CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BUILDING DEPARTMENT

East Chicago; East Chicago, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

East Chicago is seeking a Code Enforcement Officer in the Building Department to ensure compliance with zoning, building, health, and safety codes. You will coordinate inspections under the Building Commissioner and Code Enforcement Manager.

The role enforces laws, conducts inspections, and prepares reports. A high school diploma and Indiana driver’s license are required; law enforcement experience is desirable. Collaboration with police, legal staff, and city departments is essential.

Qualifications

• Enforce City and State laws regarding zoning, building, health, and safety regulations, and local municipal codes.
• Ability to evaluate the condition of structures and vehicles.
• High school diploma or equivalent; law enforcement experience desirable.
• Must possess a valid Indiana driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Enforce City and State laws regarding zoning, building, health, and safety regulations, and local municipal codes.
• Patrols the City to identify public safety and health violations; responds to dispatched calls.
• Conducts business license inspections and investigations; handles violations.
• Submits logs/reports and case summaries to the supervisor; follows up on actions needed.
• Investigate violations and testify in courts and hearings as required.
• Perform inspections of properties to ensure compliance with ordinances and educate owners.

Skills

Code enforcement

Zoning knowledge

Building codes

Public safety

Communication skills

Driving license Indiana

Education

High school diploma

Some college desirable

Law enforcement experience desirable

Job description

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CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BUILDING DEPARTMENT

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Building Commissioner and Code Enforcement Manager, coordinates on-site inspections and activities concerned with the enforcement of City and State laws regarding zoning, health, building, and any related municipal code violations to effect abatements as appropriate; and performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by the position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Enforce City and State laws regarding zoning, building, health, and safety regulations, and local municipal codes.
• Patrols the City in a proactive manner to identify immediate public safety and health violations; responds to dispatched calls for service from the East Chicago Police Department.
• Conducts business license inspections and investigations, including sexually oriented businesses; works with the State regarding bar business licenses; initiates arrest or corrective notices for detected violations.
• Submits log/reports and summary of cases to the department supervisor, including case status and follow-up actions needed to bring criminal charges or make an arrest to bring cases to a close.
• Handles general nuisance abatement efforts as assigned; reviews and disseminates information regarding zoning, building, and other regulatory requirements to the general public, governmental officials, and other concerned entities.
• Review interprets and administer rules and policies adopted to ensure that health and safety, and zoning/building standards are maintained.
• Works closely with law enforcement personnel, legal counsel, and representatives of the court to handle citations and violations appropriately.
• Prepare documents, records, and reports related to enforcement actions and enforcement efforts.
• Takes and investigates complaints, ensuring that applicable regulations are properly enforced; testifies in courts and general hearings as required.
• Work with other code enforcement personnel to resolve problems relating to municipal code violations.
• Respond to citizens’ complaints and concerns regarding ordinance violations, and work with property owners to resolve matters involving City ordinance violations.
• Perform inspections of properties in the City to ensure compliance with ordinances. Perform inspections of sub-standard properties, trash and debris, tall grass/weeds, abandoned vehicles, illegal parking, and related municipal code violations.
• Determine action to be taken on housing cases, and discuss housing rehabilitation techniques with property owners.
• Testify at code enforcement hearings, Board of Public Safety hearings, and/or at any judicial proceedings, representing the City and the Department of Code Enforcement.
• Investigate all ordinance violations in a specific target area and work with other City departments to resolve unsafe living conditions for City residents.
• Complete required reports and keep accurate records and files on inspections performed. Perform various enforcement-related paperwork assignments.
• Maintain clean and sanitary equipment of City vehicles and work areas.
• Attend various City meetings/functions as required/directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to evaluate the condition of structures and vehicles.

Ability to effectively apply the rules and regulations that are relevant to the duties of the position.

Effective communication skills, both oral and in writing.

Ability to maintain a valid Indiana driver’s license.

Considerable knowledge of materials, methods, and practices used in building construction and of the stages in construction when possible defects and violations may be most easily observed and corrected.

Considerable knowledge of the codes, regulations, and ordinances governing building construction for the City.

Ability to explain, interpret, and enforce codes, regulations, and ordinances firmly, tactfully, and impartially.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, municipal officials, property owners, and the general public.

Ability to maintain a good public image and an attitude of good public relations.

Ability to deal with the public tactfully and courteously and to work harmoniously with other employees.

Ability to possess Reserve Police Officer Certification.

Ability to carry a firearm.

Ability to operate a vehicle.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

High school graduate or equivalent; preferably some college; law enforcement experience is desirable. Demonstrated knowledge of building, zoning, and health & safety codes and regulations, related State, Federal, and local laws and regulations.

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS

Must possess a valid Indiana driver’s license.

Good driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job.

Environment - Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments; travel from site to site; incumbents may be exposed to noise, dust, inclement weather conditions, and potentially hostile environments; work at heights and in confined areas. Alternate work schedule. The work environment is formal and informal, team-oriented, and has variable tasks, pace, and pressure.

Physical – Primary functions require sufficient ability and mobility to work in an office and field setting; work is performed outdoors in inclement weather; operate equipment and vehicles; works from ladders and walks on uneven terrain, loose soil, and sloped surfaces; frequent sitting, standing, upward and downward flexion of neck; the side-to-side turning of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Occasional squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; stand or sit for a prolonged period; to occasionally stoop, crawl, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, turn and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; occasionally push/pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds; occasionally required to lift/carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds and to verbally communicate with others to exchange information.

Vocal – Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas using spoken words, conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.

Vision – See in normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents, and to operate the equipment.

Hearing:

Hear in normal audio range with or without correction.

The City of East Chicago does not discriminate in its employment decisions based on race, color, religion, gender, age, genetic information, disability, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.