Code Enforcement Officer

Tompkins County; New York (NY); On-site; USD 96,432,000 - 107,453,000; Full time

Job summary

Tompkins County is seeking a Code Enforcement Officer for a full-time position in Ithaca, NY. The role reviews building plans and conducts inspections to ensure compliance with the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention, Building Code, Energy Code and local zoning laws.

The incumbent must obtain prescribed NYS training within 18 months and maintain residency within Tompkins County or nearby counties. Salary is $35.00 per hour, with duties including issuing permits, notices, and coordinating with Town

Qualifications

• Requires an Associate degree or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Three paths to qualification are listed in the posting: degree, experience with high school diploma, or specific NYS certifications.
• Must possess a valid NYS Driver's License and complete NYS Fire Administrator training within 18 months of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Review plans for compliance with NYS codes and local ordinances.
• Inspect construction sites and enforce building and zoning codes.
• Explain codes to contractors and the public and issue notices/certificates as needed.
• Participate in background checks and ensure ongoing training compliance.

Skills

Inspection knowledge

Reports & documentation

Communication skills

Public interaction

Education

Assoc degree in Engineering or Construction Technology or related field

High School Diploma + 2 yrs building inspection/related experience

High School Diploma + relevant NYS certifications (Code Enforcement/Building Codes/Residential Codes)

Job description

TOMPKINS COUNTY CIVIL SERVICEVACANCY

Inclusion Through Diversity

OPEN TO THE PUBLICTompkins County Department of Human Resources Office

125 E. Court StreetIthaca, NY 14850

[phone]Tompkins County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply

TITLE: Code Enforcement Officer

SALARY: $35.00/hour

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Full Time

ISSUE DATE: 09/09/26

THE FINAL DATE TO FILE APPLICATIONS: 09/25/26

DATE THAT THIS ANNOUNCEMENT SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM POSTING: 09/26/26

RESIDENCY: Candidates must have been legal residents of Tompkins County or one of the six adjoining counties (Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga) for at least one month immediately preceding the date of application and maintain residency. For Examinations: The eligible list resulting from the examination will be established in accordance with the final earned numerical ratings of passing candidates regardless of residence. A municipality or district may exercise its right under section 23-4-a. of Civil Service Law to request a certification of eligible candidates who have been residents of that municipality or district for at least one month prior to appointment. After the names of residents have been exhausted, Tompkins County must then certify the names of non-residents on the list.

This is an approved HELP title. No examination is required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two year college with an Associates degree in Engineering or Construction Technology or related field; OR
• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma AND two years of full time paid (or the equivalent part-time) experience in building inspection, or as an independent contractor, skilled construction worker, or similar work in a closely related field; OR
• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma AND possession of one or more of the following certifications: Introduction to NYS Code Enforcement Practices Part I and Part II; Building Codes of New York State; Residential Codes of New York State; General Construction Principles; or Inspection Procedures for Existing Structures

Tompkins County is Committed to Equity and Inclusion. We encourage those with similar values to apply.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid New York State Drivers’ License at the time of application and maintain such license for the duration of employment.
• Incumbent must successfully complete the prescribed training programs established by the NYS Fire Administrator and the NYS Fire Fighting and Code Enforcement Personnel Standards and Education Commission within eighteen (18) months of appointment. In addition, incumbents must attend and complete the continuing education requirements on an annual basis.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

This is a responsible technical position that reviews plans for, and completes inspections of, construction and building use for compliance with zoning ordinance and enforces the State Uniform Fire Prevention, Building Code and Energy code. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director or Senior Code Enforcement Officer with a moderate level of leeway allowed for the use of independent judgment in carrying out the work activities. The incumbent will perform all related duties as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Examines building permit applications including reviewing plans to determine compliance with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention, Building code, Energy Code, as well as local laws and zoning ordinances;
• Inspects construction sites including family dwellings, commercial buildings and industrial complexes for compliance with building codes, submitted plans, and if practicing acceptable work standards;
• Performs fire safety inspections of public assembly areas, multiple residences and non-residential occupancies Assists in explaining and interpreting the Uniform Fire Prevention, Building Code and local zoning ordinances and laws to contractors, developers and the general public;
• Investigates complaints concerning building and zoning code violations; Prepares a variety of forms, records and reports relevant to Code Enforcement activities; Issues written notices to correct unsafe, illegal, or dangerous conditions in existing structures; Issue building permits and certificates of occupancy and violation notices; Responds to phone inquiries concerning all services provided by the office; Day-to-day coordination with other Town Departments and staff; Attendance at Town Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Planning Board meetings when requested; Performs a variety of related duties as required;

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of modern practices, materials and tools used in building construction trades; Good knowledge of the building trades; Good knowledge of the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and local zoning ordinances; Ability to prepare reports and maintains records in an orderly manner; Ability to effectively and tactfully work with building contractors and the general public to achieve compliance with all State and Town regulations; Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications; Ability to be firm but courteous and honest; Ability to understand complex oral and written directions; Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public, boards and committees, and counterparts in other municipalities; Ability to operate a personal computer, utilizing spreadsheets, word processing and database software; Honesty, integrity, thoroughness, tact and good judgment; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

C96.doc

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Applicants may be required to undergo a State and national criminal history background investigation, which will include a fingerprint check, to determine suitability for appointment. Failure to meet the standards for the background investigation may result in disqualification.

ACTIVE MILITARY PERSONNEL, VETERANS OR DISABLED VETERANS desiring to claim additional credit will request the Veterans Credits application form, at any time between the date of application for examinations(s) and the date of the establishment of the resulting eligible list. You must meet the requirements set by NYS for these credits and they may be used only once. YOU MAY NOT CLAIM ADDITIONAL CREDITS AFTER THE ELIGIBLE LIST HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED. IT IS THE CANDIDATE'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REQUEST THE VETERANS CREDITESTABLISHED.Tompkins County's written examinations are prepared and rated by the New York State Department of Civil Service in accordance with Section 23-2 of Civil Service Law. The provisions of the New York State Civil Service Rules and Regulations, which deal with the rating and review of the examinations apply.

Tompkins County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of its efforts to provide employment opportunities to the physically handicapped, Tompkins County Civil Service has adopted a rule permitting the employment of qualified physically handicapped persons without competitive examination (pursuant to Section 55 of Civil Service Law). If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position and wish to know more about this rule, please contact the Tompkins County Department of Human Resources Office.

All candidates for employment for positions in school districts and BOCES governed by Tompkins County Civil Service may have the following special requirement. Per Chapter 180 of the laws of 2000, and by regulations of the Commissioner of Education, to be employed in a position designated by a school district or BOCES as involving direct contact with students, a clearance for employment from the State Education Department is required. In conformance with Section 85-a of the Civil Service Law, children of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duties shall be entitled to receive an additional ten points in a competitive examination for original appointment in the same municipality in which his or her parent has served. If you are qualified to participate in this examination and are a child of firefighter or police officer killed in the line of duties in this municipality, please inform this office of this matter when you submit your application for examination. A candidate claiming such credit has a minimum of two months from the application deadline to provide the necessary documentation to verify additional credit eligibility. However, no credit may be added after the eligible list has been established.

TOMPKINS COUNTY PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT, 125 EAST COURT STREET, ITHACA, NY 14850