610 - Code Enforcement Officer

Brownsville; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

The City of Brownsville via Planning & Redevelopment Services invites applications for a Code Enforcement Officer. You will enforce city codes, investigate violations, and issue notices while patrolling districts and documenting findings in our tracking system for review by the Code Enforcement Manager.

Ideal candidates hold a high school diploma or GED with 1 year of experience, a valid Texas driver’s license, and TL certification within a year. Strong communication and integrity are essential.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED plus one year of experience.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License is required.
• Code Enforcement Officer Certification from Texas is required or to be obtained within one year of start date.

Responsibilities

• Enforce zoning regulations under the Unified Development Code.
• Patrol assigned areas to identify code violations.
• Inspect single family homes, apartments and businesses for compliance.
• Prepare case reports for court and administrative proceedings.
• Maintain records and reports of inspections and surveillance activities.
• Provide clear explanations to citizens and maintain positive customer service.

Skills

Customer Focus

Critical Thinking

Time Management

Problem Solving

Effective Verbal & Written Comm

Ethical Practice

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Texas Driver’s License

Code Enforcement Officer Certification

Job description

Title:

Code Enforcement Officer

Organization:

Planning and Redevelopment

Department:

Planning & Redevelopment Services.

Location:

Planning & Redevelopment Services. City Plaza

Rate of Pay:

$23.00

Job Summary

Ideal candidate for Code Enforcement Officer aspires to be a model of innovation, inclusion and empowerment who enables bold people and ideas to thrive. The Code Enforcement Officer will be a participatory leader: a results-oriented, relationship-building, self-aware team player who also possesses high integrity and politeness, and who foster trust by building relationships with tolerance, patience, and support to provide the best value in service of the citizens of Brownsville.

The purpose of the class is to perform complaint investigations and enforce city-adopted building codes, including but not limited to minimum housing standards. Performs a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility and works under general supervision. The class reports directly to the Code Enforcement Manager.

Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Critical Thinking
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Effective Verbal & Written Communication
• Ethical Practice

Key Functions/Knowledge/Skills

• The code enforcement officer is responsible for enforcing zoning regulations in accordance with the Unified Development Code.
• Patrol assigned area in a city vehicle to identify and evaluate problem areas and/or building code violations.
• Inspect single family homes, apartment buildings, businesses, vacant lots and other properties; ensure compliance with applicable building code, as well as other related ordinances and codes.
• Determine whether property is in compliance; issues notices of violation or citations as required. Documents all actions and notices; performs follow-up inspections to ensure compliance.
• Receive and responds to alleged violations; interviews complainant and witnesses, takes photographs of violations, documents activities and update records, primarily on existing computer-tracking program.
• Meet with citizens who are in violation of city codes or applicable ordinances; explains actions required to comply with ordinances.
• Provide and maintain a positive customer service relationship at all times.
• Perform research to determine the approved uses of property; research ownership and takes action to enforce city codes.
• Maintain records and reports of inspections and surveillance activities; prepares reports as required.
• Prepare case reports for court administrative proceedings, testifies in court and at administrative proceedings as required.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to assist irate citizens with tact.
• Ability to verbally communicate clearly and effectively.
• Administers the Multifamily Housing Inspection Program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience

High school graduation or GED plus one year of experience.

Special Certifications & Licenses

Valid Texas Driver’s Licese.

Code Enforcement Officer Certification from the Texas Department of Licensing of Regulation is required. Consideration may be given to applicants that do not hold the certification at entry but that secure the required certification within one (1) year from start date as a condition of employment.

Independence & Judgement

Minimal judgment: instructions, once established and defined, normally allow the job to be accomplished without direct and/or constant supervision; mostly routine work requiring that employee recognize obvious problems; situations outside the instructions are referred to the supervisor or lead worker.

Initiative & Ingenuity

Low chance for error because work is routine/repetitive/simple/reviewed carefully; standard procedures: don't have to come up with creative solutions; refers anything unusual to supervisor.

Supervisory & Responsibility

Does not supervise.

Financial Responsibility

Does not deal with money.

Level & Frequency of Outside Contact

Direct contact may be infrequent but may require considerable tact and courtesy when it does occur.

Physical Demands

Performs light work that involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, or skill, adeptness, and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation electronic office machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Responsibility for Equipment & Property

Responsible for assigned equipment/property used outside of office; responsible for handing out to and retrieving property/equipment from employees and keeping inventory; use of agency vehicle.

Working Conditions

Fair inside or outside conditions; exposure to disagreeable conditions is brief or otherwise insignificant; space problems; only occasional situations that place the employee in a stressful environment.

Other Requirements

The City of Brownsville requires all employees to successfully pass a Drug & Alcohol and a physical examination and a Background Check.

ADA Requirements

The City of Brownsville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

Benefits

The City of Brownsville offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support its employees' well-being and future. Employees participate in a robust retirement plan through the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) City to Employee Matching Ratio 2:1, with eligibility for retirement after 5 years of service at age 60 or 20 years of service at any age.

The City provides exceptional health benefits, including medical, dental, and life insurance plans for employees and their families, along with vision coverage for employees enrolled in health insurance through MetLife. Employees and their dependents can also access care at Frontier Clinic at no cost when covered by the City's health plan. Additionally, pet insurance is available as a voluntary benefit.

Employees have access to deferred compensation plans through Equitable and supplemental insurance options from AFLAC and Colonial Life. Full-time employees accrue 10 sick days and 15 vacation days annually. The City offers parental leave concurrent with FMLA for eligible employees, longevity pay, and 100% tuition assistance up to $5,000 annually. Furthermore, Brownsville observes 14 holidays per year, plus two floating holidays, giving employees a balanced and rewarding work-life experience.

Starting in fiscal year 2025, employees will have access to flexible scheduling options as part of our commitment to work-life balance.

EEOC Statements

The City of Brownsville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.