Code Enforcement Officer

Code Enforcement Officer

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 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.

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 :

Ability to :

License and certification requirements : A valid 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 :