Code Enforcement Officer I, II, III

POSITION SUMMARY

POSITION SUMMARY:

An employee in this position performs inspection work on buildings and properties within Harnett County to ensure compliance with state codes and local ordinances. This work includes inspecting construction work in process to ensure enforcement of state codes for building construction including the four trades areas of building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes; conducting skilled inspections within level of certification to determine the quality of workmanship, materials, and safety precautions; exercising judgment in interpreting state codes; and interpreting provisions of the codes as applied to practical construction projects and circumstances.

• Salary will be based on qualifications and certifications:

Code Enforcement Officer I- $53,660 to $64,392

Possession of Level I Standard certification in all trades; may hold probationary level II in one or more trade areas.

Code Enforcement Officer II- $$56,343 to $67,612

Possession of Level II Standard certification in any trade: may hold probationary level III

Code Enforcement Officer III- $65,225 to $78,270

Possession of a Level III Standard certification for each trade.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

• Communicates with citizens, builders, and engineers concerning code requirements.

• Works within level of certification to inspect residential, commercial, and industrial new construction and renovations and to conduct semi-annual school inspections for compliance with building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes.

• Must be able to drive and operate a County vehicle and travel throughout the County.

• Advises contractors in interpreting and applying code regulations.

• Enters results of inspections into the system.

• Notifies responsible parties of defects and reinspects to determine if corrective actions have been taken; issues stop orders if necessary.

• Enforces state and local building codes; pursues legal remedies if necessary to stop violations; recommends judicial actions; and testifies in court against violators of the state building code.

• Maintains records of inspections and prepares necessary reports.

• Attends required hours of continuing education annually to maintain certifications.

• Attends and participates in meetings with builders and contractors to advise them of code changes and violations at construction sites.

• Performs residential plan review and attends plan review meetings in supervisor's absence.

• Reviews and studies building code regulations to stay informed of changes in codes and ordinances; completes necessary classes to attain inspection certifications.

• In cases of severe weather works with emergency management to: locate and check downed power lines; inspect and evaluate buildings to detect hazardous and dangerous conditions; and evaluate buildings for safe occupation.

• Conducts damage assessment inspections following natural disasters as a team member; ensures FEMA documentation is accurately submitted per Emergency Management.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Aids in the training of new field inspection personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High school diploma preferably supplemented by trade school coursework in building construction trades;

• Five (5) years of experience in construction trades work along with experience as a Code Enforcement Officer;

• Or equivalent education and/or experience;

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license;

• Possession of a state certification in electrical, building, mechanical, and plumbing codes within the time frame specified and required by County management;

• Holds four Standard certifications at the III level; and

• NOTE: Any loss of certification may result in an appropriate reduction in pay and classification or, at the discretion of the County Manager, may affect employment status.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of state codes and local ordinances as applied to assigned construction projects for inspection

• Knowledge of building materials, techniques, and workmanship.

• Knowledge of construction and insulation.

• Skill in interpreting codes and applying them to specific situations.

• Skill in reading and interpreting plans and specifications.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors and the public.

• Ability to enforce regulations tactfully and firmly.

• Ability to establish and maintain accurate and thorough records.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to perform medium work frequently exerting up to 30 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of balancing, crawling, grasping, handling, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, reaching, speaking, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, and walking. An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to inspect details of construction, work with color or depth perception, operate motor vehicles, prepare reports, and do extensive reading.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The employee is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions including extremely hot and cold temperatures. Work includes driving throughout the County and includes exposure to hazards when present at construction sites.