Code Enforcement Officer

Gfoat; Deer Park (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Deer Park seeks a Code Enforcement Officer to conduct onsite investigations, inspect properties for zoning and environmental health compliance, and issue notices of violation as required. You will document actions, meet residents and businesses, and maintain records using digital devices.

You will also respond to concerns, maintain positive public relations, and assist in emergency events while supporting the Public Works Department and city engineers.

Qualifications

• Customer service and strong written and verbal communication skills with the public, staff and other entities.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state and federal codes and ordinances.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical procedures, regulations and ordinances.
• Ability to write reports and correspondence.
• Ability to present information effectively to City staff, residents, and Council.
• Independently analyze problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct onsite investigations of code and ordinance concerns, inspecting properties for compliance.
• Inspect homes, businesses, and lots to ensure zoning and environmental codes are met; issue notices of violation as needed.
• Interview complainants and witnesses; document activities and maintain records; resolve non‑compliances.

Skills

Customer service

Written communication

Verbal communication

Code enforcement knowledge

Report writing

Driver's license

TDLR license planned

Education

High school diploma or GED

Experience in code enforcement

Tools

MS Office

Permit/tracking software

Job description

Performs inspections and responds to complaints regarding violations and non-compliance with City of Deer Park – Municipal Code of Ordinances.

Performs investigations and enforces the municipal building and zoning codes, including but not limited to the minimum housing standards, environmental health, and zoning ordinances.

Performs research to determine the approved conditional uses of property; researches ownership and takes action to enforce city codes.

Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, other departments and the public; able to follow written and oral instructions and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Exercises independent judgment for matters related to position. Ability to facilitate voluntary compliance and reasonably resolve non-compliances.

Positive attitude to assist City, residents, business and general public to resolve issues and obtain compliance for safety, welfare and well-being of all.

Supervision Received

Works under the general supervision of the Chief Building Official.

Supervision Exercised

None.

Essential Duties

1. Conduct onsite investigations of code and ordinance concerns. Respond to concerns including, but not limited to sewage, trash, junk vehicles, swimming pools, high grass and signs by inspecting properties.
2. Inspect single-family homes, apartment buildings, businesses, vacant lots and other properties; ensure compliance with applicable zoning and environmental health codes, ordinances and regulations. Determine whether property is compliant and issue notices of violation as required. Document all actions and notices; perform follow-up inspections to ensure compliance.
3. Respond to alleged violations, interview complainants and witnesses, take photographs of violations, document activities and update records. Meet with residents and businesses concerning City ordinances and codes; explain actions required to comply with ordinances. Provide and maintain a positive customer service relationship at all times.
4. Meet directly with Deer Park residents and property owners regarding code and ordinance concerns.
5. Maintain accurate records of activities using iPad or other equivalent device to complete reports and maintain records.
6. Receive resident/business concerns and respond with the appropriate response mechanism (lien, communication, cooperation, court, citation, etc.).
7. Must be able and available to work during emergency events such as hurricanes, chemical spills and on-call duties as needed by Public Works Department.
8. Perform technical tasks relative to the backflow program and maintain compliance records for required backflow preventer testing on all commercial buildings.
9. Assist City Engineer and other staff with spills, illicit discharges, ordinance violations and other storm water and sanitary sewer compliance activities.
10. Assist Code Enforcement, Planning and Development, Public Works, Deer Park Police Department and Courts regarding code and ordinance concerns.
11. Maintain files for issuing liens against non-compliant properties.
12. Oversee the City of Deer Park backflow prevention program and associated inspections to ensure compliance.
13. Maintain records and reports of inspections and surveillance activities; prepare reports as required.
14. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
15. Assist in preparing case reports for court or administrative proceedings; testify in court and at administrative proceedings as necessary. Issue citations, file affidavits of intent to prosecute and testify in court for non‑compliance matters.
16. Employee may perform any implied task from the listed duties or other duties as required by Public Works Department.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Customer service and strong written and verbal communication skills to work with the public, employees, supervisor and other entities.
2. Knowledgeable of applicable local, state and federal codes and ordinances.
3. Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical procedures, regulations and ordinances.
4. Ability to write reports and correspondence.
5. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from the City Staff, residents, and City Council.
6. Independently able to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Able to resolve concerns and conflicts effectively and efficiently.
7. Valid Texas Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
8. Must obtain Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation license as Code Enforcement Officer Level 1 within six months of hire.
9. Minimum of high school diploma, GED, and/or five (5) years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university program or ten (10) years of experience in Code Enforcement.
2. Code Enforcement Officer Level 2 license or the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.
3. Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester license or the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.
4. Ability to create easy-to-read and concise briefing reports with photos, tables, aerial images, maps, exhibits and other visual data/analytics for City Administration and other presentations.
5. Experience in research methods for ordinances, documents, survey/plat information, easements, right of way, property legal descriptions, GIS and other property data.
6. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume.
7. Experience in substandard housing and understanding of the due process for court hearings and council hearings.

Tools and Equipment Used

Computer, software (permit and tracking software, MS Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point), phone, text, email, city vehicle and other related tools. Must have knowledge of use of computers, online maps, email, scanner, cell phone, digital photographs and digital file storage and saving techniques.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quite in the office, and moderate to loud in the field.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.