Code Enforcement Specialist

General Description

Essential Functions

The following duties are essential for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

Code Enforcement

• Administer and enforce City Building and Property Maintenance Code, City Zoning Code, and City and State Building Code; investigate complaints regarding possible code violations; carry out systematic housing and zoning code inspections; perform building and heating inspections as required by code requirements.
• Process and maintain code violations as required; prepare written correspondence; maintain See-Click-Fix program and online complaint reporting and other records as required; conduct regular inspections as required to verify compliance; prepare documentation for court cases as required.
• Perform various special projects as required and assigned; assist in enforcing City drainage requirements; assist in enforcing Department of Public Works-related municipal violations.

• Administer, review, and issue permits for small municipal permits such as:
  • Fences, sheds, siding/soffit/fascia, windows/door replacements
  • Pools, hot tub, spas, etc.
  • Docks, riprap
  • Raze orders/permits
  • HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and sewer permits as credentials allow
  • Driveways, replacements, and alternation

• Coordinate activities with other personnel, including the Senior Building Inspector, Building Inspector, City Planner, and Development Services Director.
• Provide technical assistance as needed to the various City Councils, Commissions, and Boards.
• Perform department administrative duties, including planning, preparing, and adjusting department programs and functions.
• Develop, maintain, and update electronic and paper records of inspections and plan reviews. Audit files to ensure proper documentation and record keeping.
• Document inspections and assist with information to correct non-compliance situations. Conduct follow-up inspections and monitor the progress of projects.
• Educate customers and stakeholders on code and ordinance requirements.
• Provide technical assistance and explain and interpret codes, ordinances, and regulations for design professionals, contractors, owners, and the general public.
• Explain code references as requested and provide public assistance. Provide information to the public regarding building and zoning codes and inspections.
• Inspect sites for soil erosion regulatory compliance.
• Crosstrain and support the Health Department - City Weights and Measures Program.
• Provide internal customer service assistance with support and coverage as needed for other positions in the department.
• Provide external customer service to the general public and licensed individuals.
• Compose correspondence; proofread and edit; enter, scan, update, and maintain information in spreadsheets, databases, and reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Pertinent codes and ordinances, proper inspection methods, and legal procedures involving enforcement of building codes and ordinances.
• Safety codes, related laws and ordinances, and standards.
• Principles and practices of code compliance programs.
• Occupational hazards (OSHA) and safe work practices.
• Federal, state, and city codes and ordinances as apply to code enforcement issues.
• Standard office practices and procedures including business English, business document format, spelling, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, filing and math.
• Computer software including word processing, spreadsheet, database applications, and specialized software consistent for this position.
• City and Department functions to effectively screen inquiries and process related documents.

• Identifying technical and operational problems and recommending appropriate corrective actions.
• Operation of office equipment to effectively perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Self-starting and being motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Being trustworthy and honest; taking accountability when appropriate.
• Writing and editing correspondence.
• Applying problem solving, logic and reasoning to determine solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Research and analyze detailed information and make appropriate department recommendations.
• Ability to identify code violations during the inspection of dwellings, premises, vacant lots, signs, etc.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
• Handle multiple tasks at once and take on a diverse range of tasks.
• Be highly dependable with a history of consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Comprehend policies and procedures, written instructions, and general correspondence.
• Share appropriate information and support other team members.
• Demonstrate a consistent level of accuracy and thoroughness.
• Organize, schedule, prioritize, and perform duties with limited supervision.
• Prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of quality work product, meet deadlines, and improve overall department/office efficiency.
• Observe, follow instructions, and complete assignments accurately and within deadlines.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with business representatives, elected officials, department heads, the public, and other City employees with courtesy and tact.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding information read or heard.
• Handle interruptions; combine routine workload with special assignments.
• Utilize a computer and required software.
• Work the required hours of the position.

Minimum Requirements & Physical Requirements

Minimum Education: High School Diploma is required. Post-Secondary technical training in code enforcement, carpentry or specialty trades, law enforcement training, other community code training, building construction, architecture, or related field is preferred.

Minimum Experience: Three years experience in construction, inspection, or code enforcement.

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Minimum Certifications: Ability to obtain Department of Safety and Professional Services, Uniform Dwelling Code certification in one or more of the following areas: One- and Two-Family Dwelling Construction, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, or Commercial Building, within 24 months from date of hire.

Other Requirements: Valid unencumbered Wisconsin driver's license and safe driving record.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of lifting/moving or force.
• Work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, using a ladder, and navigating steep inclined planes.
• Work may involve mobility over rough or difficult terrain. Work is performed daily both in and outdoors under all weather conditions and includes exposure to inclement weather, noise, vibrations, airborne materials, and active construction sites.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
• Acceptable verbal and conversation skills to effectively communicate with others in English.
• Ability to read and write English and interpret documents such as safety rules, material safety data sheets, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and so forth.
• May require interactions with persons who are hostile or aggressive, posing threatening conditions.