Zoning Enforcement Specialist

City of Wilson; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

Paid holidays (max 12 per year)

Health/dental/vision insurance

NC Local Government Employees' Pension

5% 401(k) contribution

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Paid life insurance

MD Live Telehealth

Supplementary benefits (critical care,

cancer, accident, long/short term, etc

Job summary

The City of Wilson is seeking a Zoning Enforcement Official to uphold the Unified Development Ordinance across residential and commercial developments in Wilson, NC. The role includes inspecting sites, issuing notices, coordinating with staff, and presenting evidence before boards as needed.

Ideal candidates have a degree in Planning or Public Administration (or related field), 1–3 years of experience, and the ability to obtain a Certified Zoning Official within one year.

Qualifications

• Degree with related field preferred; experience in code enforcement.
• Strong communication and written skills.
• Ability to operate GIS and standard office equipment.

Responsibilities

• Investigate zoning and land development complaints and document findings.
• Issue Notices of Violations and coordinate with staff on enforcement.
• Present cases and evidence before City boards or commissions as needed.
• Coordinate with Development Services for permit reviews and inspections.
• Explain ordinance requirements to violators and the public.

Skills

Zoning inspections

Code enforcement

Data entry

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field

1–3 years experience in code enforcement

Tools

GIS

Job description

Job Summary/Scope

https://vimeo.com/1029357272?share=copy

Wilson is a city of around 50,000 people located in the heart of eastern North Carolina. We are about an hour from the Research Triangle and the buzz of the Raleigh area, and you can also quickly reach the North Carolina beaches.

The City of Wilson is known for innovation and outstanding service. We have top-rated, nationally accredited police, fire and recreation departments. Our parks and sports facilities are among the best in the nation, and our Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is a unique and beautiful attraction that hosts concerts, farmers markets and the N.C. Whirligig Festival among other events. Our downtown ballpark proudly serves as the home of the Milwaukee Brewers minor league affiliate. The team celebrated its inaugural Opening Night on April 14, 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for our community and downtown district.

Wilson has the strongest manufacturing base in our part of the state, including tire manufacturing, pharmaceutical and other industries. The Greenlight citywide broadband services help technology-based companies flourish.

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a best-in-class benefits package that brings additional value to your total compensation. To learn more about our benefits package, click on the ‘Benefits’ tab above.

The hiring range for this position is $45,116.68 (minimum salary) to $62,132.53 (midpoint of range) dependent upon qualifications.

The Zoning Enforcement Official position is responsible for the enforcement of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance governing development and use of all property in Wilson. This position performs technical inspection duties to enforce local, state, and federal codes, and ordinances. Successful performance ensures compliance with zoning codes and ordinances.

Job Responsibilities

Major Duties

• Investigating all zoning and land development complaints, documenting findings, initiating prescribed enforcement procedures and monitoring after initial inspections to ensure compliance.
• May assist with other local code compliance activities where they may overlap with zoning issues.
• Caseload management, including data entry, issuing Notices of Violations and preparing civil penalties; and coordinating with other staff to address compliance issues.
• Preparing documents and presenting cases and evidence in support of appeals of staff actions/interpretations before any of the City’s Boards/Commissions/offices as necessary.
• Working with both violators and complainants to explain ordinance requirements, procedures, and explain in common terms zoning regulations pursuant to the City’s Zoning Ordinances, Zoning Districts, and in conformity to the Comprehensive Plan.
• Respond to inquiries from the development community and the general public regarding land usage, zoning codes, and related ordinances.
• Coordinating with Development Services staff for permit review and approval of applications; researching applicable site requirements and conducting site inspections to verify compliance and approved plans and permits needed.
• Inspecting and removing signs, banners, and other forms of illegal advertisement posted within the City’s rights-of-way.
• Responsible for attending community and neighborhood meetings, including evening meetings, as needed.
• Participating in continuing education and professional development workshops, classes, and other activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to assist Land Development, Development Services, and the City of Wilson.

Guidelines

• Guidelines include the department standard operating procedures, development and zoning ordinances, and relevant city, state, and federal laws, and relations. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

Supervisory/Management Responsibility

• None

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience Requirements

• Degree from an accredited college or university preferred in Planning, Public Administration or related field of study, or equivalent experience in code enforcement.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with one to three years experience or service.
• Certified Zoning Official (CZO) or the ability to obtain within 1 year of date of hire.

Knowledge Requirements

• Basic knowledge of local Governance and processes and the ability to understand the purpose of this position, as well as, understanding the basics of land use planning and regulations
• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures and federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
• Skill in performing on-site zoning inspections.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally.
• Skill in operation of computers, GIS, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to possess and maintain a valid NC Driver’s License and be insurable through the City’s insurance standards.
• Skill in planning, organization, and decision making.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Knowledge of safety procedures.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts objects not to exceed 50 pounds. The work is typically performed in an office and at inspection sites. Work may be performed outdoors and occasionally in hot, cold, or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to dust, dirt, grease, noise, machinery with moving parts, and irritating chemicals. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.

Benefits

The City of Wilson is dedicated to providing unique benefits that meet the needs of our employees and their families, while being competitive and cost effective. We offer the following benefits:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays (maximum 12 per year)
• Health/dental/vision insurance
• Membership in the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System
• 5% 401(k) contribution
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for medical and childcare expenses
• Paid Life Insurance
• MD Live (Cigna's Telehealth)
• Supplementary benefits including critical care, cancer, accident, medical bridge, long and short term disability and term and whole life insurance.