Code Enforcement Officer POS # 119000027

Cumberland County; Fayetteville (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Cumberland County’s Planning & Inspections Department seeks a Code Enforcement Officer to enforce minimum housing, zoning, subdivision, and related ordinances. You will investigate complaints, conduct inspections, issue violations, and review permits to ensure compliance with county and state codes.

Responsibilities include drafting notices, conducting hearings, and presenting findings. Strong knowledge of zoning and building codes is essential, with preferred certifications for advancement.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited two-year college or technical school in building construction technology, construction management, or related field, or high school/GED with two years of planning/zoning or enforcement experience.
• Management Preference: Building Level I certification from NC DOI or NC Certified Zoning Official (CZO).
• Knowledge of building construction and related plumbing, electrical, and mechanical knowledge; ability to read deeds, plats, plots plans, and zoning maps.

Responsibilities

• Review, approve, and coordinate permit applications to ensure compliance with zoning, subdivision, watershed, flood plain ordinances, and state building code.
• Draft, issue, and manage Notices of Violation, Civil Citations, Notices of Hearings, and Findings of Fact & Orders.
• Conduct hearings with property owners to address corrective actions and prepare court documentation when necessary.
• Perform field inspections to verify compliance with applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations.
• Research properties for adherence to zoning and land use regulations and review commercial plans for compliance.
• Provide consultation to property owners, developers, contractors, tenants, and the public on ordinance requirements.
• Attend and present information or sworn testimony at public hearings and court proceedings.
• Compile comprehensive reports based on findings from field investigations.

Skills

Code enforcement

Building codes

Ordinance interpretation

Public communication

Caseload management

Education

Two-year college degree in building construction technology/related field

High school diploma with 2+ years enforcement experience

Job description

Join Cumberland County’s Planning & Inspections Department and play an important role in protecting the safety, quality, and character of our communities. The Code Enforcement Officer performs a combination of field inspections, ordinance enforcement, and permit review to help ensure properties and development within Cumberland County meet established standards and regulations.

In this position, you will investigate complaints, conduct inspections, and enforce the Cumberland County Minimum Housing, Zoning, Subdivision, and Abandoned, Nuisance, and Junked Motor Vehicle Ordinances. You will also review and approve permits for compliance with applicable County ordinances, including Zoning, Subdivision, Watershed, and Flood Plain Development regulations, as well as the North Carolina State Building Code.

This is an opportunity to make a visible difference in the community by working directly with property owners, residents, contractors, and other stakeholders to promote safe, compliant, and well-maintained neighborhoods. If you enjoy working in the field, interpreting regulations, solving problems, and serving the public, we invite you to apply and become part of the Cumberland County team.

• Review, approve, and coordinate permit applications to ensure compliance with Cumberland County’s Zoning, Subdivision, Watershed, and Flood Plain Ordinances, as well as the North Carolina State Building Code. Identify violations and implement corrective actions as necessary
• Draft, issue, and manage Notices of Violation, Civil Citations, Notices of Hearings, and Findings of Fact & Orders
• Conduct hearings with property owners to address corrective actions for compliance and, when needed, prepare case documentation for court proceedings
• Perform field inspections to verify compliance with applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations
• Research properties for adherence to zoning and land use regulations, including interpreting and validating the accuracy of Plats and Plot Plans, as well as reviewing and approving commercial plans for compliance
• Provide consultation and guidance to Property Owners, Developers, Contractors, Tenants, and the general public, offering information and interpretations on ordinance requirements
• Attend and present detailed information or sworn testimony at Public Hearings and Court proceedings
• Compile comprehensive reports based on findings from field investigations

Graduation from an accredited two-year college or technical school in building construction technology, construction management, or related field; or high school or GED with two (2) years of experience in planning, zoning, or journey level construction, including considerable public contact or work experience in an enforcement capacity; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Management Preference: Building Level I certification from the North Carolina Department of Insurance or NC Certified Zoning Official (CZO) Certification.

• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of code enforcement as it relates to minimum housing, junk, abandoned, and junk motor vehicles, zoning, subdivision, watershed, and flood plain development
• Knowledge of building construction and associated plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems
• Knowledge of terminology and related professional languages used within the department relating to work responsibilities
• Ability to read and interpret deeds,plats, plot plans, and zoning maps
• Ability to effectively communicate, both written and orally
• Ability to communicate tactfully with the public and staff and to relay information to all parties in an effective manner
• Ability to manage caseloads and maintain sensitive timelines
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Conditions of Employment

A formal transcript will be required. College transcripts may be submitted on-line via the attachment feature or mailed to Cumberland County Human Resources, 117 Dick St. Fayetteville, NC 28301

Driving is an essential function of this position. To be considered, you must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. If your driver's license is from another state, you will be required to obtain and show proof of a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire.

Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.