipment.
Knowledge of modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software.
Knowledge of methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing.
Knowledge of proper English, spelling and grammar.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Ability to inspect and analyze a variety of buildings and properties and identify code violations.
Ability to appropriately apply codes and regulations to varying situations.
Ability to effectively deal with angry and non-cooperative people.
Ability to keep up with constantly changing laws and learn more complex principles, practices, techniques and regulations pertaining to assigned duties.
Ability to facilitate appropriate corrective action from property owners regarding violations.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
Ability to implement, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to read, interpret and record data accurately.
Ability to organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to make sound decisions within established guidelines.
Ability to analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response.
Ability to follow written and oral directions.
Ability to observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Skill to operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications.

Nice To Haves

Experience in municipal government code enforcement, building, business licensing, construction, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Performs the full array of residential and commercial property and transient business inspections; determines existence and type of code violation.
Compiles, analyzes and evaluates findings of investigations and inspections.
Coordinates with property owners or their representatives and other regulatory agencies to take corrective action.
Performs follow-up inspections and investigation as required.
Ensures compliance with all applicable municipal codes and regulations.
Issues citations for non-compliance.
Issues stop work orders and refer them to the proper department if necessary.
Interprets, applies and explains applicable municipal codes, zoning ordinances, building codes, vehicle codes, state housing, health and safety codes, and other related laws, codes and regulations.
Advises property owners on the requirements for compliance.
Explains processes and procedures for obtaining compliance or appropriate permits, including re-inspection on applicable permits and notices until compliance in attained.
Maintains clear, concise and comprehensive records and reports related to enforcement activities.
Maintains daily log of contacts or inspections for code enforcement cases.
Enters and retrieves information from records systems.
Enforces regulations pertaining to temporary signs, inoperable or abandoned vehicles, swimming pools, re-roofing, residential upgrades, rehabilitation of substandard housing, and illegal construction and conversions.
Photographs violations; gathers evidence and prepares cases for court proceedings.
Produces photographs and records of violations for evidence.
Files criminal complaints in court when necessary with supervisor’s approval.
Represents the City in court regarding non-compliance if required.
Assists at the front counter; answers questions at the counter and by phone regarding code enforcement, planning, building, or public information as necessary.
Receives complaints; issues building, electrical, plumbing and yard sale permits.
Processes both incoming and outgoing mail.
Prepares a variety of reports and correspondence, including notices of violations and follow-up letters.
Attends various meetings and training seminars.
Responds to emergency situations, including fires and sewage spills as required.
Responds to questions and concerns from the public, departmental staff and other agencies; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints.
Cooperates with other agencies.
Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, City management and staff, and the public.