Performs technical work inspecting housing units and properties for compliance with NC Minimum Housing Code provisions; encouraging compliance with provisions; enforces the Demolition by Neglect Ordinance. An employee in this class performs technical, administrative, and investigative work in the enforcement of minimum housing ordinances and related provisions for the City. The employee also enforces the Demolition by Neglect Ordinance. Duties include taking complaints; making site visits to verify problems; inspecting and re-inspecting properties; researching ownership records; contacting and discussing problems with homeowners, tenants and landlords; issuing notices of violations; preparing documentation for court cases, if applicable, and maintaining records of activities. Work includes interpreting and explaining ordinances to the public, coordinating environmental hazard assessments, overseeing third-party abatement and demolition contractors, and working with owners to comply with the local rules and regulations. The employee is sometimes exposed to inside and outside environmental conditions, vicious animals, and irate citizens. Work is supervised by the Community Development & Relations Manager and is evaluated through conferences, review of assigned projects, and reactions of the public and property owners. The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary. Receives complaints and looks for potential housing code violations; inspects housing units for compliance with NC Minimum Housing Code standards by assessing the unit's general condition and determining repair(s) needed; investigates rodent complaints as well as other health or sanitary problems. Researches property ownership and prepare reports summarizing nuisance or housing conditions, noting any defects and directions for necessary corrections. Prepares appropriate documentation, including sending out violation notices for corrective action; follow up to ensure abatement occurs; initiates the appropriate enforcement process to further ensure the condition is abated. Works with owners, renters and contractors to determine a plan of action for the repair or modification of structures and ensure compliance with Codes. Conducts hearings and meetings with property owners on housing condition findings (including unsafe building conditions) and review steps for corrective action and specified time limits; prepare formal documents notifying owners of the need to repair, remove, or demolish dwellings; re-inspects for insurance of corrective action. Prepares necessary documentation requesting City action to require corrective action at owner's expense, when written notification fails to effect corrective action, testifies in court in proceedings against owner. Prepares documentation so as to be court-ready at all times. Initiates and manages the legal condemnation and demolition process, ensuring strict adherence to property owner due process and North Carolina General Statutes. Administers the Demolition by Neglect Ordinance and Order to Repair Ordinances, documenting communications and actions taken prior to approval for the City to demolish. Coordinates, oversees, and verifies that mandatory environmental assessments—including asbestos testing and required remediation protocols—are completed by accredited professionals prior to authorizing any abatement or demolition activities. Advises citizens and contractors of City Housing Code and Nuisance Code regulations. Maintains, maps, logs, and records and prepares periodic and special reports. Drives regular routes to detect violations to codes and ordinances; receives complaints from the public on various nuisances such as junked cars, tall grass, debris, bulk goods, blind corners, and yard waste; inspects properties to assess violations. Issues warnings and citations when violations are not corrected; goes to court or administrative hearings to testify on violations when needed; assesses penalties or fines. Determines methods of abatement of problems including tenant or owner or through a city contractor; schedules contractor for removal or abatement; takes bids from contractors; verifies that all external contractors possess the necessary state licenses, active permits, and strictly adhere to the legally approved scope of work; assesses costs if the city becomes involved in abatement. Maintains records of inspections and nuisance violations and prepares necessary reports; takes pictures to document findings. Maintains meticulously detailed case files to ensure accurate tracking of all inspections, environmental reports, legal notices, and vendor invoices. Communicates with homeowners or tenants or hangs tags on doors of properties with recycling and reuse cans on the street past removal times. Monitors assigned areas for overgrown properties, grass issues and unsightly weeds; writes up properties not in compliance; schedules contractors for removal. Identities signs in violation of ordinances and notifies tenant or owner. Coordinates action taken with other departments to include Building Inspections, Engineering, Community Development, Police, and the Fire Marshal's office. Responsible for maintaining a master database and maps of all substandard properties, flood buyout properties, and vacant properties owned by the City or private individuals. Attends training to attain and retain certifications. Performs other related duties as assigned. Knowledge of all types of building construction materials and methods, and of stages of construction when possible violations and defects may be most easily observed and corrected; Knowledge of nuisance and building codes related to minimum housing standards, and related laws and ordinances; Knowledge of local codes and ordinances related to health, sanitation and safety. Knowledge of routine legal procedures as related to enforcement of laws and ordinances. Conduct inspections for compliance with the North Carolina General Statutes regarding unsafe, abandoned and hazardous buildings. Thorough knowledge of state and federal environmental safety protocols related to hazardous materials during residential abatement and demolition. Skill in interpretation of codes and ordinances and in their application to specific situations. Ability to interpret local ordinances, rules, and regulations. Ability to detect poor workmanship, inferior materials, and hazards of fire and collapse Ability to contact building owners, contractors and the public and effect satisfactory working relationships. Ability to maintain records and files and compose correspondence. Ability to enforce regulations tactfully and firmly. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, property owners and the general public in code enforcement situations. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms. Ability to maintain accurate records and reports. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with homeowners, tenants, contractors and the public. Ability to work as a mediator and work persuasively to resolve problems. Ability to enforce regulations tactfully and firmly and in a consistent manner. Ability to maintain reports and records of inspections and enforcement activities. Proficiency in verifying contractor credentials, managing third-party vendor compliance, and recognizing unlicensed or unpermitted work. Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, and hearing. Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, operate a computer terminal, operate a motor vehicle, perform field site inspections, and use measurement devices.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Planning, Engineering, or a related field preferred; Three (3) years of experience in a code enforcement, construction or related capacity, including some administrative and record-keeping work; Experience in building construction to include plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems is preferred. Or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's License. Possession of a valid State of North Carolina Level I Building Code Inspector license in the applicable inspection areas is preferred. Candidates who do not possess the required license at the time of hire must obtain the license requirements specified by the City within one (1) year of their hire date.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement. The work is medium-to-heavy work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The work may require specific physical characteristic and abilities such as heightened strength, mobility, dexterity and full range of motion. The following additional physical abilities are also required: manual dexterity, hearing, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, talking, visual acuity and walking.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken. The work is generally performed in an office environment and involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, residences or commercial vehicles. Use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals are minimally required.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The City of Goldsboro is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.