Code Comp Investigator II

Job Announcement

The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) responds to over 8,000 complaints each year related to property maintenance, unpermitted construction, zoning, and other violations of County code. DCC seeks compliance with County codes and ordinances in achieving the mission of the agency: to promote, protect, and maintain a healthy and desirable living environment in Fairfax County. The work of the agency is further guided by an annual Equity Impact Plan, in conjunction with the County’s One Fairfax Policy and commitment to consider equity when making policies or delivering programs and services.

As certified by the state of Virginia (VDHCD) and/or appointed by the relevant Code Official to do so on their behalf, the Code Compliance Investigator II conducts research; field investigations; interviews with residents/community; gathers evidence; and applies a variety of investigative techniques regarding alleged code violations – to include preparation of material for testimony in court and/or other adjudicative bodies (e.g. Board of Zoning Appeals; Local Board of Building Code Appeals). Investigators issue formal Notices of Violation and will communicate with those found in violation to advise of the nature of the violation and provide information on methods to achieving compliance. Investigators are responsible for placarding unsafe premises when necessary. Investigators must communicate with other stakeholders, including complainants; general public; Board of Supervisor’s staff; and outside governmental agencies, in order to provide educational and other information to support the activities of the agency. Duties are performed under the direction of a division supervisor.

Note: Position may be underfilled as a Code Compliance Investigator I; the Underfill Requirements are stated below in the Employment Standards section.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of State laws, County codes and ordinances governing land use, zoning, property maintenance, building, and related code provisions;
• Knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures including interviewing and fact finding, related to code and ordinance enforcement;
• Ability to read and interpret, regulations, legal documents, maps, and building plans;
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports;
• Ability to uses personal computer software and accesses centralized information systems to retrieve and enter data;
• Ability to communicate effectively with county residents, code violators, complainants and neighborhood groups;
• Ability to maintain appropriate and professional demeanor in all situations, including threatening and/or adverse circumstances;
• Ability to perform research, interpret regulations, legal precedents and court cases;
• Ability to gather evidence, interview individuals, and recognize/analyze;
• Ability to serve as a witness;
• Ability to prepare comprehensive, accurate reports on observations made during an investigation;
• Ability to interact with individuals from various racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups;
• Ability to diffuse hostility, elicits information, and gain cooperation;
• Ability to use technical and photographic equipment for visual evidence and measurement of light/glare, and sound levels;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and to properly articulate the corrective action necessary to clear a violation;
• Ability to handle complex negotiations with tact, resourcefulness and judgment; Ability to oversee multiple investigations;
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public, civic groups, homeowner associations, and to foster cooperative citizen and neighborhood involvement;
• Ability to coordinate resources with members of other County agencies such as the County Attorney's Office, Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Health Department, the Department of Planning and Zoning, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, Land Development Services, Tax Administration and the Board of Supervisors;
• Ability to deal tactfully with opposing attorneys, realtors, bank and/or lending institution representatives, judges, and counterparts in other jurisdictions; Ability to work odd schedules and/or weekends to investigate those types of complaints that require drastically modified work schedules;
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather;
• Ability to work effectively in unsanitary environments;
• May perform field training for new employees.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a field of study related to the enforcement of environmental and property maintenance codes such as urban planning, biological or environmental science, law enforcement, legal studies or a related field; plus two years of relative work experience in the area of code enforcement or equivalent (e.g., performing land use, zoning, building, public safety, or related code enforcement, inspection, investigative or abatement work).

UNDERFILL REQUIREMENTS:
This position may be underfilled as a Code Compliance Investigator I (Grade S22; $62,482.37- $104,137.49). The employment standards for the Code Compliance Investigator I are: Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a field of study related to the enforcement of environmental and property maintenance codes such as urban planning, biological or environmental science, law enforcement, legal studies or a related field.

Applicants hired at the Code Compliance Investigator I will be non-competitively promoted to the Code Compliance Investigator II level upon successful completion of an underfill agreement.

Note: Underfill candidates must be able to meet the minimum qualifications of the Code Compliance Investigator II within one year of the job announcement closing date.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Valid driver's license
• Building Maintenance Inspector (VDHCD)/ Property Maintenance (VDHCD).- within 12 months of hire

• Two years’ minimum experience interpreting state and/or county codes and regulations related to zoning, noise, property maintenance, residential, and/or commercial building codes;
• Code compliance experience working independently in the field;
• Experience with Planning and Land Use System (PLUS);
• Case management experience;
• Experience maintaining effective relationships with the public and fellow employees, and;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.

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