Enforcement Officer

Aiken County (SC); Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Aiken County in South Carolina is seeking a Code Enforcement Officer responsible for enforcing county ordinances and state laws across animal enforcement, litter control, property nuisance, zoning enforcement, and mobile home registrations. The role involves field investigations, evidence collection, and presenting cases to the court with limited supervision.

Minimum education includes SC Criminal Justice Academy certification with 2–3 years in law enforcement or as a constable.

Qualifications

• Class 3 Advanced certification from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
• Criminal justice background is a plus.
• 2-3 years in law enforcement or as a constable.
• 21 years of age and a valid SC Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Enforce County ordinances and state laws in code enforcement.
• Investigate complaints related to animals, litter, nuisances, zoning and mobile homes.
• Document findings, prepare cases and testify in court when required.
• Coordinate with Sheriff’s Office and planning/development teams as needed.
• Maintain safety and compliance during field operations.

Skills

Firearms knowledge

Public safety

Driver's license

Education

SC Criminal Justice Academy certification

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for enforcing County Ordinances and State laws in all matters of Code Enforcement. This includes animal enforcement, litter enforcement, property nuisance, zoning enforcement, and mobile home registration.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Note: The list below is not comprehensive; this job is also responsible for other duties as assigned.

1. Investigation – The officer may receive complaints from citizens or through management that require research and fact finding. Investigation may include using tax records, maps, consulting with Sheriff's Office, RMC office, Planning & Development offices, other law enforcement agencies in the County, and the animal shelter. The officer may work in any or all of the following areas:

a. Animal Enforcement – The officer enforces and handles animal complaints to include but not limited to; injured and stray animals, well-being checks, abuse/neglect, owner surrenders, dog bite/attack cases, barking and tethering complaints. This involves going to the location, investigating the situation, and making a decision about removal of the animals, their safety and care, and holding those responsible for violations with a citation. In the event an officer has to remove an animal(s) or when the officer locates stray animals, they are secured and taken to the animal shelter.

b. Litter Enforcement – The officer generally patrols the roads daily for litter violations, but in addition takes calls from the public, especially pertaining to the illegal dumping of waste on public or private property. The officer must be in the field to investigate, find the suspect, and issue the appropriate citation for violations. The litter must be cleared by the officer, either personally or by direction to another entity

c. Property Nuisance – The officer will investigate any complaint about the physical condition of property that is detrimental to the safety, welfare, or convenience of the inhabitants of the County, or any act or condition so designated by statute or ordinance. This includes field investigations of properties for trash, junk, debris, stagnant pools of water, dilapidated structures, unfit dwellings, and other health and safety issues. The owner, occupant, or agent of the property must be located and served notice of their responsibility to abate the nuisance within the appropriate time frame. This often requires research to determine the proper owner/occupant/agent, physical address, phone numbers, or other information needed to locate the proper person responsible.

d. Zoning Enforcement – This enables the County grow and change in an orderly manner, and ensures property owners, nearby neighborhoods will remain stable through growth and development. The officer conducts Land Management Reviews, and occupation permits to ensure all property meets the requirements per the ordinances set forth. The officer will respond to any complaints and research records to resolve all matters. When necessary, the officer will go to the site to follow up on the complaint and assure the violation is abated.

e. Mobile Home Registrations – All mobile homes must be registered with the County. The officer researches on County and State sites for all information pertaining to identification and ownership of mobile homes to ensure taxes can be sent and collected. When information is not available, the officer must investigate and research the identity of the property owner or how that owner can be found.

2. Documentation and Testifying - In each type of process, the citizen is given a warning/citation with a specified period of time to comply if afforded. In the event of non-compliance, the officer will issue a citation for Court that carries possible fines and or jail time. When citations are issued, the officer will schedule the court date and will appear on behalf of the County. This requires the officer to conduct thorough investigations, proper evidence collection (photographs, video, physical, etc.), accurate documentation of the case, and presentation of the case to the court in a professional manner.

Officers are responsible for maintaining required training standards, including firearms qualifications, legal updates, and other continuing education assigned. The officer must have a comprehensive working knowledge of relevant state law and county ordinances and the related penalties, fines and/or other resolutions available under the law. The position works with limited supervision under the Director or their designee, in direct contact with dispatch and is ultimately responsible for their safety, along with that of the public. The challenges of this position can change suddenly and the officer must have the ability to adapt.

Minimum Level of Job-Related Education

Class 3 Advanced certification from South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (provided within the first year of employment); criminal justice background a plus.

Minimum Amount of Job-Related Experience

2-3 years in law enforcement or as a constable.

GENERAL/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

21 years of age.

Possess a valid SC Driver's License or be willing to relocate to obtain one

Knowledge/experience with firearms; ability to remain calm during stressful situations involving the general public and animals.

Able to meet physical requirements such as lifting up to 150lbs, kneeling, running, standing for extended periods of time etc.

Working outside in all elements, working around dangerous animals, hazardous structures, and uneven terrain.