Code Enforcement Officer I - Sunset / Term

Summary

This recruitment was revised 06/17/24

The current vacancies are for both SUNSET and TERM positions

The SUNSET vacancy is set to end 4/30/2025. For terms and conditions concerning the appointment of a Sunset employee, see the 2019 Adopted Personnel Rules.

The TERM vacancies are set to end on 6/3/2025 and 12/31/28. For terms and conditions concerning the appointment of a Term employee, see Section 6.13jof the Butte County Personnel Rules.

Note:A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under immediate or general supervision or direction, performs technical field inspections and investigations to enforce state and county codes and ordinances relating to land use issues, public nuisances, storm water management, right-of-way encroachments, fire hazards, and illegal dumping; investigates complaints and issues citations for code violations; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Code Enforcement Officer I) or general (Code Enforcement Officer II) supervision or direction from assigned supervisor or manager. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Code Enforcement Officer I: This is the entry-level classification in the Code Enforcement Officer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of routine duties in support of code enforcement. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied; close supervision is lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill and judgement to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Code Enforcement Officer II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Code Enforcement Officer series. Incumbents are fully trained and responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of code enforcement. Positions perform the full range of duties as assigned, work independently, and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Essential Job Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typicalfunctions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Performs land use and environmental inspections to ensure the safety and general welfare of residents and to maintain property values of residences; interprets, explains, and enforces a variety of County and state codes and regulations encompassing sub-standard dwellings or structures, zoning, vehicle abatement, nuisance abatement, fire hazards, land use, cannabis, and other compliance violations.

• Receives, documents, and investigates referrals and complaints from citizens, other County departments, and other agencies; interviews witnesses; initiates investigations based on analysis of preliminary information; schedules appointments with property owners and conducts on-site inspections; contacts and notifies owners and involved parties to discuss probable violations, corrective action alternatives for resolving compliance issues, and time periods for correcting violations.

• Follows established procedures, issues citations, notices of violation, and warrants to individuals and organizations in violation of County codes and state regulations; documents each citation presented to owners and agents; writes arrest, inspection, and search warrants and related paperwork.

• Prepares required documentation for legal actions and conducts follow-up upon initiation of legal activities; testifies in court or in administrative hearings; prepares comprehensive reports, documents, and background data to substantiate violations.

• Conducts field inspections and aerial navigations of possible violations of County codes; observes and analyzes the violations; performs right-of-way encroachment and storm water management inspections to ensure safety and general welfare of residents and to maintain safe roadways; enforces a variety of county codes encompassing illegal right-of-way encroachments, illegal dumping, fire hazards, elicit storm water discharge, and other compliance violations.

• Coordinates with County Departments, Safety Officer, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), other government entities and various private companies regarding identification, handling, and disposal of hazardous waste; assesses potential for presence of hazardous waste and coordinates appropriate disposal process; maintains best practices for handling and removing hazardous waste.

• Conducts follow-up inspections and reissues citations where compliance has not been achieved; meets with involved parties to negotiate compliance procedures and avoid the necessity of legal actions.

• Researches records, parcels, history of structures, zoning, previous permits, and code cases; establishes and maintains records of inspections and related code enforcement files.

• Prepares grant applications, correspondence, and reports and maintains a variety of records.

• Monitors payment of fines imposed and fees due; works with County Collection Agency to record Abstracts of Judgments.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of code enforcement and land use designation.

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, and standards and County codes and ordinances related to land use issues, public nuisances, storm water management, right-of-way encroachments, fire hazards, and illegal dumping.

• Policies, procedures, and terminology related to code enforcement.

• Principles, practices, techniques, and methods of interviewing and conducting investigations.

• Regulations and requirements for court evidence preservation, documentation, and presentation, and court and administrative hearings processes.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Enforce a wide range of codes and regulations related to code enforcement activities and operations.

• Explain, interpret, and enforce codes and regulations pertaining to related to land use issues, public nuisances, storm water management, right-of-way encroachments, fire hazards, and illegal dumping to County staff and the public.

• Conduct investigations and inspections in an efficient manner and extract information from people who are reluctant to cooperate.

• Accurately document findings and maintain appropriate records.

• Prepare evidence and files on difficult and complex enforcement cases for hearing or court testimony.

• Identify and safely dispose of solid waste and hazardous waste materials.

• Assess situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.

• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.

• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and

Code Enforcement Officer I: One (1) year of experience in performing field inspections, site surveys, or investigations.

Code Enforcement Officer II: Two (2) years of experience in performing field inspections, site surveys, or investigations equivalent to the class of Code Enforcement Officer I with Butte County.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment:

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.

• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

When assigned to field inspection:

• Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.

• Strength and stamina to perform light to medium physical work; lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 20 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

• Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.

• Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

• Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.

• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine and standard office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.