Code Compliance Officer

City-of-Kenosh; Kenosha (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Kenosha is seeking a Property Maintenance & Zoning Inspector to enforce city and state laws related to property maintenance and zoning. The role conducts inspections of residential and commercial properties to secure compliance with codes while exercising independent judgment under supervision.

Qualified candidates have a bachelor's degree in a related field and a minimum of one year of housing code enforcement experience; ICC II certification is preferred or obtainable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health, construction or related field.
• Minimum of one year of experience in housing code enforcement and/or environmental sanitation.
• ICC Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector II certification or ability to obtain.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Complaint Investigation & Enforcement: investigates complaints and ensures compliance with codes.
• Inspection & Violation Response: interior and exterior inspections of properties; cites violations.
• Documentation & Legal Action: prepares notices, citations, and maintains case records; may testify in court.

Skills

Independent judgment

Communication skills

Report writing

Record keeping

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in public health, construction or related field

Job description

This is professional-level work involving responsibilities for the enforcement of various City and State laws, Ordinances and Regulations pertaining to a wide variety of areas in the fields of property maintenance and Zoning. Employees in this class make personal inspections of vacant and occupied residential and commercial properties for the purpose of securing compliance with the City of Kenosha's Property Maintenance and Zoning Codes. The work is performed under the general direction of the Supervisor of City Inspections, however, the employee will be expected to exercise independent judgment and discretion in achieving program and departmental objectives and solving problems in their areas of work while simultaneously adhering to the department’s policies and procedures.

• Complaint Investigation & Enforcement: Investigates complaints regarding unsanitary conditions in residential and commercial properties, ensuring compliance with property maintenance standards, housing, health-related codes, and zoning regulations.
• Inspection & Violation Response: Conducts interior and exterior inspections of various properties, including lodging houses, mobile home parks, and vacant lots. Responds promptly to complaints from tenants, property owners, and city officials, proactively citing observed violations.
• Documentation & Legal Action: Prepares and issues warning notices, Orders to Correct, Municipal Court Citations, and maintains detailed records on individual properties and cases. Collaborates with the City Attorney's office, preparing court documentation and attending hearings to provide expert testimony.
• Community Engagement & Education: Engages with residents and professional audiences to educate the public on specific code regulations and requirements. Provides referrals to other City Departments and outside agencies as necessary.
• Case Management & Compliance Monitoring: Manages an open caseload through daily updates in the case management system, scheduling timely reinspections to determine if compliance was achieved, and informing involved parties of inspection results and potential solutions.
• Professional Development & Collaboration: Attends meetings, clinics, and training seminars to stay informed on local, state, and federal requirements. Works with contractors to check the completeness of abated cases and provides City grant information to low-income homeowners with violations.
• Additional Duties: Performs related duties and tasks as assigned by the Supervisor or Director.

Education, Training and Experience Requirement:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public health, construction or related field.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in housing code enforcement and/or environmental sanitation;
• Certification as a Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector through the International Code Council for II level, or the ability to obtain such certification.
• Experience in construction practices is desirable.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements:

• Knowledge of various types of construction materials and methods.
• Knowledge of City and property maintenance codes, and related laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of City regulations pertaining to the inspection of property.
• Ability to detect structural issues.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to make independent decisions and exercise good judgment.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to handle reasonably necessary stress.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships.
• Ability to consult with and enlist the cooperation of building owners, contractors and the public.
• Ability to calmly and effectively deal with difficult people and challenging situations.

Physical Requirements:

• Task involves frequent walking; standing; some lifting and carrying objects of moderate weight (12-20 lbs).

Environmental Requirements:

• Task may require frequent exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Sensory Requirements:

• Task requires color perception and discrimination.
• Task requires sound perception and discrimination.
• Task requires odor perception and discrimination.
• Task requires depth perception and discrimination.
• Task requires visual perception and discrimination.
• Task requires oral communication ability.

Other Requirements:

• Possession of a valid Driver's License and a good driving record.
• May be required to provide a personal vehicle for use on the job.

Selection of qualified applicants will be based upon a rating of their training, experience and work record. The selection process may include written and/or oral examinations. Appointment will be made in accordance with City policy and the Civil Service Ordinance and Rules and Regulations. The City reserves the right to evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the City.