Code Enforcement

As assigned by supervisor

JOB DESCRIPTION

Code Enforcement Officer

APPOINTMENT – by City Administrator

SUPERVISOR – City Administrator or appointed supervisor

WAGE – Commensurate with experience

HOURS OF WORK – as assigned by supervisor

CLASSIFICATION – Permanent Full-Time; FLSA Non-exempt

WORKSITE – Within the Municipal Boundaries and other property owned by the City of Abernathy.

DESCRIPTION

Responds to complaints regarding violations and non-compliance with City of Abernathy Municipal Code of Ordinances.

Performs investigations and enforces the municipal building and zoning codes; including but not limited to the minimum housing standards, environmental health, and zoning ordinances.

Performs research to determine the approved conditional uses of property; research ownership and takes action to enforce city codes.

Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, other departments, and the public; ability to follow written and oral instructions; ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Exercises independent judgment for matters related to position. Ability to facilitate voluntary compliances and reasonably resolve non-compliances.

Positive attitude to assist City, residents, business and general public to resolve issues and obtain compliance for the safety, welfare and well-being of all.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conduct onsite investigations of animal, code, and ordinance concerns. Respond to concerns including, but not limited to animal cruelty, animal neglect, sewage, trash, junk vehicles, swimming pools, high grass and signs by inspecting properties and performs related duties to promote compliance with laws regulating animal treatment

• Investigate complaints of violations of local and state nuisance abatement laws, laws regarding animal treatment and care, ordinances, or codes; conduct follow-up investigations to ensure compliance with codes or ordinances.

• Inspect single-family homes, apartment buildings, businesses, vacant lots and other properties; ensures compliance with applicable zoning and environmental health codes, ordinances and regulations. Determines whether the property is in compliance and issues notices of violation as required. Documents all actions and notices; perform follow-up inspections to ensure compliance.

• Responds to alleged violations, interviews complainant and witnesses, takes photographs of violations, document activities and update records. Meets with residents and businesses concerning City ordinances and codes; explains actions required to comply with ordinances. Provides and maintains a positive customer service relationship at all times.

• Meet directly with Abernathy residents and property owners regarding code and ordinance concerns. Handle stressful situations and effectively deal with difficult or angry people. Receive resident/business concerns and respond with appropriate response mechanisms

• Maintain accurate records of activities and saving them on the City servers for backup. Maintain files for issuing liens against non-compliant properties. Maintains records and reports of inspections and surveillance activities; prepares reports as required.

• Must be able and available to work during emergency events such as tornadoes, flooding, chemical spills and on-call duties. Must be able and available to work City Special events; such as Christmas Parade, Movies in the Park, 4^th of July Parade, etc. as needed.

• Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment; resolved complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

• Assists in preparing case reports for court or administrative proceedings; testifies in court and at administrative proceedings as necessary. Issue citations, file affidavits of intent to prosecute and testify in court for non-compliant matters.

• Recommend revisions to city codes and ordinances. Prioritize and organize various assignments to produce efficient and effective results.

• Employee may perform any implied task from the listed duties or other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

1. Customer Service and strong written and verbal communication skills to work with the public, employees, supervisors and other entities.
2. Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal codes and ordinances
3. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, regulations and ordinances
4. Ability to write reports and correspondence
5. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from the City staff, residents, and city council.
6. Independently able to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Able to resolve concerns and conflicts effectively and efficiently.
7. Valid Texas Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle
8. Must obtain Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation license as a Code Enforcement Officer Level 1 within 6 months of hire.
9. Minimum high School diploma, GED, and/or five (5) years of related experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bilingual in Spanish and English
2. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university program and/or five (5) years of experience in Code Enforcement.
3. Code Enforcement Officer Level 2 license or the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.
4. Ability to create easy to read and concise briefing reports with photos, tables, aerial images, maps, exhibits and other visual data/analytics for City Administration and other presentations.
5. Experience in research methods for ordinances, documents, survey/plat information, easements, right of way, property legal descriptions, GIS and other property data.
6. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area circumference, and volume.
7. Experience in Substandard housing and understands the due process for court hearings and council hearings.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED

Computer, city vehicle, software (permit and tracking software, MS Office Suite), cell phone, text, email, copier and other related tools.

Must have knowledge of use of computers, online maps, email, scanner, cell p[hone, digital photographs, and digital file storage and saving techniques.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside-weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles.

The noise level in the work environment is occasionally moderate to loud.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel, so assigned to this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

I have read the above job description. I agree this job description is a fair representation of the duties of the position that I will be expected to perform.

Applicant or Employee:

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