Senior Code Enforcement Officer (Code Compliance - Civil Service)

National Police; Dallas, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Dallas is seeking a Senior Code Enforcement Officer to lead inspections and enforcement across multiple property types. You will work with a cross-functional team and act as the City’s technical authority on complex cases.

Responsibilities include testifying in court, prioritizing high-risk properties, and mentoring junior officers while maintaining professional certifications. Join a dedicated department focused on public safety and compliant neighborhoods.

Qualifications

• Five years of work experience, with 3 years in interpreting and enforcing codes/ordinances.
• Experience investigating code violations and issuing citations in high-volume environments.
• Valid Texas Driver's License with a good driving record and relevant code enforcement credentials.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations and respond to significant code compliance challenges.
• Manage a caseload of complex code, crime, and safety concerns.
• Collaborate with Code Officers, Fire Prevention Officers, Police Detectives, and City Attorneys.
• Prepare and deliver testimony in municipal and district courts as an expert witness.
• Assess properties for Habitual Nuisance Properties designation and coordinate repairs.
• Schedule and conduct graded inspections under risk-based prioritization.

Skills

Municipal regulations

Inspection protocols

Code violations interpretation

Citations & enforcement

Stakeholder communication

Legal testimony

Project leadership

De-escalation techniques

Interagency collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

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Job Summary

Senior Code Enforcement Officer is the highest code enforcement professional level role, conducting specialized inspections, investigations and enforcements in one or more specialized functions of the City of Dallas. Inspects the most complex projects, works independently and is responsible for making high impact decisions requiring technical discretion, sound judgment, and certain level of expertise with specialized problems. Leads, advises and assists other Officers and is considered the City’s final technical authority.

Job Description

The Senior Code Enforcement Officer is a lead role within the Code Compliance Department, working on critical teams to address the most egregious code, crime, and safety concerns across various property types. This position requires an exceptional level of expertise in code enforcement, legal procedures, technical review, and stakeholder collaboration.

Essential Functions

1. Serves on either the Community Prosecution or Multitenant Graded Inspection team, leading efforts to investigate and respond to significant code compliance challenges. Directs complex cases involving a variety of property types with minimal oversight.

2. Manages a caseload of the city’s most complex code, crime, and safety concerns. Uses discretion to schedule and conduct inspections, employing a risk-based approach to prioritize cases and properties.

3. Works closely with a multidisciplinary team including Code Officers, Fire Prevention Officers, Police Detectives, and City Attorneys. Collaborates with external agencies such as Dallas Police, Dallas Fire, TABC, DEA, FBI, and nonprofit groups to address multifaceted issues.

4. Prepares and delivers testimony for municipal and district courts. Discusses complex code and safety issues, legal interpretations, and relevant caselaw with attorneys. Acts as an expert witness, representing the City in legal proceedings.

5. Assesses properties for designation as Habitual Nuisance Properties (HNP). Engages in accord meetings with property owners to designate properties as HNP, negotiate repair agreements for court use, and collaborate toward effective resolution of concerns.

6. Ensures compliance with graded inspection requirements for multitenant properties. Conducts graded inspections no less than once every three years throughout the city, escalating schedules for properties with a history of violations. Schedules graded inspections based on a variety of factors, using a risk-based approach and discretion based on the needs of the community. Audits required city documentation with the authority to revoke rental property "self-certification" authorization status.

7. Addresses emergency concerns with immediate action. Issues both civil and criminal citations as necessary. Testifies in court regarding code violations and enforcement actions.

8. Leads by example, mentoring junior officers and contributing to the professional development of the department. Stays abreast of changes in codes, enforcement techniques, and legal precedents. Obtains and maintains professional certifications as applicable. Serves as lead on special initiatives and sweeps.

9. Performs other work as needed or assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of municipal, state, and federal regulations.
• Knowledge of inspection protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of and ability to determine code violations and suggest corrective action.
• Ability to issue citations and communicate with various individuals.
• Ability to interpret, educate, and apply regulations to correct compliance issues.
• Ability to use computer programs, software, and equipment.
• Ability to provide calm, professional, and excellent customer service.
• Ability to manage time and complete multiple tasks, addressing deliverables and managing complex projects with shifting priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Skill in leading complex projects and overseeing work of others.
• Ability to analyze and recognize potentially hazardous and hostile situations and apply the correct skills necessary to deescalate those situations.
• Ability to embrace and embody the City’s core values.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE:

• Five (5) years of work experience, of which three (3) years of technical experience interpreting and enforcing codes/ordinances, investigating code violations, and/or issuing citations in a high-volume environment.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid Texas Driver's License with good driving record.
• Must be a Registered Code Compliance Officer with a current Code Enforcement Officer License issued by TDLR.
• ICC Certification in Building, Residential, and/or Property Maintenance Codes is preferred.
• A combination of current ICC Certification in Building, Residential, and/or Property Maintenance Codes and two (2) years of technical experience interpreting and enforcing codes/ordinances, investigating code violations, and/or issuing citations in a high-volume environment may fulfill the experience and education requirements.

Salary Range

$26.65 - $31.28

The salary listed on this job posting is the starting salary range; amount offered will depend upon qualifications.

City of Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.