CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Chaves County; New Mexico; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Chaves County is seeking a Code Enforcement Officer to enforce State and County land use regulations. The officer will combine technical knowledge with investigative skills, acting as an officer of the court in magistrate court.

The role requires integrity, ethics, and the ability to work with minimal supervision by the P&Z Director. Responsibilities include field inspections, processing violations, presenting evidence in court, and coordinating with multiple agencies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 2 years of experience in law enforcement, court compliance, planning, legal assistance, or code enforcement.
• Valid NM driver’s license with good driving record.
• No DWI convictions within the last 48 months.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English; Spanish a plus.

Responsibilities

• Acquire and maintain certifications through AACE and NMLZO; travel for trainings and conferences.
• Answer public inquiries related to land use development activities.
• Respond to and investigate public complaints and concerns.
• Maintain detailed records of inspections, violations, and enforcement actions.
• Conduct field and property inspections to assess violations and evidence.
• Issue violation notices or stop-work orders; pursue citations if needed.
• Present evidence in magistrate court and coordinate hearing dates.
• Appear in court as officer of the court to resolve enforcement cases.
• Work with county, state, and federal departments on violations.
• Assist with office tasks such as permits and front desk inquiries.

Skills

Land use codes

Proficient communication

Independent work

Attention to detail

Defensive driving

Data research

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree (planning/architecture/justice)

Job description

This position acts as the Code Enforcement Officer for all State and County land use regulations and codes. A Code Enforcement Officer must combine technical knowledge of codes and regulations with strong interpersonal and investigative skills to ensure communities remain safe, healthy, and well-maintained. This position is an officer of the court and prosecuting officer in magistrate court. This position requires one to exercise integrity, ethics, knowledge, good communication skills with independent judgement and the ability to work with minimal supervision by the department Director.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Acquire and maintain certifications through American Association of Code Enforcement (AACE) and the New Mexico League of Zoning Officials (NMLZO), including accommodation for in state and out-of-state travel and conferences.
• Answer public inquiries and questions related to land use development activities.
• Respond and investigate public complaints and concerns.
• Maintain detailed records of inspections, violations, and enforcement actions.
• Conduct field inspections and property inspections (including photograph evidence, interviews with property owners, and county record check) to assess possible violations of related codes or regulations.
• Issue violation notices or stop-work orders; perform follow-up investigations to ensure compliance; and when necessary, issue a citation of violation.
• Present all evidence and citation to the magistrate court, schedule hearing date and follow-up with the court clerks to ensure the hearing date is set.
• Officer of the court; appear in court to resolve enforcement cases and assure compliance.
• Work with county, state and federal departments in addressing violations.
• Receive, review and issue manufacture home placement permits and conduct field inspection for zoning and placement compliance.
• Assist with day-to-day office activities, such as but not limited to phone calls, permits, and front desk inquiries.
• Able to maintain an acceptable attendance record, be punctual and meet established deadlines, cross-train in other department functions and perform other duties as assigned by the Director.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

This position is performed under the general supervision of the P&Z Director who may provide assignments and instruction, determine objectives, priorities and deadlines, and who assists the employee with unusual situations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Extensive knowledge of county and state land use development codes and regulations.
• Knowledgeable in court prosecution procedures and order.
• Ability to show attention to detail and strong observation skills in identifying violations.
• Ability to research and collect data using County, City and State online programs.
• Proficient in communication, including writing and speaking techniques.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to operate a county vehicle responsibly and safely, defensive driving training a plus.
• Show patience and professionalism when dealing with public complaints and disputes.
• Must know and understand County Personnel Policy as well as all county and departmental policies pertinent to the position.
• Acquire and maintain certifications through American Association of Code Enforcement (AACE) and the New Mexico League of Zoning Officials (NMLZO) within three years of employment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education/Training/Experience: High school diploma or G.E.D. with two (2) years’ experience in law enforcement, court compliance, planning, legal assistance, or code enforcement.
• Licenses/Certification: Valid N.M. driver’s license with a good driving record.
• No prior DWI convictions within the last 48 months.

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English and if possible, Spanish.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Associate’s degree in planning, architecture, criminal justice, law enforcement, or related field from an accredited college or university.

OTHER NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS

• Post-offer drug test
• Valid driver's license
• Employment history verification
• Criminal background check

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary, typically requiring the employee to be able to sit comfortably to do the work. There may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, or driving an automobile. Talking, hearing and seeing are essential to the performance of the job. Lifting/carrying requirements: 11-25 lbs., 1-10 lbs. occasionally, <1/3 standing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work for this position is performed both indoors and outdoors. Indoor work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Outdoor work involves typical risks associated with driving, photographing sites, and communicating with residents, and does require normal safety precautions and safe work practices.