Neighborhood Improvement Officer

Neighborhood Improvement Officer

The City of Diamond Bar seeks highly motivated, customer service oriented and experienced professionals to join the Community Development Department as a Neighborhood Improvement Officer. The Neighborhood Improvement Officer will, under direct or general supervision, administer the City's code enforcement program, including the identification, investigation and correction of violations of the City's municipal, building, zoning, occupancy, signage, housing, and health and safety codes and ordinances; investigate citizen complaints of public nuisances and quality of life issues and seeks voluntary compliance or issues citations and initiates abatement procedures; and perform related work as required.

Examples of essential job duties include :

• Receives, records, and investigates complaints from the public at the front counter, on the phone, via email and the City's online portal, regarding violations of municipal codes, ordinances, standards, health and safety regulations, and water quality regulations; provides information to violators, the general public, business community and other government agencies regarding codes, laws and ordinances.
• Initiates code enforcement cases during routine patrols of assigned areas of the City, as well as all other times when on duty and in the field.
• Documents violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; researches ownership records, prior complaints, municipal codes and ordinances, and state regulations to establish whether a violation has occurred.
• Conducts on-site inspections and re-inspections when investigating and responding to public complaints or conducting surveillance in the field; determines existence and types of potential code violations.
• Initiates contacts with residents, business representatives and other parties to explain the nature of incurred violations and to encourage compliance with municipal codes, ordinances, and community standards; recommends corrective actions in order to bring about compliance; determines time frames for compliance; assists homeowners and businesses to obtain compliance.
• Responds to inquiries from and advises property owners and the public regarding compliance with zoning regulations, property maintenance standards, regulatory practices, and currently active code enforcement cases.
• Maintains complete records of complaints and inspections; prepares monthly and quarterly reports of Code Enforcement activities.
• Prepares stop-work orders, notices of violation and citations according to applicable codes and regulations; issues letters to property owners notifying them of violations; as appropriate, affixes notices and orders on property to abate fire and public safety hazards and public nuisances.
• Conducts research regarding property ownership and applicable codes.
• Meets and coordinates with Planning, Building and Public Works staff regarding complaints; coordinates enforcement activities with the Sheriff's Department, the Fire Department and other governmental agencies.
• Prepares detailed reports and declarations for the Hearing Officer and City Prosecutor.
• Presents testimony at nuisance abatement hearings.
• In cases where the City files a criminal complaint, monitors progress of the criminal complaint, maintains contact with the City Prosecutor regarding progress, makes recommendations regarding plea agreements and orders sought, keeps prosecutor apprised of property owners' progress or lack thereof regarding court orders or judgments.
• Assists management by providing information used in preparing or revising City ordinances.
• Closely monitors business permit and licensing activities to assure that parties will understand and comply with City neighborhood improvement standards and code requirements.

Qualifications include knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws and regulations related to building, zoning, housing, and nuisance violations; operational characteristics, services, and activities of a code enforcement program; public relations and conflict resolution methods and techniques; record keeping practices; business letter writing and basic report preparation techniques; modern office procedures, methods, and equipment. Ability to exercise diplomacy and emotional maturity in all situations; operate computer software to access information and utilize common business applications; read and interpret legislation, zoning and subdivision law as related to zoning enforcement; explain and enforce local zoning codes and City, County, and State health and safety code requirements and procedures; recognize conditions that constitute a zoning violation; read site, grading, architectural and landscaping plans; communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; communicate persuasively and effectively with the public and business representatives to attain compliance with standards; interact effectively with City staff, supervision, and management. Education : Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent. Experience : One year of work experience involving considerable public contact functions, preferably in a governmental Planning or Building Safety department involving code enforcement responsibilities. Licenses and / or Certificates : Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Possession of a current CACEO Certified Code Enforcement Officer certificate. Satisfactory completion of a CACEO-approved course for Intermediate Code Enforcement Officer within the first six months of employment. Possession of a POST-approved Certificate of Completion of 40 hours of instruction in PC 832 Arrest and Control. ICC certification as a California Residential Building Inspector is highly desirable. Special Requirements : Ability to travel to different sites and locations.

The selection process includes an oral interview, criminal background check, verification of work experience, submission of educational transcripts, and a medical examination.