Code Enforcement Officer

Department: Community Development

Reports to: Code Enforcement Field Supervisor

Summary: Under the supervision of the Code Enforcement Field Supervisor performs a variety of technical and enforcement duties in support of the City's Code Enforcement Program. Officers monitor and enforce a variety of applicable codes, ordinances and regulations of private and public properties related to zoning, land use, nuisance ordinances, health and sanitation, blight, water restrictions, junked vehicles, solid waste, water well inspections, verifying filling of swimming pools with outside water sources and other codes as assigned. The officer is responsible for investigating violations and initiates procedures to abate the violation and obtain compliance. Responsible for the issuing of notices of violations, citations, and other correspondence specifying necessary corrective action, compliance and compliance dates. Serves as a resource and provides information on local and state regulations to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public and other City departments.

Essential Functions: -- Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a variety of field and office work in support of the City's local code enforcement program. Enforces compliance with City regulations and ordinances.
• Responds to and investigates complaints from citizens, other agencies and departments on alleged violations of City ordinances.
• Conducts field investigations, inspect properties for violations attempt to make contact at the residence or business in order to resolve violations; issue and post warning notices, notices of violation and related documentation for code violations. Schedule and perform all follow-up functions to gain compliance including letters, inspections, calls, meetings, discussions and negotiations to ensure compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances.
• Maintain accurate documentation and case files on all investigations, inspections, enforcement actions and other job-related activities including accurate and detailed information regarding code enforcement activity to substantiate violations; draw diagrams or illustrations as necessary and take photographs.
• Issues citations based on violations of ordinances enforced by the department.
• As necessary prepare evidence in support of legal actions taken by the City; appear in court as necessary, testify at hearings and in court proceedings as required.
• Prepare a variety of written reports, memos, and correspondence related to enforcement activities.
• Patrol assigned area in City vehicle to identify and evaluate problem areas and/or ordinance violations; determine proper method to resolve violations.
• Serve as a resource to other City departments, the public and outside agencies in the enforcement of the code of ordinances. Interpret and explain municipal codes and ordinances to members of the general public, contractors, business owners, and other interested groups in the field, in the office or on the telephone.
• Enter, process and acquire data relative to complaints, inspection sites and effective code enforcement in the code enforcement system; research complaints.
• Participate in community clean-ups.
• Perform related tasks as instructed by the Director of Community Development or his/her designated representative.
• Conducts property condition surveys of neighborhoods and commercial districts.
• Revise or update maps and plans related to area of work.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Must have and maintain a cell phone for City use to hold this position.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: High School Diploma/GED equivalent. Two years' work experience in a job requiring extensive public contact including some experience in dealing with the public. Experience that includes the enforcement of municipal codes is highly desirable. Must be able to work outside in all types of weather.

Knowledge of:

• Effective public relations practices.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Methods and techniques of business correspondence and technical report preparation.
• Office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply applicable codes, ordinances and regulations related to zoning, nuisance ordinances, health and sanitation, water restrictions, junked vehicles, solid waste and related areas.
• Inspect and identify violations of applicable codes.
• Enforce pertinent codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations with impartiality and efficiency.
• Respond to inquiries, complaints and request for service in a fair, tactful and firm manner.
• Investigate complaints and mediate resolutions in a timely and tactful manner.
• Prepare accurate and detailed documentation of investigation findings.
• Maintain logs, records and files.
• Research, compile and collect data
• Prepare clear and concise reports
• Make oral presentations and testify in court
• Work independently in the absence of supervision
• Read maps and property profiles
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Operate a motor vehicle.
• Must be able to work shift work
• Must be able to take on call after normal working hours on a rotating basis
• Verbally communicate in order to exchange information.

License and certification requirements: A valid Texas State Driver's License is required. Possess certification as a Code Enforcement Officer through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or ability to obtain certification within two years of employment. Maintain State Code Enforcement license by taking 12 hours of State mandated continuing education classes to include legislative and legal updates every two years.

Physical demands and working environments:

• Must have the ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments, work alone, travel from site to site, and be exposed to noise, dust, inclement weather conditions and potential hostile environments.
• Must have sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and field environment, and uneven surfaces.
• Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds.