Under general supervision, enforces compliance of City, state and federal codes and ordinances; performs housing, environmental and zoning inspections.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conducts daily inspections of nuisances, including junked vehicles, gutters, drains, graffiti, trash, litter, debris and related situations; documents addresses for further actions; data enters information to document work activities.
• Locates and inspects unsafe structures and fences in need of repair; documents addresses for follow-up action; responds to Public Works’ requests for utility verifications.
• Researches the current ownership and verification of violations for properties; generates letters to violators; creates case files; checks for permits regarding other issues.
• Conducts inspections for overflowing dumpsters, illegal dumping, illegal vendors, etc.; monitors damaged sidewalks; removes signs from poles or City right of way.
• Monitors active cases; prepares charges for non-compliance; submits cases to the Court; attends pre-trial conferences; prepares cases for trial and provides testimony as needed.
• Prepares cases not resulting in criminal charges for abatement; documents abatements.
• Inspects beach rentals; conducts annual inspections of hotels, motels, rooming houses and bed and breakfast establishments for permits; responds to complaints from tenants and guests.
• Surveys the coast line for violations regarding the disturbance of dune lines, sand fences, dune walkovers, setbacks on new construction and illegal sand distribution.
• Responds to phone calls and e-mails; updates files after owner compliance.
• Maintains an awareness of projects needing permits; forwards information to the supervisor.
• Contacts other City departments regarding issues found or reported.
• Submits liens for recording at the County Clerk’s Office.
• Provides special event enforcement.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Galveston and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
• Employees may at any time be required to work in order to provide for the safety and well-being of the general public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services, in the event of an emergency.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge:

• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Building, zoning and international property maintenance codes.
• Municipal codes and ordinances.
• Texas Local Government Code.
• State health and safety codes.
• FEMA regulations.
• Court system.
• County Clerk operations.
• Business and personal computers, and spreadsheet software applications.

Skill in:

• Handling situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness and sound judgment.
• Providing efficient customer service.
• Understanding and applying City policies and procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Reading and interpreting codes.
• Organizing and maintaining records and analyzing data.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with all levels within the City.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High School diploma or equivalent; AND one year of experience in building inspection and code enforcement; ORan equivalent combination of education and experience.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:

• Texas Licensed Code Enforcement Officer (Must be obtained within one year)
• Possession of a valid Texas driver’s license
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed both in an office and outdoor work environment. May be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions and potential physical harm. May be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.