Code Enforcement Officer I-II

City of Wilson; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Wilson is seeking a Code Enforcement Officer I-II to perform technical inspections of new and existing buildings to enforce city building, minimum housing, nuisance and zoning codes. The role ensures compliance with applicable codes and involves reviewing plans and issuing permits where appropriate.

Successful candidates will inspect dwellings and facilities, respond to inquiries, and maintain thorough records while working under changing code requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One of Building/Plumbing/Mechanical/Electrical Level I certification required within two years.
• Valid NC driver's license or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections of new and existing residential and commercial buildings for compliance with building, housing, nuisance, and zoning codes.
• Respond to citizen complaints and investigate alleged code violations.
• Review residential and commercial building plans and approve applications for building permits.
• Maintain records and daily work sheets; attend department meetings and trainings.

Skills

Building inspections

Condemnation/demolition

Computers

Planning & decision making

Interpersonal skills

Oral & written communication

Education

High school diploma

Level I standard certification (Building/Plumbing/Mechanical/Electrical)

Driver's license (NC)

Job description

https://vimeo.com/1029357272?share=copy

Wilson is a city of around 50,000 people located in the heart of eastern North Carolina. We are about an hour from the Research Triangle and the buzz of the Raleigh area, and you can also quickly reach the North Carolina beaches.

The City of Wilson is known for innovation and outstanding service. We have top-rated, nationally accredited police, fire and recreation departments. Our parks and sports facilities are among the best in the nation, and our Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is a unique and beautiful attraction that hosts concerts, farmers markets and the N.C. Whirligig Festival among other events. Our downtown ballpark proudly serves as the home of the Milwaukee Brewers minor league affiliate. The team celebrated its inaugural Opening Night on April 14, 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for our community and downtown district.

Wilson has the strongest manufacturing base in our part of the state, including tire manufacturing, pharmaceutical and other industries. The Greenlight citywide broadband services help technology-based companies flourish.

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a best-in-class benefits package that brings additional value to your total compensation. To learn more about our benefits package, click on the ‘Benefits’ tab above.

The hiring range for this position is $49,800.37 (minimum salary) to $68,582.68 (midpoint of range) dependent upon qualifications for a Code Enforcement Officer I.

The hiring range for this position is $54,970.28 (minimum salary) to $75,702.44 (midpoint of range) dependent upon qualifications for a Code Enforcement Officer II.

The purpose of this position is to perform technical inspections of new and existing buildings to enforce city building code, minimum housing code, nuisance code and zoning code. Successful performance ensures compliance with applicable codes.

The work consists of varied technical inspection duties. Frequently changing codes contribute to the complexity of the position.

Code Enforcement Officer I-II

Major Duties

• Performs various building, housing and nuisance code inspections.
• Responds to and investigates citizen complaints regarding alleged code violations.
• Reviews residential and commercial building plans.
• Reviews and approves applications for building permits
• Maintains records, files, and daily work sheet.
• Attends inspection and department staff meetings.
• Attends educational courses and seminars to maintain required certifications.
• Meets with customers to discuss plans and explain code requirements.
• Inspects daycare homes and centers, group homes and adult care homes and centers.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Determines habitability of dwellings and investigates abandoned buildings for determination of reparability.
• Issues warnings, official notices, stop work orders and citations as necessary to obtain compliance with appropriate codes.

Guidelines

• Guidelines include department standard operating procedures, zoning ordinances, local, state, and national building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes, and relevant city, state, and federal laws, and regulations. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

Supervisory/Management Responsibility

• None

Code Enforcement Officer I

Education/Experience Requirements

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with one to three years of experience or service.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain the appropriate state certification for the type of inspection(s) conducted. At a minimum, a Level I standard certification shall be held in at least one of the following: Building, Plumbing, Mechanical or Electrical. A Level I probationary certificate may also be considered but as a condition of continued employment a Level I standard certificate must be achieved within two years.

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems construction and installation.
• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures and federal, state, and local codes, laws and regulations.
• Skill in performing inspections of new and existing homes and commercial buildings.
• Skill in the condemnation/demolition process of commercial buildings.
• Skill in the operation of computers and other standard office equipment.
• Skill in planning, organization, and decision making.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to prepare factual reports and present same to appropriate boards or commissions.

Code Enforcement Officer II

Education/Experience Requirements

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with one to three years of experience or service.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain the appropriate state certification for the type of inspection(s) conducted. At a minimum, a Level II standard certification shall be held in at least one of the following: Building, Plumbing, Mechanical or Electrical. A Level I standard certificate shall be held in the other trade areas. For the remaining trades, a Level I probationary certificate may also be considered but as a condition of continued employment a Level I standard certificate must be achieved within two years.

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems construction and installation.
• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures and federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
• Skill in performing inspections of new and existing homes and commercial buildings.
• Skill in the operation of computers and other standard office equipment.
• Skill in planning, organization, and decision making.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to prepare factual reports and present same to appropriate boards or commissions.

• The work is typically performed in an office while sitting at a desk or table, or while intermittently sitting, standing or walking, and at inspection sites. Work may be performed outdoors and occasionally in cold or inclement weather.
• The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.
• The employee occasionally lifts light objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and must distinguish between shades of color.