Code Enforcement Specialist

City of Kirkwood; Kirkwood (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Kirkwood is seeking a Code Enforcement Officer to enforce health, environmental, property maintenance, and nuisance codes. You will investigate complaints, notify violators, and prepare cases for enforcement, coordinating with City departments and agencies.

Responsibilities include court appearances, keeping complaint systems up to date, and assisting in abatement actions. A valid driver's license and experience in code enforcement are required.

Qualifications

• Four years experience in code enforcement or related field; two years education beyond high school.
• Valid Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints and determine violations; coordinate with residents and staff.
• Issue notices and prepare cases for prosecution; testify in court when needed.
• Maintain code complaint system and filing records; drive to inspection sites.

Skills

Code enforcement

Legal procedures

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Two years education beyond high school

Tools

Valid Driver's License

Job description

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Responsible for enforcement of the "quality of life" codes: health, environmental, property maintenance, nuisance, weeds, sanitation, and zoning. Work includes investigating complaints in coordination with part-time enforcement inspector; determining individual responsible; notification to violator; preparing case for prosecution; initiating legal action (tickets); coordinating City abatement; testifying in court; filing liens; coordinating court activities; coordinating action with other departments; keeping residents, Council, and administration advised of status of cases; maintaining computer code complaint system; and maintaining complaint filing system.

SUPERVISION:

Under the supervision of the Detective Bureau Captain.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Investigates complaints from residents, City staff, administration, or Council and makes determination that a violation of City code exists and notifies the responsible individual. Investigations and inspections may be required during non-business hours.
2. Initiates investigations and enforcement on problem properties and establishes target areas for enforcement.
3. Ensures proper written notification of responsible party through legal records, property records, utility records, or other sources.
4. Prepares violation notices.
5. Answers complaints and questions about code violations and re-investigate in a prompt manner. Makes independent judgment if violator should be granted an extension to correct the problem.
6. Issues of court complaints.
7. Prepares compliance letters when responsible party corrects violation.
8. Works with prosecutor to prepare City case and testifies in court.
9. Coordinates complaints with other Public Works Divisions and City departments.
10. Advises residents, and Public Works Director of status of complaints.
11. Maintains and updates the code complaint computer system.
12. Updates complaint filing system.
13. Answers inquiries from public, property owners, staff, and administration regarding results of investigations and status of code compliance.
14. Drives City vehicle to inspection sites.
15. Attends evening court sessions and conduct investigations during non-business hours as necessary.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Performs other duties necessary for effective "quality of life" code enforcement activities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Comprehensive knowledge of "quality of life" codes including health, sanitation, environmental, property maintenance, nuisance, weeds, zoning, etc.
• Comprehensive knowledge of legal procedures to abate violations and prosecute violators.

ABILITIES:

• Ability to read, interprets, and understands codes and legal procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, complainants, violators, prosecutors, judges, and City leaders.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Follow oral and written instructions, deal effectively and courteously with associates, property owners, and the general public.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing and read and understand written information.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Four years experience in code enforcement or related field. Two years education above the high school level. Education and/or training may be substituted for experience.
• Valid Driver's License.

MENTAL EFFORT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Performs bending, squatting, walking, climbing, (stairs and ladders), kneeling, crawling, and reaching both to ground level and overhead; and must be able to move about the inspection premises to inspect for violations.
• Perform office duties including typing and filing.
• Ability to work various hours as needed with flexibility as necessary to attend court sessions and conduct investigations.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ENVIRONMENT, AND POSITION RELATED HAZARDS:

Both indoor office environment and outdoors working environment. Outdoor working environment includes exposure to hazardous conditions such as entering the premises of unsafe, abandoned and unmaintained property and structures. Exposure to electrical, mechanical, health hazards associated with abandoned, derelict, deteriorated property and structures.

NOTE:

This Job Description is not intended to limit the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The employee may be required to perform other duties as assigned for the effective operation of the department.