Vendor Enforcement Officer

City of New Haven•New Haven, CT

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The City of New Haven is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Vendor Enforcement Officer. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with municipal vending ordinances through field inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions. The position plays a critical part in maintaining fair, safe, and orderly use of public spaces by working directly with vendors, addressing complaints, and upholding regulatory standards across the city. The primary function of this position is to conduct field-based inspection, investigation, and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with the City of New Haven’s vending ordinances. This involves on-site compliance inspections that arise from vending complaints, including enforcement of special vending districts, monitoring of existing vendors, and issuing citations to vendors operating without a license.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban studies, public administration, construction management, or a related field.
Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in code enforcement, construction trades, municipal inspection, regulatory compliance, or a closely related field.
In lieu of college degree, an additional 4 years of closely related experience may be substituted.
Considerable knowledge of local vending ordinance and the zoning ordinance as it relates to vending and public space.
Considerable knowledge of special vending districts and associated rules, regulations, and licensing requirements.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, ordinances, and regulations in field situations.
Ability to assess violations and determine appropriate corrective actions to achieve compliance.
Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports and maintain organized enforcement records.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office for creating documents, spreadsheets, and reports.
Competency in using email clients (e.g., Outlook, Gmail) and calendar applications for scheduling and managing correspondence.
Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to handle potentially sensitive or confrontational situations with professionalism and sound judgment.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to deal effectively with the general public, contractors, technicians and other City Staff.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including vendors, business owners, contractors, and the general public.
Ability to be versatile, flexible, and be willing to work within changing priorities.
Commitment to keep all matters confidential and conduct oneself with the highest ethical standards.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively in a diverse community, recognizing and respecting cultural differences, and fostering an inclusive environment.
Must have and maintain a valid Connecticut driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Ability to work flexible shifts, which may include occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

Conducts field inspections of vending activities to ensure compliance with applicable City ordinances and regulations.
Investigates complaints related to unpermitted or non-compliant vending operations.
Issues citations and notices of violation in accordance with local ordinances and established procedures.
Educates vendors and the public regarding applicable laws, licensing requirements, and compliance standards.
Monitors licensed vendors to ensure continued adherence to regulations and protocols.
Prepares and maintains accurate and detailed records of inspections, violations, citations, and enforcement actions.
Prepares written reports, case files, and documentation for administrative or legal proceedings.
Coordinates with other City departments, concerning zoning, licensing, and public safety, as necessary.
Performs related work as required.