Code Enforcement Officer

Willdan Group, Inc.; Janesville (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Willdan Group, Inc. in Janesville, Wisconsin is seeking full-time and part-time Code Enforcement Officers to support municipal clients in protecting public health, safety, and quality of life.

Officers perform inspections, investigate violations, and educate property owners to achieve compliant outcomes. The role involves field inspections, case management, coordination with client staff, and preparing notices of violation and reports.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in customer service, inspections, or code enforcement is a plus.
• Ability to explain requirements clearly to property owners and other parties.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn electronic inspection systems.

Responsibilities

• Receive and evaluate complaints and prioritize cases.
• Conduct field inspections for debris, nuisance, and property maintenance issues.
• Investigate zoning and land-use potential violations and educate stakeholders.
• Prepare notices of violation and inspection reports with deadlines.
• Coordinate with clients, police, and legal counsel as needed for enforcement actions.
• Maintain accurate electronic case records and documentation.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Observation and reporting

Team coordination

Learning new codes

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Case management system

Email and word processing

Job description

Public Agency Resources (PARS), a subsidiary of Willdan Group Inc., is seeking full-time and part-time Code Enforcement Officers in the Janesville, Wisconsin area.

The Code Enforcement Officer will support municipal clients in protecting public health, safety, and quality of life. This position performs complaint-based and proactive inspections, investigates potential code violations, and works with property owners, residents, and businesses to achieve compliance through education, clear communication, and consistent follow-up.

The officer works under the direction of Willdan management and coordinates with designated client staff, seeking guidance as needed when learning requirements and handling unfamiliar situations. Assignments may include property maintenance, nuisance abatement, zoning compliance, and other local code enforcement responsibilities within the assigned scope of services and delegated authority.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Receive and evaluate complaints, research applicable ordinances and property records, and prioritize cases according to established policies and public safety concerns.
• Conduct field inspections and investigations involving debris, refuse, overgrown vegetation, junked or unlicensed vehicles, abandoned boats, snow and ice removal, and other property maintenance or nuisance conditions.
• Investigate potential zoning and land-use violations, including unauthorized uses, outdoor storage, and other conditions within the assigned enforcement responsibilities.
• Explain applicable requirements to property owners, tenants, businesses, and other responsible parties. Provide practical guidance on corrective actions and opportunities for voluntary compliance.
• Prepare clear notices of violation, correspondence, and inspection reports that identify observed conditions, applicable requirements, corrective actions, and compliance deadlines.
• Conduct follow-up inspections, document progress, and recommend or authorize compliance extensions consistent with client policy and assigned authority.
• Maintain accurate electronic case records, photographs, inspection notes, communications, and supporting documents in the designated case management system.
• Coordinate unresolved violations with supervisors, client staff, police, and legal counsel as appropriate. Prepare documentation for authorized citations, nuisance abatement, and other enforcement actions.
• Prepare case summaries and supporting evidence; attend hearings or court proceedings and provide factual testimony when required.
• Coordinate approved nuisance abatements and document contractor work, reinspection fees, and related costs under client procedures and adopted schedules.
• Coordinate referrals with building inspection, planning, public works, police and other agencies. Identify conditions requiring review by appropriately qualified personnel.
• Answer code questions by phone, email, at the counter, and in the field. Maintain assigned availability and report case status and workload needs to Willdan management and client staff.

Job Requirements & Qualifications

Previous code enforcement experience and professional certifications are helpful but are not required to apply. We welcome applicants who bring transferable skills, general knowledge, and a willingness to learn.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in customer service, construction, legal or administrative support, property management, inspections, code enforcement, or another field that develops relevant skills. Related education, training, volunteer work, or a combination of experience may also be considered.
• A helpful, professional approach to customer service and the ability to work respectfully with people from different backgrounds.
• General knowledge of property conditions, construction, inspections, legal processes, or local government, with a willingness to learn municipal codes and enforcement procedures.
• Ability to explain information clearly, listen to concerns, ask questions, and help people understand requirements and next steps.
• Ability to observe conditions, take photographs, keep accurate records, and prepare clear notes and correspondence.
• Basic computer skills, including email and word processing, and willingness to learn electronic inspection and case management systems.
• Ability to organize work, follow procedures, meet deadlines, and ask for guidance when needed.
• Ability to remain calm during difficult conversations, use good judgment, protect confidential information, and treat people fairly.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet applicable driving requirements.
• Customer service or public contact work involving questions, complaints, scheduling, or explaining policies and procedures.
• Construction, maintenance, housing, property management, or inspection experience.
• Legal office, paralegal, court, regulatory, or municipal administrative experience.
• Related coursework or training in construction, inspections, criminal justice, planning, public administration, or a similar field.

EEO Non-Discrimination and ADA Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Willdan is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, religion, military service or veteran status, disability, medical condition, childbirth and related medical conditions, genetic testing, reproductive status or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Willdan does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability where the essential functions of the job can be reasonably accommodated. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us.

Public Agency Resources participates in E-Verify.