Regulation Inspector I - Planning And Zoning, Public Service & Zoning Administration

Howard County

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the most in the state of Maryland. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.

• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace.  Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!  

• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.

• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY

This Regulation Inspector I position performs advanced technical level regulations work in the Division of Comprehensive Planning & Zoning Administration.

Please note that the Water Resources Administration Responsible Personnel Certificate listed in the License/Certificate section is not required for this particular position.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$25.67 - $49.51

$53.394 - $72,093

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Performs advanced technical level licensing, inspections, and regulations work under general supervision from a technical superior.  Work includes interpreting and enforcing policy and acceptable construction methods; inspecting and insuring code compliance with local, State, and Federal building, housing, environmental, and safety codes and laws; providing technical assistance to County residents towards resolving problems; interpreting and addressing conflicts with codes, ordinances, plans, or specifications; and insuring adequate laboratory work and materials testing for subdivision and capital project work.Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Independently investigates and evaluates code compliance complaints and formulates appropriate action plans for enforcement activities.

• Manages assigned code enforcement cases to ensure timeliness relative to: the completion of site inspections; the issuance of appropriate Notice of Violations and Citations; the initiation of court proceedings for injunctive relief; the tracking of payment of fines; and case closure.

• Maintains code enforcement files, including the case tracking software. (Comcate)

• Assists the Office of Law in case preparation and testifies in District/Circuit Court for assigned cases.

• Assists customers with planning and zoning inquiries at the DPZ Front Counter, over the phone, and via email.

• Interacts extensively with the public in investigating zoning complaints.

• Attends Division meetings and provides status updates on code enforcement cases.

• Has the ability to read, understand, and interpret zoning regulations and implementation in accordance with the law.

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

High School Diploma or GED and five (5) years related experience or equivalent combination.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Howard County government and geography a plus.

• Knowledge of Howard County Zoning Regulations, their interpretation, and the policies governing their implementation preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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 sit and talk or hear.

• The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• This is a field/technical position requiring the ability to maneuver in and around such settings.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:

• Knowledge of the principles of the zoning and subdivision processes and enforcement of the related regulations.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

• 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.

• Ability 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.

Maryland Class C Driver's License; Water Resources Administration Responsible Personnel Certificate.