Dangerous Premises Officer

City of San Antonio; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Antonio seeks a code enforcement officer to perform investigative inspections of dangerous buildings and distressed properties. You will research ownership, record findings, and video-tape locations for DSDB discussions.

You will coordinate with multiple city departments, present to HDRC/DSDB, and deliver notices to owners. The role requires strong record-keeping and courtroom documentation, with emphasis on public safety.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of City of San Antonio codes and regulations, Chapters 6 and 14-16, Article VIII, Dangerous Buildings.
• Experience in structural investigations or related field is implied by duties.
• Ability to research ownership and lien information related to properties.

Responsibilities

• Perform premise inspections to investigate vacant or dilapidated structures.
• Research property ownership, liens and related characteristics.
• Video record locations for DSDB agenda and provide condition descriptions.
• Coordinate with Fire, Planning, City Attorney, Public Works, Courts and Police.
• Prepare and present to HDRC and DSDB.
• Deliver notices to owners and post notices for hearings.
• Establish owner contacts and offer alternatives (Hold Harmless, referrals, Weed and Seed).
• Educate the public on abatement procedures and safety concerns.
• Maintain records and prepare court documentation; testify when required.
• Perform related duties as required.

Skills

Knowledge of city codes

Code enforcement practices

Record keeping

Public communication

Property title and deed searches

Interdepartmental coordination

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid Class C Texas Driver's License

Code Enforcement Officer license

Job description

Under general supervision, is responsible for performing investigative work, enforcing code regulations relating to dangerous buildings and distressed properties for the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. Exercises no supervision.

Work Location

Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center (One Stop) - 1901 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX (78204)

Work Schedule

7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday

• Performs premise inspections to investigate and respond to citizen complaints regarding vacant and unsecured or dilapidated structures which includes occasionally lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Conducts extensive research to determine ownership, lien holders, and other characteristics of the property.
• Video tapes each location on Dangerous Structure Determination Board (DSDB) agenda and provides a detailed description of the condition of the structure for DSDB review.
• Coordinates with other City departments and regulatory agencies participating to assure City Code conformity (i.e. Fire Department, Planning Department, City Attorney's Office, Public Works, Municipal Courts, Police Department, etc.)
• Prepares and makes presentations to the Historic Design and Review Committee (HDRC) and the DSDB.
• Hand delivers notices to property owners and posts notices on dangerous buildings for DSDB hearings.
• Establishes owner contact to offer alternative options such as Hold Harmless Agreements, referrals to other agencies, Weed and Seed Project, etc.
• Educates citizens on procedures for abating dangerous buildings and alleviating volatile situations.
• Maintains detailed records, reports, and other documents.
• Prepares proper documentation for court prosecution in Municipal, Civil and District Court and testifies during court proceedings.
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency).
• Three (3) years of structural investigative work or related field.
• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.
• Certified and State Licensed as a Code Enforcement Officer.

Applicant Information

• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

• Knowledge of City of San Antonio codes and regulations, specifically Chapters 6 and 14-16, Article VIII, Dangerous Buildings and Distressed Properties, Sections 6-156.
• Knowledge of safe and efficient work practices relating to code enforcement activities.
• Knowledge of building structure components.
• Knowledge of performing title and deed searches.
• Skill in utilizing a personal computer and associated software programs.
• Skill in utilizing video recording devices.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to maintain records, logs, and reports.
• Ability to communicate with the public in difficult and stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, management, City staff and the general public.
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position, with or without accommodations.
• Working conditions are primarily in an outdoor environment with frequent exposure to temperature extremes, uneven and damaged surfaces, heights, dimly lighted structures and areas subject to unsanitary conditions.