Code Enforcement Officer

Overview

This position enforces and inspects for the City’s quality of life ordinances to ensure safe and healthy living environments for City residents, and to perform related work as assigned. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

The work is light and involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment may involve exposure to dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, electrical shock, heights, disease/pathogens; and spends most of the time in a physical environment that may require life and death decisions for one’s self and others.

• Inspects residential, commercial and other properties for compliance with the City, state and federal housing, property maintenance and environmental codes and regulations;
• Investigates public health complaints; meets with neighborhood and community leaders to discuss code enforcement and public health concerns;
• Schedules and inspects single- and multi-family housing for compliance with the City’s property maintenance codes;
• Schedules and inspects vacant lots and City right of way for compliance with applicable City codes;
• Investigates property maintenance violations on occupied and unoccupied properties;
• Inspects existing structures for compliance with life safety, mechanical, electrical and plumbing codes;
• Inspects fire-damaged buildings;
• Inspects buildings for lead-based paint, asbestos and other hazardous materials;
• Investigates and records noise pollution;
• Prepares inspection reports; determines steps to be taken to bring buildings to code; initiates emergency vacate orders as appropriate;
• Explains, interprets and provides guidance regarding applicable codes and compliance requirements to property owners, residents, contractors and others;
• Follows up on each case to verify corrections have been made to comply with codes; issues uniform ordinance summonses and prepares cases for prosecution in the event of non-compliance; testifies in court as necessary;
• Participates in community services team efforts;
• Maintains a variety of logs and records related to inspection and enforcement activities;
• Maintains assigned vehicles and equipment;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility;
• Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, attending meetings, etc.;
• Provides training of other inspectors as assigned;
• Attends training, conferences, meetings, etc., to enhance job knowledge and skills and maintain certifications; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High school diploma or GED;
• Four (4) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License;

• Have or be able to obtain the Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector certification administered by the International Codes Council (ICC) within one (1) year from the date of hire or promotion;
• Preference given for Residential Inspector certification administered by the International Codes Council (ICC).
• Must have skill in the use of Microsoft Office;
• Must be able to effectively deal with irate citizens;
• May be required to work additional hours as needed.

• Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures,…