Building & Zoning Code Enforcement Officer

Overview:

The City of Jamestown is seeking applications for a Target Area Code Enforcement Officer (BZCEO) with an interest in improving the livability and housing conditions of the Jamestown community. The BZCEO will have a background in or experience with building construction, housing inspections and/or code enforcement. The BZCEO will work closely with the City Code Enforcement Officers and Department of Development staff as well as collaborate with other City departments as necessary and/or directed to ensure effective code enforcement activities.

The successful candidate will be detail-oriented and will possess strong interpersonal and creative problem-solving skills and a genuine desire to actively improve the community through aggressive code enforcement while working with property owners, businesses, residents, and city officials to achieve goals and objectives set forth by the Department. Additionally, the candidate will be forward-thinking, innovative, and detail-oriented and will possess a genuine desire to positively impact a diverse, thriving, and dynamic community by ensuring excellent customer service; fostering safe, affordable and sustainable development; and working with the community, stakeholders, and city officials to maximize quality of life and shape the future of the City of Jamestown.

Work is performed under the general direction of the Director of the Department of Development in accordance with established policies and procedures with the expectation that independent judgment will be exercised in carrying out the details of the work. This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast- paced municipal housing and development team in a vibrant and growing community.

About the City of Jamestown:

The City of Jamestown, the largest population center in Chautauqua County with a population of approximately 30,000 residents, is situated between Lake Erie and Allegheny National Forest. This vibrant community serves as the center of a greater metropolitan area of more than 70,000 residents and a market area of nearly 175,000 people. Jamestown is the industrial, commercial, financial and recreational hub of Southwestern New York and boasts a rich local history. The City was once the

“Furniture Capital of the World,” with advanced woodworking and furniture craftsman contributing to a powerhouse local economy.

From its historic architecture, to its beautiful theaters, museums, and state-of-the art ice arena, Jamestown has attractions that are easily accessible within a three-hour drive radius to visitors from major metropolitan areas such as Buffalo, Toronto, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Rochester.

About the Department of Development:

The Department of Development is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all residents living and working in the City of Jamestown by strengthening our neighborhoods through successful housing and commercial rehabilitation efforts; maximizing opportunities for social, cultural and economic development; and providing a safe, livable, and sustainable community for our present and future citizens. The DOD establishes and sustains an orderly and consistent approach to development that incorporates sustainability, city design, resilience, and opportunity into ongoing practice and long-range planning while seeking to carry out its mission through a lens of fostering diversity, equity and inclusion racism in our city.

The DOD was created to oversee the development of the City’s industrial, commercial and residential sectors and to facilitate planning; zoning; code enforcement (residential and commercial); administration of Federal, State, and philanthropic grants; processing grant applications for City endeavors; coordination of neighborhood and housing rehabilitation initiatives; marketing of commercial and residential properties; and administration of the City’s revolving loan program and is inclusive of the Jamestown Local Development Corporation (JLDC) and the Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency (JURA).

The DOD also aids business owners, both small and large, with grants and low-interest loan programs and administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Program funds granted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Through its multitude of programs, initiatives, policy development, planning, and implementation efforts, the DOD seeks to:

· Equip talent in underinvested communities with the skills and credentials to compete successfully for quality income and wealth opportunities.

· Invest in businesses, housing and other community infrastructure to catalyze economic, health, safety and educational mobility for individuals and communities.

· Strengthen existing alliances while building new collaborations to increase our impact on the progress of people and places.

· Develop leadership and the capacity of partners to advance our collaborative efforts.

· Drive local, regional, and national policy and system changes that foster broadly shared prosperity and well-being.

Essential Duties (include but are not limited to)

· Code enforcement of Chapter 300 of the Jamestown City Code, the Uniform Code of New York State - Code 19 NYCRR Part 1219-1228, the Energy Code 19 NYCRR Part 1240, and the Property Maintenance Code of New York State which includes:

· Conducting commercial properly inspections with regard to code compliance.

· Management of property inspections cases.

· Preparation of and issuance of all code enforcement related documents including notices of violation, court appearance tickets, and condemnation/demolition orders.

· Prosecution of non-compliant cases in Jamestown City Court.

· Property condemnation and monitoring such properties until they are made habitable.

· Enforcement of the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

· Flood plain administration and enforcement.

· Issuance of residential and commercial building permits following the review and approval of required building plans.

· Issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.

· Providing staff assistance to the City’s Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Electrical Examiners.

· Participation in staff level Site Plan Review with the DPW Director and Principal Planner.

· Daily Entry and update of all code enforcement and building permit data into JURA’s electronic code enforcement tracking system with the generation of reports upon request.

· Completion of special projects as assigned by the Executive Secretary/Director of Development.

Minimum Qualifications:

A four-year degree in engineering or architectural technology or a related field,

with two (2) years of satisfactory experience as a building contractor, journey

level trades, or building designer.

OR

A high school diploma and six (6) years of satisfactory experience as a building contractor,

journey level trades, or building designer.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

· The possession of demonstrated, competent written and oral communication skills.

· Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office programs, as well as and ability to learn and master code enforcement cloud based platform.

· A proven track record of effectively dealing with the public.

· Possession and maintenance of a valid New York State Driver’s License.

· Must successfully attain New York State Code Enforcement certification within Twelve (12) months of hiring.

· Ability to manage projects effectively, perform quality work and meet firm deadlines.

· Possess strong organizational skills.

· Ability to manage high-profile, sensitive, or controversial situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness and sound judgment.

· Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.

· Providing efficient customer service.

· Ability to understanding and apply City policies and procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations.

· Ability to handle and appropriately prioritize multiple tasks.

· Work effectively and contribute as an integral member of the DOD team.

· Maintain a high level of professionalism and to conduct business in an ethical manner at all times.

· Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

· All employees of the Department of Development in the City of Jamestown are expected to uphold and exhibit shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

· Demonstrate a genuine interest in improving the Jamestown community.

*Prior experience with other housing or human services agencies a plus.

Compensation:

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications in accordance with Collective Bargaining Unit terms. Excellent benefits package includes paid vacation and holidays, personal days, health, dental, and participation in the NY State & Local Retirement System.

How to Apply / Additional information:

Please send a resume, cover letter, and professional references to Liz Torres at torres@jamestownny.gov or by mail to the Department of Development, 4th Floor; Municipal Building; 200 East Third Street, Jamestown, NY 14071. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

The Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency (JURA) is an inclusive Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, and therefore, qualified applicants will be considered regardless of including but not limited their sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, military and veteran status, or other protected category.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $51,547.00 - $63,263.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• On call

Work Location: In person

Salary : $51,547 - $63,263