Code Enforcement Officer

SUMMARY

Performs a variety of office and fieldwork related to inspection and investigations to ensure compliance with city codes and regulations specific to the Property Maintenance, Zoning, and Development Codes and provides information on city regulations to property owners to enhance and preserve the quality of neighborhoods and businesses.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change to meet City needs or operational requirements.

Attendance at workplace and the ability to communicate with and get along with the public, supervisors, and co-workers are essential elements of this position. Other duties may be assigned.

Enforces City codes and regulations in the City of Bentonville Property Maintenance, Zoning and Land Development codes.

Respond to complaints by conducting field investigations, that include property inspection and photographic evidence, to identify possible violations of Property Maintenance, Zoning, and Development codes.

Follow policies and procedures for investigations and notifications of violations.

Confer and coordinate with other public and private agencies and city departments on the investigation of violations, as needed.

Analyze and identify appropriate solutions using independent judgement.

Identify responsible persons, landlords or tenants of the property with the violation; may include research of County data and other records to determine the "Record Owner" and mortgage holder of property.

Communicate the violation verbally to responsible person and explain the proper pathway and time frame to bring property or structure into compliance in a respectful manner.

Follow up verbal communication with written communication as needed.

Develop and maintain accurate and thorough case files.

Schedule and perform follow-up inspections to ensure that remedial action has been taken.

Process paperwork required to seek an administrative warrant.

Issue violations, warning notices, citations, and file liens as necessary.

Coordinate and schedule with city contractor to conduct forced compliance for mowing and debris removal, as necessary.

Close case files when a violation is corrected.

Provide status updates to complainants.

Respond to public inquiries and answers questions related to city code enforcement activities by researching, interpreting, and explaining policies and regulations.

Coordinate selection of contractor for forced compliance for mowing and debris removal.

Work closely with the Great Neighborhood Program, homeowners, landlords, tenants, businesses, and community groups to grow strong neighborhoods through public relations, education, and code enforcement activities.

Act as a representative of the city in community and official meetings with other City departments, organizations, and professional groups on code enforcement matters.

Conduct Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) surveys for property owners, prepare findings report, and share with property owner.

Provide effective customer service to both internal and external customers, maintain positive working relationships with other City employees, and ensure positive interactions with members of the public.

May obtain permission from owners and tenants to enter property and dwellings to inspect residential property, grounds, buildings, and dwellings to determine compliance with City ordinances and property maintenance codes.

Educate the public (frequently on-site) on the City's ordinances, codes, specifications, and regulations while maintaining a positive relationship.

Attend required "After-Hours" meetings or boards, including City Council, Court, Planning Commission, and Board of Adjustment, and neighborhood groups that result from code enforcement duties.

Attend code enforcement schools, seminars and training as required.

Deliver and collect the city's Block Party Trailer.

Deal courteously, respectfully, and diplomatically with the citizens, general public, contractors, property owners, and city staff.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position has no direct reports.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must have a valid driver license and be able to drive a vehicle while pulling a trailer.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and 4 years' experience within a governmental agency or enforcement of codes and/or laws. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively and respectfully with individuals before groups of citizens or employees.

LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to read and comprehend; construction plans, technical codes, and specifications; legal descriptions, and maps.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information, respond to questions and confer with developers' contractors, owners, and residents, to provide accurate information on codes in a courteous and diplomatic manner.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY Able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Maintain a current valid driver's license. Certified Property Maintenance or Certified Zoning Inspector required within 90 days of hire. Have or seek certification to conduct surveys for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Desing (CPTED). Certified Code Enforcement Officer (CCEO) preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and depth perception.

HEALTH BENEFITS

The City of Bentonville is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time employees who work 30 hours per week. This year's benefits package can be viewed here:

https://www.bentonvillear.com/DocumentCenter/View/15032/City-of-Bentonville-2024-Benefits-Guide

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to un-cooperative or disgruntled persons and should be prepared to de-escalate tense conditions with individuals.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description, but which are commensurate with similar levels of responsibility.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.