Field Code Enforcement Tech

POSITION DESCRIPTION
COUNTY OF STEUBEN, INDIANA

POSITION: Field Code Enforcement Technician
DEPARTMENT: Building & Planning
WORK SCHEDULE: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., M-F
JOB CATEGORY: PAT (Professional, Administrative, Technological)
DATE WRITTEN: November 1999
STATUS: Full-time
DATE REVISED: September 2019, July 2024
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the position satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Steuben County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job unless the accommodations would present an undue hardship.

Incumbent serves as Field Code Enforcement Technician for Steuben County Building & Planning Department, responsible for on-site field enforcement of the various ordinances, regulations and procedures under the jurisdiction of the Steuben County Plan Commission and assisting in the day-to-day functioning of the office when necessary

DUTIES:

Conducts on-site inspections and ensures compliance with the relative Improvement Location Permits and the Developmental Standards of the Steuben County Plan Commission regarding new construction.

Performs construction site previews prior to construction to inform owner of options and to establish parameters for construction particularly involving lake residential properties.

Receives, processes, and follows up on complaints received involving compliance with the Zoning Ordinance, the Subdivision Control Ordinance, the Abandoned Motor Vehicle Ordinance, the Public Environmental Nuisance Ordinance, and any other ordinances as directed by the Plan Commission and its Director.

Initiates and posts any required paperwork relative to field inspections, project compliance and complaint responses. Collects and documents evidence regarding any potential legal proceedings necessary relative to the enforcement of said ordinances.

Writes citations, stop work orders, notices of abatement, follow-up letters and certificates of compliance and compliance notifications necessary to appropriately enforce the ordinances.

Monitors, records, and posts the red tags and relative notices to abate pertaining to the Abandoned Motor Vehicle Ordinance. Assists the Director in monitoring the Abandoned Motor Vehicle Auctions.

Perform duties of other Department personnel in their absence or as needed.

Performs related duties as assigned.

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or HSE. Education beyond high school preferred

Working knowledge of and ability to read, interpret and explain applicable laws, ordinances, property legal descriptions, and aerial and plat maps.

Working knowledge of the lake and rural areas of Steuben County and the ability to understand and interpret maps.

Working knowledge of and ability to read blueprints, site plans, floor plans, and other working drawings of the construction trade.

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare written reports and documents and maintain accurate records as required.

Ability to provide public access to, or maintain confidentiality of, Department information and records according to state requirements.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities.

Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written and oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.

Shall comply with employer and Department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to prioritize and work on several tasks at the same time, work rapidly for long periods and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions.

Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate/hostile persons.

Ability to perform duties with great patience and understanding, an unbiased outlook, and a great tolerance for the lack of honesty and integrity of others.

Ability to properly operate standard office equipment, including computer, calculator, printer, copier, fax machine, scanner, and telephone.

Ability to occasionally work extended, weekend, and evening hours.

Possession of a valid driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record. Owns dependable all-weather transportation, which will be used daily in the performance of duties mileage will be reimbursed.

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent performs duties that are complex in nature and call for consideration of many variables in inspecting properties and enforcing code violations. Individual judgment is needed in selecting and adapting standard practices and procedures to fit varied circumstances.

III. RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent applies knowledge of the developmental standards of pertinent ordinances and the

permitting process to the on-site realities of construction, making sure proper enforcement occurs. Decisions are reviewed primarily for soundness of judgment, technical accuracy and compliance with legal requirements. Decisions have considerable impact on homeowners and contractors, with errors in decisions possibly resulting in litigation against the County.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with co-workers, other County departments, and the public, for the purpose of exchanging and explaining information.

Incumbent reports directly to Director.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbent performs duties in a standard office environment and outdoors, involving driving to and from property sites, standing/walking for long periods, lifting/carrying objects weighing under 25 pounds, sitting/walking at will, close/far vision, color/depth perception, speaking clearly, and hearing sounds/communication. Incumbent works in extreme hot or cold temperatures, in wet/icy surroundings, and near fumes, odors, dust, and dirt. Incumbent may be exposed to hostile or irate individuals and experience intimidation from property owners and their dogs.

Incumbent is occasionally required to work extended, weekend, and evening hours.