Code Enforcement Officer

St. Lucie County Florida; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Lucie County Florida is seeking a Code Enforcement Officer to perform inspections and enforce county codes related to zoning, land use, and property maintenance. The role involves investigating complaints, issuing citations, and maintaining detailed case records.

The position emphasizes public education, professional communication with residents and businesses, and collaboration with other departments. A valid Florida driver’s license and potential FACE Level I certification within one year

Qualifications

• Certification as a Level I Code Enforcement Officer from FACE, or ability to obtain within one year.
• Valid Florida driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Understanding of local ordinances, zoning laws, building codes, and property maintenance regulations.
• Minimum of one year of experience in housing and zoning inspection or related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for report writing and public interactions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections to assess potential violations of zoning, building, and other county codes.
• Review and evaluate complaints related to zoning violations and property maintenance.
• Document findings and issue citations and notices of violation.
• Follow up on enforcement actions to ensure compliance and close out cases.
• Educate property owners and residents on county codes and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate with other county departments to address enforcement issues.
• Prepare and present cases to the Code Enforcement Board as needed.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Critical thinking

Public interactions

Legal documentation

Driver's license

Education

HS diploma or GED

College degree in computer science or related field (preferred)

Tools

GIS software

Database management systems

General computer literacy

Job description

The Code Enforcement Officer performs a variety of technical duties in support of the County’s code enforcement program including monitoring and enforcement of applicable ordinances, codes and regulations related to zoning, land use, property maintenance, building codes, health and safety, graffiti, drainage, septic systems, and other matters of public concern Code Enforcement Officers serve as a resource and provide information on County regulations to the general public and other County departments and divisions.

Code Enforcement & Inspections:

• Conduct field inspections to assess potential violations of zoning, building, and other applicable county codes.
• Review and evaluate complaints related to zoning violations, property maintenance, and other concerns.
• Document findings and issue citations and notices of violation in accordance with county ordinances.
• Follow up on enforcement actions to ensure compliance and close out cases.

Documentation & Case Management:

• Maintain detailed records of inspections, violations, and enforcement actions taken, provide timely and accurate follow-up documentation, track case progress and resolution.
• Present cases to the Code Enforcement Board and provide testimony as necessary.

Public Education & Customer Service:

• Educate property owners, residents, and business owners on county codes, ordinances, and compliance requirements.
• Supply zoning information and issue occupancy and use permits to the public.
• Provide clear and courteous communication to the public regarding violations and corrective actions needed.
• Respond to public inquiries and complaints, resolving issues efficiently and professionally.
• Demonstrate a respectful, and sensitive approach when engaging with diverse communities.
• Assist with the Sea Turtle Program.

Collaboration & Coordination:

• Coordinate with other county departments and divisions to address multi-faceted issues related to code enforcement.
• Collaborate with the appropriate teams, when enforcement requires further action.
• Maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, local businesses, and the general public.
• Assist in solving complex problems related to building and zoning codes.
• Participate in team meetings and report on enforcement progress and challenges.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Code Enforcement Officer position requires the ability to perform field inspections, which may involve walking long distances, climbing stairs, and navigating uneven terrain. Officers must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, or rain. The role may also involve bending, kneeling, and lifting items up to 25 pounds. Additionally, candidates must be able to drive to various locations within the jurisdiction, sometimes in challenging conditions, and maintain physical stamina to manage multiple inspections and enforcement activities throughout the day.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS:

Duties involve occasional exposure to potentially hostile situations when dealing with enforcement issues. Work is primarily conducted outdoors and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, extreme temperatures, noise, dust, chemicals, and mechanical equipment. The position may require working on elevated surfaces or uneven terrain. If required, personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn. Operational need may require that work be done outside of regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call duties as needed.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

ADA STATEMENT:

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EEO STATEMENT:

St. Lucie County BOCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws.

Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required. College degree from an accredited institution in computer science or related field is preferred. Relevant experience, training or technical certifications may substitute for preferred college degree.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in housing and zoning inspection, local government law enforcement, construction trades, or a similar field.
• Certification as a Level I Code Enforcement Officer from FACE, or the ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.
• Understanding of local ordinances, zoning laws, building codes, and property maintenance regulations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for report writing, public interactions, and legal documentation.
• Ability to inspect properties thoroughly, identify violations, and maintain accurate records.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting assessor maps, blueprints, and property files.
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills to address violations and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to interact professionally and tactfully with the public, property owners, and contractors.
• Proficiency with computers, GIS software, and database management systems.
• Understanding of the legal and administrative processes related to enforcement actions, including issuing citations and attending court hearings.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license with a good driving record.

Pay Grade G09

Driving Position - Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 1 background screening.