Code Enforcement Officer

POSITION TITLE: Code Enforcement Officer

DEPARTMENT: Code (Freeport Police Department)

RATE CLASS: Hourly

REPORTS TO: Director or Supervisor

SHIFT: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. (Non-standard hours may be required)

REQUIREMENTS: High School diploma or general education diploma [GED] or higher. Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire. Code Enforcement License is required, or ability to obtain within six months of hire date is required. Some knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to understand, State and local codes, City ordinances, and regulations is preferred. Two (2) years of code enforcement experience is preferred.

JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for conducting inspections and ensuring compliance before approving the opening of commercial and residential establishments in the City. This includes ensuring compliance with State and City regulations and ordinances. Job involves taking corrective action on compliance issues and code violations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions 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 functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

DUTIES & RESPOSIBILITIES:

• Conduct inspections to ensure compliance with State and City regulations, ordinances, and codes.
• Research case history as needed to support corrective action when necessary. Interpret ordinances, State and local codes and regulations and apply them accurately to cases.
• Document code enforcement workflow, including providing detailed and accurate data regarding code enforcement cases.
• Present information about cases in a succinct, professional manner to Department Directors, City Management, and Court Officials as needed.
• Communicate effectively (written and orally) with general public regarding compliance issues, and corrective measures, and solutions.
• Contribute to and support the Code and Building teams to meet Departmental goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including being available for emergency call out when necessary for continuity of public services.

OTHER DUTIES: All employees are expected to perform tasks as assigned by their supervisor; furthermore, overtime may be required in times of necessity.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of, and the ability to enforce, current State and local codes, City ordinances, and regulations regarding code enforcement and building codes.
• Knowledge of local zoning regulations.
• Knowledge of procedures for record keeping, reports, documentation and citations.
• Knowledge of court proceedings and the procedures and protocol for giving testimony.

Skills In / Ability To:

• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage projects and work flow.
• Proficiency with computers/PC's including standard Microsoft software [Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint]. Must also be able to utilize internet-based programs and search engines for research.
• Ability to utilize equipment required on the job, including but not limited to vehicles, PC's, cameras, electronic recorders, tape measures, telephones and mobile devices, copiers, fax machines, scanners, and printers.
• Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and make creative recommendations.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and guideline.
• Proficiency with calculations, including measurements, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Requires knowledge of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Ability to make effective presentations as needed to communicate information to individuals, groups, clients, the general public, court officials, City management and City Council.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers in other departments to accomplish cross-departmental projects.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear in order to communicate with residents. The employee is frequently required to: stand, walk, sit, use hands to type, write, lift, drive, or feel; reach with hands and arms, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision to read detailed documents, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Mental: While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to work under the pressure of deadlines and time constraints. Must also be able to interact professionally and calming with the general public and co-workers in adverse or challenging situations. Must be able to problem-solve and prioritize. Must also be able to maintain confidentiality and resolve conflicts. This position requires the ability to make independent and sound judgments.

All municipal employees will be expected to show and maintain a high level of initiative, enthusiasm, and motivation towards the improvement of ALL aspects of the Freeport community. Employees will also be expected to be available for work, to report to work in a dependable and timely fashion, and to be physically and mentally fit to do their assigned work.

• Must pass a drug analysis test, physical exam, and successfully complete a background check.