BLIGHT CONTROL/HOUSING CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Position is open until Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 4:30 PM

EST GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is responsible technical and inspectional work involving the enforcement of property maintenance, housing, and blight-related ordinances and regulations within the City of Norwich. Work involves independently performing inspections to determine compliance with the City of Norwich Minimum Property Maintenance Standards, Housing Code, and other applicable municipal and state laws intended to safeguard the public's health, safety, and general welfare. Duties include proactively inspecting properties or responding to complaints to identify and abate conditions that are unsafe, unsanitary, or detrimental to neighborhood quality of life. The position requires strong communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as sound judgment in enforcing standards fairly and consistently. The employee must also be capable of working in coordination with various City departments, community groups, and legal counsel to achieve compliance and maintain accurate documentation of violations and corrective actions. As part of enforcement responsibilities, the employee will be required to attend hearings and testify in court regarding code violations, condemnation proceedings, and enforcement actions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Building Official.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts field inspections of residential, commercial, and vacant properties to ensure compliance with housing, property maintenance, and blight-related ordinances. Responds to complaints received from the public, elected officials, City staff, or referred from other agencies regarding property conditions, occupancy, or nuisance concerns. Issues notices of violation and abatement orders for blight, health, safety, or maintenance violations in accordance with the City's enforcement protocols. Works with tenants, property owners, realtors, attorneys, and other stakeholders to explain violations and corrective requirements. Conducts re-inspections to ensure compliance and may escalate enforcement through legal or administrative proceedings when voluntary compliance is not achieved. Prepares and maintains detailed inspection reports, photographs, correspondence, and enforcement records using electronic databases and case management systems. Coordinates with Corporate Council, Other Planning & Neighborhood Services Inspectors, Fire Marshal's Office, Public Works, and Police when joint enforcement is necessary. Provides testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, and Board of Appeals as needed. Communicates inspection findings clearly to property owners and contractors, using basic knowledge of electrical and HVAC systems and terminology to explain identified issues or necessary corrections. Assists with developing and implementing neighborhood outreach and proactive enforcement strategies in coordination with community stakeholders and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

May attend community meetings and represent the department at neighborhood initiatives or public forums. Performs related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Good knowledge of municipal codes and ordinances, including the City of Norwich's Blight Ordinance and Housing Code. Knowledge of the City of Norwich Ordinances, the ICC International Property Maintenance Code, and basic knowledge of the Connecticut State Building Code. Working knowledge of building systems, construction practices, and common property deficiencies. Ability to interpret and apply applicable state statutes, zoning regulations, and property maintenance standards. Basic knowledge of electrical and HVAC systems and terminology to facilitate effective communication and enforcement. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain effective working relationships with tenants, property owners, legal counsel, and public officials. Ability to enforce regulations with firmness, consistency, professionalism, and tact. Ability to prioritize tasks, manage case workload, and document enforcement actions in a timely manner. Competency in preparing accurate, concise inspection reports, notices, and correspondence.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or equivalent, plus at least two (2) years of experience in housing, building construction, fire safety or property maintenance enforcement or any combination of training and experience which provides a demonstrated ability to perform the duties of the position. Valid Connecticut Assistant Building Official or Building Official license preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut driver's license.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Motor vehicle, digital camera, computer, printer, mobile device, flashlight, measuring tools, testing equipment and telephone.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in both office and field environments. Field work requires physical activity including walking, standing, climbing stairs, and inspecting crawl spaces and exterior property conditions. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate office and inspection equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to talk, hear, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to read and interpret documents such as codes, regulations and ordinances, and write clear, concise reports and correspondence. The position requires the ability to present information effectively in one-on-one and small group settings and to apply sound judgment in standardized and sensitive situations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The job requires the employee to work outdoors regularly, including in hot or inclement weather conditions. There is also the risk of exposure to communicable disease, unsanitary conditions, aggressive animals, or improperly discarded needles or drug paraphernalia. The employee may occasionally encounter hostile, irate, or uncooperative individuals during field inspections. Important Information In order to be considered applicants must demonstrate on their application that they meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement. You must reside within the City of Norwich 60 miles from Norwich within one year of appointment. Examination will consist of 100% written OR 100% oral OR 100% experience and training.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Disclaimer The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

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