Code Enforcement Officer

Buchanan County MO Government; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Buchanan County MO Government seeks a Code Enforcement Specialist to administer development applications for compliance with state and county codes, and to provide professional land-use regulatory and planning services in unincorporated areas.

This role enforces statutes, inspects construction, handles zoning and property maintenance issues, and supports the county’s safety and orderly growth through teamwork and clear communication.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required.
• One year related experience in municipal code enforcement or related field preferred.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain food safety certification.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain on-site wastewater certification.

Responsibilities

• Enforce Missouri State Statutes and Buchanan County Planning and Zoning Orders.
• Inspect zoning, subdivision and property maintenance code complaints and code enforcement.
• Inspect new construction in unincorporated Buchanan County with on-site septic system.
• Serve as County Trustee for tax sale properties.
• Serve as on-call animal control officer.
• Perform inspections of kitchens, gas stations, restaurants and permitted food trucks.
• Work with landowners to ensure ordinances are followed.

Skills

GIS knowledge

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Building/plumbing code knowledge

De-escalation skills

Independence

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Geographic Information Systems

Job description

Job Summary

This position conducts and administers various development applications for compliance with Missouri State and County Codes an Ordinances. To provide professional land-use regulatory and comprehensive planning services. Undertakes other duties and functions related to the general planning and zoning activities of the County.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Enforce Missouri State Statutes and Buchanan County Planning and Zoning Orders
• Serves as inspector for zoning, subdivision and property maintenance code complaints and code enforcement.
• Inspects new construction in unincorporated Buchanan County with on-site septic system.
• Serves as County Trustee for tax sale properties.
• Serves as on-call animal control officer.
• Performs inspections of kitchens of schools, gas stations, restaurants and permitted food trucks within Buchanan County
• Work with landowners within Buchanan County to ensure correct ordinances are being followed.
• Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate office equipment, including but not limited to: copy machine, computers, phones, cell-phone, and other basic equipment
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Education/Experience

High School diploma required.
One year related experience in municipal code enforcement or in a related field preferred.
Must be able to obtain and maintain food safety certification.
Must be able to obtain and maintain on-site wastewater certification.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Some knowledge of equipment, materials, methods and procedures used in construction and repair activities
• Knowledge of using Geographic Information Systems
• Ability to maintain a level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of basic construction, building, and plumbing codes and violations
• Must learn to apply the building codes and ordinances they enforce.
• Must be able to effectively communicate code enforcement decisions and significant knowledge on how each deficiency should be remedied
• Must work well under pressure and be able to tactfully work with difficult situations and individuals in the field
• Must retain a professional demeanor and be skilled in de-escalating situations with difficult individuals
• Skill in operation of tools and equipment
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be skilled in communicating both written and orally in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other departments, various agencies, and the public at large
• Ability to work safely and follow rules
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions

Special Requirements

Candidates must pass a criminal background check, meet all legal hiring requirements, and be able to obtain and maintain a surety bond. Buchanan County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history, or if the applicant is unable to obtain or maintain the required surety bond.