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Job Description
Under general supervision, enforces Municipal Code regulations including health & safety, sanitation, tax & business license, building & safety and housing codes and regulations to ensure compliance with the City's zoning and building regulations; investigates citizen complaints of public nuisances and quality of life and health and safety issues; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Code Enforcement Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level classification in the Code Enforcement Officer series. Incumbents in this classification perform a variety of routine and complex work involving the enforcement of municipal code regulations in support of the City. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Periodically patrols or inspects an assigned area to monitor for violations of local codes. Responds to complaints of potential code violations relating to signing, building occupancy, nuisances, property maintenance, land use, dumping, polluting, or other Lomita Municipal Code violations. Enforces Municipal Code regulations including health & safety, sanitation, tax & business license, building & safety, and housing codes and regulations. Conducts field inspections of properties and businesses to determine compliance with applicable building, zoning, nuisance, land use, and license regulations and requirements; documents code violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; conducts follow-up investigations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances. Explains and interprets ordinances, issues warnings, correction notices, or citations. Meets with owners, tenants, contractors, businesses, etc. to review and explain code requirements and violations incurred or potential violations; and to encourage compliance with municipal codes, ordinances, and community standards. Conducts research, interviews appropriate individuals concerning complaints and to validate violations, and obtains information to write case investigation reports. Prepares and issues a variety of correspondence, memoranda, notices, flyers, and reports relating to code enforcement issues and actions; assists in the preparation of detailed inspection reports, inspection warrants, and staff reports. Researches ownership records, prior complaints, municipal codes and ordinances, and state regulations to establish whether a violation has occurred. Confers and coordinates code enforcement activities and inspections with other departments and agencies. Maintains files, databases, and records related to citations and violations. Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation investigation and compliance including citation issuance procedures, methods used to obtain various types of inspection warrants, and principles used to prepare documents used in the legal process. Practices for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and carrying through on enforcement options. Legal descriptions and boundary maps of real property and legal terminology as used in code compliance. Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, code, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures including those related to zoning, land use, building, vehicle, health and safety, business licensing, and neighborhood preservation. Principles and practices of data collection, case management, and report preparation. City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff. The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to:
Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and timely manner. Perform private property inspections, collect evidence, document inspection cases, and issue notices and citations. Understand, interpret, and explain City codes, ordinances, and regulations to property owners, residents, and others. Assess situations, deescalate challenging situations, and resolve conflict, while remaining calm. Learn City policies and procedures affecting departmental operations; utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Make accurate arithmetic computations. Understand and interpret policies, procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise emails, letters, and reports. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines. Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education :
Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. required.
Experience :
One (1) year of experience related to inspection, law enforcement, building inspection, land use, public administration, or a related field.
Licenses and Certifications :
Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment. Possession of a valid California PC832 certificate, to be maintained throughout employment. Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months of employment, a valid California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and remedial work. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 40 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
