Code Enforcement Officer

Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services; Marietta (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services seeks a dedicated zoning enforcement professional to investigate zoning code violations, gather evidence, and ensure compliance with local ordinances. The role involves interviewing witnesses, issuing notices and citations, and coordinating follow-up inspections within the county.

The successful candidate will maintain case files, provide information and guidance to property owners and contractors, and participate in court proceedings as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Criminal Justice, Zoning, Urban Planning, or related field is required.
• Two years of experience in law enforcement, investigations, plan review, or related field or equivalent.
• Knowledge of zoning codes and enforcement procedures preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond to complaints and investigate zoning code violations, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and document violations.
• Determine compliance with codes and issue notices, citations, and follow-up inspections.
• Interpret and enforce zoning provisions, provide information and technical guidance to property owners and contractors.
• Maintain enforcement records and case files in the computer system per retention guidelines.
• Prepare documents for court proceedings and provide testimony when required.
• Stay updated on applicable laws, regulations, and standards and participate in training.

Skills

Investigation

Code enforcement

Record keeping

Interview witnesses

Court testimony

Education

Associate degree in Criminal Justice / Zoning / Urban Planning

Tools

Case management software

Job description

Position Information

The purpose of this classification is to conduct investigations regarding zoning code violations and to enforce local zoning codes and ordinances.

Position Information

The purpose of this classification is to conduct investigations regarding zoning code violations and to enforce local zoning codes and ordinances.

Essential Functions

• Responds to complaints of County zoning code violations and investigates possible infractions: conducts site visits to determine validity of complaints or to enforce codes; collects, evaluates, records, and preserves evidence; interviews witnesses and gathers information; and takes and files photographs to document violations.
• Determines compliance or non-compliance with codes: meets with property owners to discuss violations; issues code compliance notices and official correction notices; issues citations/summonses to violators; serves citations via certified mail or in person; and performs follow-up site inspections as needed.
• Interprets and enforces the provisions of applicable zoning codes, specifications, and standards: provides information and technical assistance concerning code requirements; discusses problem areas with property owners, residents, and contractors; makes suggestions and recommends solutions to problems; responds to questions concerning code violations; and conducts research as needed.
• Maintains records of enforcement activities: enters data regarding work activities and violations into computer system; maintains comprehensive case files; and conducts records maintenance activities in compliance with guidelines governing record retention.
• Performs various tasks involving court related proceedings: prepares related documents and reports to assist in building and documenting case information; interviews witnesses; prepares evidence for court cases; and testifies in court as needed.
• Maintains a comprehensive and current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standards: maintains an awareness of code enforcement methods, practices, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; and attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, Zoning, Urban Planning, or related field required; supplemented by two years of experience in law enforcement, investigations, plan review or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Licenses and Certifications

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Certification as a Zoning Inspector is Preferred.

Physical Abilities

Tasks require the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds).

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, or rude/irate customers.

EEO Statement

Cobb County Government is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status .