Code Compliance Specialist

Summary

This position is for 88-96hrs per month

This position is responsible for enforcing the provisions of and resolving violations of various County ordinances relating to nuisance abatement, building and related codes, zoning codes, and related matters. This position involves work both in an office setting and in the field.

Essential Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Receive complaints from the public and/or other County staff; investigate complaints to establish their validity; issue notices of violation and orders to correct; levy civil penalties and assist in preparation of criminal charges when appropriate.
Work with staff from various Divisions of the Department of Public Services and the County Prosecutor in enforcing ordinances pertaining to zoning, building, outdoor burning, storage of junk, debris and unlicensed or dismantled vehicles, dangerous buildings, public nuisances, and other land use issues.
Work with the County Prosecutor’s staff to establish a standard approach to investigating alleged violations, ordering corrections or compliance, levying penalties, and preparing for prosecution.
Prepare and maintain case records of complaints and enforcement efforts, and establish an effective file system to ensure timely follow-up in cases where corrective measures have been ordered and compliance is not forthcoming.
Photograph nuisance sites, and prepare notices and orders.
Post Notices and Orders on properties, and may serve individuals with legal notices.
Testify in court and at administrative proceedings as necessary.
Coordinate the salvage contractor bidding and contract process. Oversee and photograph the clean-up of properties.
Prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly reports for all nuisance-related activities.
Other duties may be assigned as required.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be capable within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a municipal code compliance program. Pertinent codes, ordinances, laws and regulations pertaining to zoning, nuisance abatement, property maintenance, building, health and safety, and related areas.
• Procedures involved in the enforcement of codes and regulations including methods and techniques of conducting and documenting field investigations.
• County services and organizational structure as they relate to code compliance.
• Legal actions applicable to code enforcement compliance.
• Effective public relations practices.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Methods and techniques of business correspondence and technical report preparation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Geographic features and locations within the area served.

• Independently perform a full range of municipal code enforcement and compliance duties.
• Interpret and apply applicable codes, ordinances and regulations related to zoning, nuisance abatement, and health and safety issues.
• Inspect and identify violations of applicable codes and ordinances.
• Enforce pertinent codes, ordinances, laws and regulations with impartiality and efficiency.
• Respond to inquiries, complaints and requests for service in a fair, tactful and firm manner.
• Investigate complaints and mediate resolutions in a timely and tactful manner.
• Prepare accurate and detailed documentation of investigation findings.
• Maintain complex logs, records and files.
• Research, compile and collect data.
• Prepare clear and concise technical reports.
• Make oral presentations and testify in court.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Read County Assessor maps and property profiles. Read and interpret legal documents and descriptions.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• High School Graduation or GED.
• A valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Associate of Arts or Science Degree, or at least two years of experience in code enforcement, land use planning, public administration, or related field.
• One year of work experience involving a high level of public contact including some experience dealing with the public in an enforcement, inspection, investigation or customer-service capacity. Experience that includes the enforcement of municipal codes is highly desirable.

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position may require: Climbing; Mobility; Feeling; Balancing; Pushing; Talking; Stooping; Pulling; Hearing; Crouching; Lifting; Seeing; Reaching; Finger Dexterity; Repetitive Motion; Standing; Grasping; Kneeling.

Duties are typically performed in an office setting and require travel throughout the campus in variable weather conditions. This position may also require site visits and working outdoors in all climate situations as necessary.

The statements contained herein reflect general details describing the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility. They are not an all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities, and the incumbent may perform other duties as assigned.

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER