Codes Inspector I

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

Job summary

City of Blue Springs seeks a Code Enforcement Officer to interpret, inspect and enforce adopted property maintenance and nuisance codes. Responsibilities include responding to complaints, conducting property inspections, issuing notices, and coordinating with prosecutors and staff.

The role requires careful analysis, clear written and verbal communication, and the ability to handle stressful situations. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, with an associate degree preferred.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; Associate’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Experience in code enforcement, planning, public administration or related field preferred.
• Skills: Knowledge of code enforcement principles and inspection techniques; ability to communicate clearly and analyze complex situations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with city codes and regulations.
• Respond to complaints of alleged violations and investigate nuisances.
• Inspect private property, identify violations and issue notices of correction.
• Prepare investigative reports and communicate with stakeholders.
• Coordinate enforcement with prosecutors, staff and outside agencies.
• Conduct court-related testimony and prepare information for Municipal Court.

Skills

Code enforcement knowledge

Inspection techniques

Public safety codes

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree preferred

Job description

Performs a variety of routine and complex duties regarding the interpretation, inspection and enforcement of the adopted property maintenance and nuisance codes, related rules and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Ensures compliance with property owners and the adopted City codes, related rules and regulations.
2. Responds and investigates public complaints of alleged violations of City codes relating to nuisances, vegetation control, zoning ordinances, building codes, dangerous building code, property maintenance and other code-related matters as directed by the Codes Administrator.
3. Conducts inspections of private property regarding potential violations; communicates with complainants and property owners; compares facts observed during inspections to code requirements; determines whether or not violations exist; issues correction notices to private property owners as necessary.
4. Prepares and distributes a variety of investigative reports, correspondence, memoranda and notification letters relating to code enforcement issues and actions.
5. Provides information to the public who request assistance and offers explanations of City code requirements regarding the maintenance of private property.
6. Coordinates enforcement efforts with the City prosecutor, planning staff, police department and other City staff including outside agencies, as needed.
7. Prepares Municipal Court Information for the City Prosecutor in preparation for Municipal Court judicial action; testifies as necessary in any judicial actions and makes recommendations for prosecution.
8. Conducts record checks of Jackson County property tax records to determine property ownership.
9. Coordinates the abatement of violations performed by city contractors.
10. Monitors the community for potential ordinance violations.
11. Any other duties as required.

The above duties and responsibilities include those tasks, physical and mental requirements, visual requirement, unique physical surroundings and mental/cognitive abilities required to perform the essential elements of the position.

General Qualifications

1. Education and Special License(s)/Certifications – High school diploma or equivalent. Associate’s degree in related field preferred.
2. Experience – Experience in code enforcement, building codes, planning, public administration or related field or combination of education and experience is preferred.
3. Skills – Skill in operating listed tools and equipment. Knowledge of code enforcement principles, practices and methods and applicable to a municipal setting, a working knowledge of applicable laws, standards and regulations relating to various land use, nuisance and public safety codes, and a working knowledge of inspection techniques.
4. Mental Requirements – Ability to prepare, organize and maintain inspection field data, reports and systems. Ability to analyze complex situations, problems and data, and use sound judgment in drawing conclusions and making decisions. Ability to comprehend and articulate complex facts and relationships in detail and to summarize and write clearly, concisely and legibly, and to testify in court in an objective, concise, and professional manner. Ability to produce or obtain reports, graphs, charts, photographs or the evidence or exhibits. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, employees, supervisors and the general public. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions; to handle stressful situations and effectively deal with difficult or angry people.
5. Physical Requirements – Must be able to sit for prolonged periods; must be able to listen to normal conversation; must be able to walk occasionally, and use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; must be able to reach with hands and arms; must be able to have vision sufficient to see close up and have the ability to adjust focus; and, must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and transport it 15 feet.
6. Supervisory Responsibility – None.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.