Code Enforcement Officer / Building Inspector I

Job Summary
Under the general direction of the Planning and Zoning Administrator (or other designated supervisor), this position ensures compliance with land use, zoning, and building regulations through field investigations, permit oversight, and enforcement actions. The position serves in a cross-functional capacity, coordinating with Planning and Zoning, Building, Law Enforcement, Road and Bridge, and the Prosecutor’s Office to manage a centralized digital compliance log. This coordination enables swift and consistent documentation, review, and resolution of code violations and citizen complaints.In addition to performing administrative support duties, the role requires conflict resolution and mediation skills for handling contentious disputes among neighbors, citizens, and contractors. The individual must demonstrate strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and GIS systems (ArcGIS/ArcCAD familiarity preferred), and either possess or obtain Building Inspection Certification within one year of hire. Responsibilities also include supervising any assigned staff, maintaining accurate records, issuing notices, scheduling inspections, and collaborating with various departments to ensure clear and efficient enforcement of County codes, ordinances, and regulations. This position involves both office-based administrative work and physically demanding field inspections requiring significant mobility and adherence to safety standards.

Duties and Responsibilities
· Investigates complaints and ensures compliance with County ordinances and regulations pertaining to land use, zoning, public nuisances, junked vehicles, illegal dumping, right-of-way obstruction, sign compliance, unsafe or incomplete building and permits, etc.

· Conducts research and reviews all conditional use permit applications to ensure ongoing compliance;

· Conducts field investigations of violation reports and complaints, takes pictures for case file and prepares reports of findings and actions;

· Ascertains and gathers facts related to code violation complaints and researches applicable ordinances, codes, laws and regulations;

· Ensures that the Planning and Zoning Administrator is aware of all suspected violations and enforcement actions;

· Administers preliminary sanctions, issues courtesy notices, correction notices and stop work orders, under direction of the Administrator or Building Official, to ensure compliance;

· Conducts follow-up investigations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances;

· Advises and educates the public on violations, compliance, and other aspects of the codes, ordinances and building/ permitting requirements;

· Prepares and maintains inspection and enforcement files, documents, reports, logs, findings, correspondence, enforcement, and related records;

· Performs time management and scheduling functions, meets deadlines, and sets project priorities;

· Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;

· Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices;

· Conducts regular review of codes, ordinances, and regulations; receives legal interpretations as needed to direct enforcement, makes recommendations related to practical application of codes and ordinances; assists in adapting, modifying or rewriting codes as needed;

· Review approved conditional use permits annually, which may include an on-site inspection, to ensure compliance with any restrictions or conditions for the permit;

· Posting properties for public hearings;

· Delivering packets to commission members;

· Investigate/inspection of change of use for the certificate of occupancy for commercial business or structure;

· Assist in all department activities, including administrative, clerical, planning, and inspection;

· Performs all other duties as required.

Qualifications

· High School Diploma or GED; and

· Two (2) years customer service experience preferred related to code enforcement, planning and zoning, building inspection, investigation, or other closely related field; or

· Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this job.

· Must possess and maintain a valid Idaho driver’s license and have/maintain an acceptable driving record based upon Jefferson County criteria.

· Will prepare and test to become a Building Inspector, and may need to prepare and test for additional certifications as needed or requested.

Essential

• Knowledge of basic principles and practices of planning, zoning, building and community development;

• Operation of standard office equipment, digital camera, personal computer and job-related software applications;measuring equipment and portable computing devices;

• Customer service and public relations procedures and techniques; and

• Conflict resolution and negotiation techniques;

• Possess certification or obtain certification as an International Code Council Residential Building Inspector within 30 days of hiring, and a second ICC certification (such as plan reviewer or Commercial Building Inspector) within 6 months of hire;

• Complete any internal training certifications as needed or directed.

Additional

· Ability to read, interpret, explain and apply laws, resolution, ordinances, codes, and contracts related to the functions of the department;

· Ability to read, review, and interpret construction plans and specifications to issue building permits.

· Ability to detect hazards and violations and make recommendations for corrective measure;

· Ability to read GIS maps;

· Ability to remain impartial and maintain confidentiality;

· Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in potentially tense situations;

· Ability to develop creative and effective resolutions to simple and complex problems;

· Ability to work in regulatory environment with contractor, the public and others, in situations that may become verbally confrontational.

Work Environment

· Work indoors daily in an office setting; May share office space with other employees;

· Frequently works outdoors when doing inspections, or the necessary field work needed to investigate code enforcement complaints, under direction of the Administrator;

· Some exposure to construction areas, loud noises, and machinery; and

· Must be able to drive to inspection areas.

Essential Physical Abilities

· Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to understand verbal instructions and to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person;

· Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits employee to comprehend written work instructions, prepare and review documents, and process them in a prescribed order, organize and maintain accurate files;

· Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate standard office equipment and a motor vehicle;

· Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, strength, and agility to work in an office environment that requires sitting for long periods of time and to perform field inspections at building sites that may require climbing ladders, crawling around and under buildings, and in ditches and trenches.

· Jobs in this class require, with or without reasonable accommodation, lifting or moving up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally. The employee is regularly required to stand; sit; climb and stand on ladders, kneel, crouch, stoop, bend, reach, and maneuver over rough, uneven or steep terrain while performing inspections. The employee is frequently required to use hands to operate manual and power tools and office equipment; to handle or feel; to reach with hands and arms; and to climb or balance.

Position is subject to change in scope and responsibilities at the discretion of Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Director, the Board of County Commissioners, or legal staff to address evolving departmental needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $22.24 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• Day shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22