Code Compliance Officer

Salary:
$ $46.50/hour

Benefits:

Position Closes:
November 30

We're looking for a confident, people-focused professional to join our team as the next
Code Compliance Officer
. This role requires someone who can build trust and work collaboratively with residents, local business, staff and elected officials to find practical, fair solutions to complex issues. The ideal candidate will bring a steady presence—someone who can navigate differing perspectives with empathy and clarity, ensure everyone feels heard and valued, and keep the city's standards front and center. If you thrive on meaningful community engagement, clear communication, and balancing firmness with approachability, we invite you to apply.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The code compliance officer coordinates and performs varied and complex research and inspection work to enforce and ensure compliance with zoning, building, public works, and other city, county, state, and federal codes and ordinances. These include, but are not limited to land use, building, dangerous building, nuisances, signs, shorelines, forest practice, and critical areas.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description do not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to undertake other projects consistent with the role as requested by a supervisor.

• Responds to and investigates complaints of potential code violations.
• Coordinates code enforcement activities with government agencies and other city departments and divisions, including planning and building staff.
• Conducts on-site inspections and follow-ups to ensure compliance with applicable zoning, building, critical areas and shoreline regulations, and other city codes and ordinances.
• Issues "stop work" orders and violation notices on behalf of the city.
• Conducts or assists with inspection of dangerous buildings and assists with coordinating the condemnation process as needed.
• Works to resolve non-compliant or challenging cases and works with city attorney and/or special counsel on litigation; provides evidence to the court as required.
• Investigates and takes code enforcement actions as needed to address possible violations of the city's sign code.
• Serves as a resource for city residents and staff regarding code requirements.
• Prepares correspondence related to the status of code enforcement activities.
• Communicates with residents, neighborhood/homeowner associations, business owners, other agencies, and the general public regarding city code, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Testifies in court or at civil and administrative hearings.
• Assist with updates to city code pertinent to the position or the essential functions of the position.
• May support in leading part-time, temporary, or intern personnel within the division.
• Maintains punctual and reliable attendance.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of:

• Building and site construction standards, materials, and methods.
• Code compliance methods, inspection, and investigation techniques.
• General permit application processes.
• Environmental best management practices.
• General land-use and zoning principles.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with other employees and the public, individually and in groups, verbally in-person and by phone, and in writing.
• Absorb and analyze information, draw sound conclusions, and make recommendations and decisions which address technical, financial, legal, and social consequences.
• Effectively use oral and written communication to convey technical information and requirements in a clear, tactful, and accurate manner.
• Exercise initiative in resolving disputes and complaints in an equitable, diplomatic manner, using reasonable judgement and appropriate discretion.
• Plan and organize cases, complete work in a timely manner, work under pressure, and be flexible with changing priorities.
• Effectively represent the city through effective public relations, professional demeanor, and excellent customer service.
• Support and model the identified vision, values, and behaviors of the city.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the community development department and inter-departmentally.
• Use initiative and independent judgement within established guidelines.
• Work independently, without close supervision.
• Read and interpret plans, specifications, maps, and engineering drawings and to compare them with the construction in progress.
• Read, interpret, and apply work-related codes, ordinances, legal property descriptions, and other regulations and guidelines governing work assignments.
• Use protective clothing and equipment such as a hardhat, protective eyewear, gloves, coveralls, safety footwear, respiratory protection, a Kevlar vest (or equivalent), and foul weather gear.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled office or conference room setting with a moderate/minimal noise level. Work may be performed outdoors involving occasional inclement weather and normal transportation and construction activity as well as occasional emergency scene operations.

This may include high noise levels, moving vehicles and heavy machinery, dust and mud, and traversing exposed and sometimes insecure walkways and platforms, unstable and damaged structures and hazardous environments are additional possible exposures. May be exposed to disgruntled, emotional, or wary residents.

Schedule:
Typical business hours are Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm with a one-hour meal break. Occasional weekend work is possible. Alternative work arrangements may be available as decided by the community development director following the probationary period.

Driving and Travel:
Driving would typically require 15 or more hours a workweek. Travel is required to visit other work sites in the area and to attend meetings, trainings, and/or conferences as needed.

Overnight travel is possible a few times per year, typically for annual conferences that relate to the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education, training and experience that indicates the individual can successfully perform the job may be considered.

• Degree in urban planning, construction management, law enforcement, public administration, or related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Three (3) years of experience in code compliance or a similar field.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

The following certifications and licenses are required for the position (or must be obtained within the timeframe stated) and must be maintained for the duration of employment.

• American Association of Code Enforcement (AACE)/International Code Council (ICC) Code Enforcement Officer certification or the ability to obtain it within one year of hire.
• A valid Washington State driver's license (or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire) and at least two years of driving experience.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

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

The employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, use hands for keyboarding, talk, hear, read, stand, and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• A history of and ability to maintain safe and responsible driving that meets the city's motor vehicle record minimum driving requirements.
• Ability to pass position relevant pre-employment screening.

The requirements outlined in this job description may be modified to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.