Inspector - Code Enforcement

Job Summary

Responds to complaints and proactive observations from the general public, Scott County employees, or staff from other agencies regarding conditions that affect the health, safety, and welfare of Scott County residents. The employee's work serves to enforce the Zoning Ordinance, Building Codes, ISTS Ordinance, Solid Waste Ordinance, and Hazardous Waste Ordinance. Effective compliance with Scott County Ordinances preserves strong property values and protects the integrity and livability of the neighborhoods throughout Scott County.

Job Description

Responds to complaints regarding violations of Scott County ordinances; conducts field investigations and gathers evidence and data to be used to establish probable cause; provides written letters/notices to violators that create a public record of the violation.

Meets with property and business owners to discuss and educate them on the violation(s).

Refers violations via written report along with supporting evidence to the Attorney's Office if there is non-compliance of a violation.

Develops and makes educational presentations to Boards, Commissions, staff, other agencies, and the public to advise them on code enforcement topics or issues; testifies in court as needed.

Maintains database of code violations to provide current information on cases.

Maintains Conditional Use Permit (CUP) inspection program.

Acts as a point-of-contact for residents and staff to answer questions regarding code enforcement topics.

Assists other departments as needed to help facilitate the needs and goals of the department even if it does not relate to code compliance.

Prepares staff reports as required for commissions and boards for updates to the zoning ordinance or for enforcement actions requiring board action.

May assist Environmental Health as a Household Hazardous Waste Facility Assistant as needs of service dictate and as assigned.

Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.

Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Requires equivalency of high school diploma and four years related experience in law or code enforcement, building inspections, engineering technology, planning, or erosion control (an Associate's Degree can substitute for the experience). A valid driver's license and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities is required. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office are highly desirable.

Supervisory Controls
The employee is under the general supervision of the Zoning Administrator. The employee works on own initiative and must regularly exercise technical judgment and discretion based on familiarity with multiple ordinance regulations, codes and rules. This position self-organizes daily inspections, field investigations, correspondence and other associated duties, based on complaints/observations, department initiatives, and county needs.

Core Competencies and Abilities
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of ordinance enforcement principals, practices, and methods as applicable.

Knowledge of applicable laws, standards, and regulations relating to zoning and environmental and building codes.

Abilities – Ability to operate modern office equipment, including personal computer, fax machine, and copier.

Ability to analyze complex situations, problems, and data, and use sound judgment in drawing conclusions and making decisions related to enforcement of county ordinances.

Ability to articulate and summarize complex facts in detail.

Ability to testify in court in a professional and effective manner.

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Ability to handle stressful situations and effectively deal with difficult and angry people.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use various software packages, including word processing, CityView (planning and building permit software), Microsoft SharePoint, and Geographic Information Systems.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires field work, in and around places of residence and business. One may be exposed to site hazards such as chemical/dust exposure; treacherous surfaces; angry, confrontational, or hostile persons; aggressive animals; unsanitary conditions (e.g. sewage, garbage), strong odors, traffic areas, moving vehicles/equipment, etc. when traversing inspection sites.

Physical activities include light to medium work  Sitting, talking, hearing, seeing, driving, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, pushing, pulling, feeling, reaching, lifting, grasping, twisting above the waist, bending at waist, repetitive hand and arm motion, and fine finger manipulation in the use of a computer. Incumbent will climb ladders, enter crawl spaces, exert force to maneuver items, and lift and/or navigate up to 50 pounds on a routine basis in handling equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.