Code Enforcement Officer

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision of the Development Manager. Performs a variety of public contact duties including but not limited to field inspections of properties with special emphasis on code infractions and potential public nuisances. Ensures compliance with applicable City Codes and Ordinances as permitted by law. Resolves complaints as necessary. This is a full-time position.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The ability to perform a full range of duties as assigned, including conducting complex, comprehensive investigations and inspections, issuing citations, and advising property owners of City Code requirements.  After training, employees in this position receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the applicable City Code sections, together with the operating procedures and policies of the City.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

No supervision exercised.(Performance of these functions is the reason the job exists. Assigned job tasks/duties are not limited to the essential functions).

• Inspects a range of properties, developed or undeveloped, to ensure compliance with current applicable City Code provisions and City Council resolutions; conducts follow-up inspections as necessary; issues citations and notices of violation as necessary.

• Investigates complaints regarding City Code violations, responds to alleged violations; communicates with property owners; takes photographs of violations and documents activities; communicates in verbal and written form, all applicable code information, notification and appeal processes to affected parties.

• Conducts research to determine the approved conditional uses of property; researches ownership, compliance requirements, fees, legal processes, and other state, federal, and local requirements necessary to enforce City Codes and Ordinances.

• To the extent permitted by law, inspects public and private property for City Code infractions; issues citations or notices of violation to offenders; appears in court; provides testimony at depositions, hearings and trials; provides witness information; prepares administrative search warrants as required by City Attorney and/or Police Department, prepares and signs affidavits as required by City Attorney; issues administrative notices for vehicle removal; oversees towing and removal of vehicles.

• Serves as a resource to other City departments regarding City code enforcement.

• Maintains detailed, accurate, and complete records, case files, and reports of inspections and surveillance activities.

• Operates computer to process and acquire data relative to inspection sites and effective code enforcement, including land use, zoning, court data, licensing, corporation status, county assessor, and other databases and organization websites.

• Performs onsite enforcement of applicable City Code provisions within designated areas of responsibility.

• Performs additional duties as assigned by management.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (KSA's are the attributes required to perform a job; generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education, or training.)

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques of inspection;

• Computer applications and operate computer equipment relative to area of assignment;

• Elko City Code and applicable state and federal laws and regulations, after training;

• Basic zoning, land use, and construction practices;

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a code enforcement program;

• Methods and techniques of conflict resolution.

Skill and Ability to:

• Work with diverse cultural and socioeconomic groups using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines;

• Interpret and enforce applicable city codes and ordinances in accordance with NRS, with the assistance of the City Attorney when needed;

• Establish and meet critical deadlines, compile and collect data, establish priorities, organize workload, and conduct necessary follow-up activities with minimal supervision;

• Operate modern office equipment, including computers and computer programs relative to area of assignment;

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees and officers, other governmental agencies and the public, in the course of work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience and Training:

• High School diploma or equivalent

• One year of experience in a position with frequent public contact, in stressful or confrontational situations.

Required Licenses:

Possession of a current, valid driver's license.

Physical and Mental Requirements and Working Conditions:

The physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Mobility to work in a typical office setting, use standard office equipment and drive a motor vehicle in order to attend meetings and inspect properties.  Sufficient strength and stamina to inspect various residential, commercial, or industrial properties or other facilities which may include standing for extended periods of time, stooping, kneeling, and walking on uneven terrain at construction sites, climbing ladders, scaffolding, and stairs.   Strength to lift and carry up to 30 pounds at times.  Vision sufficient to read printed materials and a computer screen.  Hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.

Mobility to work in the field. The majority of work is conducted outside in all types of weather conditions. Work is performed on public and private property and on uneven terrain with possible exposure to moving objects and vehicles.   Possible hazards include but are not limited to sharp objects, pinch points, dust, noise, vibration, extreme heat and cold, slippery surfaces, and toxic, caustic chemicals. Position will require travel by car from the office to a work site.

In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and similar state laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities who require and request such accommodations.  Incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the appropriate City Staff.