Codes Enforcement Officer

City of Williamsport; Williamsport (Lycoming County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Williamsport is seeking a Codes Enforcement Officer to perform life safety inspections, enforce international codes, and handle health and housing compliance within the city limits. Responsibilities include issuing notices, maintaining records, answering inquiries, and coordinating with office staff.

The role also involves attending Board of Health meetings, pursuing certification exams within two years, and completing recommended trainings to ensure effective enforcement and service

Qualifications

• Must have or be able to obtain a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of English composition, spelling, punctuation, and arithmetic is required.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use standard computing applications are needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and license inspections as required by City ordinances and International Codes.
• Enforce the International Codes and state-wide building code with focus on IPMC and local ordinances.
• Conduct investigations and issue orders to abate health and housing conditions.
• Attend court hearings related to code enforcement and manage complaint reports and logs.

Skills

Communication skills

English basics

Customer service

Computer skills

Professional communication

MS Office proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Personal computer

General office equipment

Job description

This is a public safety position, which requires full performance of duties, some tasks may be of a clerical nature and assignments are routine, but require detailed knowledge of departmental policies and procedures, along with detailed knowledge of the International Codes.

Responsibilities

• Perform rental property inspections per Rental Inspection Ordinance. Inspections consist of nine (9) life safety items.
• Perform routine inspections as related to life, health, and safety within the City of Williamsport limits.
• Perform licensed inspections: Restaurants, rooming houses, and student residences.
• Enforce all of the International Codes and state-wide building code, with primary focus on the International Property Maintenance Code and the Codified Ordinances of the City of Williamsport.
• Conduct investigations and issue orders (violation notices) to abate all conditions relating to health and housing.
• Issue violation notices and citations as warranted for non-compliance to all applicable codes. Attend court hearings relating to properties in the City.
• • Carry out routine operating procedures and process all complaint reports. Maintain logs, file records, and prepare basic reports and monthly reports of tasks.
  • Answer general questions pertaining to building construction, procedures, regulations, building permits, zoning regulations, and other related information.
  • Work with office staff relating to specific information within the Codes Department.

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend Board of Health meetings (required); perform tasks or other related work for this board. Attend any other related meetings and/or conferences as directed by the supervisor.
• Within the first two (2) years of service, Code Enforcement Officer I is responsible for taking and passing the Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector exam for certification.
• Attend any training courses recommended by immediate supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of English composition, spelling, punctuation and arithmetic.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in situations that may involve stress.
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
• Possess basic computer skills and ability to use standard computing applications.
• Possess a solid understanding of Microsoft Office suite and other software programs.
• The ideal candidate will pride themselves on providing great customer service and enjoy problem solving.

Education and Experience

• Thorough knowledge of – or ability to learn – the state‑wide and International Codes, and all Codified Ordinances of the City of Williamsport.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have and maintain a current Pennsylvania Driver License and must maintain a clean driving record.
• Ability to effectively operate a personal computer and other general office equipment.

Essential Functions

• Must be able to sit at a desk for prolonged periods of time using a PC work station.
• Must be able to climb ladders and ascend and descend stairs.
• Must be able to lift up to thirty (30) pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, reach above shoulder level, and twist body periodically and frequently throughout the day.
• Must possess sight/hearing ability so that the requirements of the position can be fully met.
• Ability to utilize hands for repetitive actions.
• Must possess the ability to operate a vehicle to travel to various locations.
• Must be able to verbally communicate to exchange information.
• Able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to achieve essential functions of this position.

Working Conditions

• May be exposed to chemicals and/or other hazardous materials, dust, noise, machinery, moving objects, and other vehicles while performing field work.
• May work on uneven or slippery surfaces.
• May intermittently perform field work while exposed to various types of weather including extreme heat during summer months and cold temperatures during the winter months.
• Physical work involved with this position includes those activities required for investigation and enforcement of code violations.

Acknowledgement

I have read this job description (or had it read to me) and received a copy for my records. I fully understand the requirements set forth and accept the position of Codes Enforcement Officer for the City of Williamsport. I agree to abide by the requirements set forth and will perform all duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability. I further understand that my job may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of the City without it being specifically included in this job description. If I have questions about job duties not specified in this job description that I am asked to perform, I should discuss them with my immediate supervisor or Human Resources. I have discussed any questions I may have about this job description prior to signing this form.