Senior Code Enforcement Officer (Code Compliance - Civil Service)

dallascityhall; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Dallas is seeking a Senior Code Enforcement Officer to lead complex code enforcement efforts across diverse properties. You will supervise investigations, coordinate with police, attorneys, and inspectors, and act as the city's technical authority on enforcement actions.

Applicants should bring extensive experience in code interpretation, enforcement procedures, and stakeholder collaboration, with a valid Texas driver license.

Qualifications

• Five years of work experience, including three years interpreting and enforcing codes in a high-volume environment.
• Valid Texas Driver's License with good driving record.
• Must be a Registered Code Compliance professional.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations and responses to significant code compliance challenges across property types.
• Direct complex cases with minimal oversight and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with Dallas Police, Fire, City Attorneys and external agencies on enforcement.
• Prepare and deliver testimony in municipal and district courts as an expert witness.

Skills

Municipal regulations

Inspection protocols

Code enforcement

Citations communication

Regulatory interpretation

Customer service

Time management

Written communication

Project leadership

De-escalation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Dallas is Growing. Grow With Us.

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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 Com