Pay: $37,832 - $41,701
GENERAL JOB STATEMENT
Under the direction of the Department Director, the Codes Enforcement Officer performs a variety of duties involved in investigating, enforcing and resolving complaints regarding the County’s Unified Development Code, State and County Building Codes and Ordinances, and any other County Ordinances deemed appropriate; prepares notices of violation and citations; and performs other related work as necessary.
SPECIFIC JOB FUNCTIONS
Receive, record and investigate complaints from the public and staff regarding violations of county and state codes, ordinances, standards, and health and safety regulations; document violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; research ownership records, prior complaints, county codes and ordinances, and state regulations to establish whether a violation has occurred.
Initiate contacts with residents, business representatives and other parties to explain the nature of incurred violations and to encourage compliance with county and state laws, codes, ordinances and standards.
Meet with County planning, building and law enforcement staff and county attorney regarding complaints; coordinate activities with other staff, code and law enforcement personnel.
Prepare notices of violation or noncompliance and citations according to applicable codes, laws and regulations; issue letters to property owners notifying them of violation; as appropriate, affix a notice of violation on property to abate fire and public safety hazards and public nuisances.
Coordinate and conduct follow-up procedures including the preparation of additional correspondence, site visits, and communication with property owners and attorneys; conduct follow-up investigations to ensure compliance with applicable laws, codes and ordinances; prepare non-compliance cases for legal action; present testimony at hearings.
Make drive-by or on-site inspections of residential, industrial and/or commercial areas; note possible violations at other property sites during field investigations.
Provide information to violators, the public, business community and other government agencies regarding codes, laws and ordinances; respond to questions, complaints and inquiries.
Maintain files and records related to citations and violations; prepare a variety of written reports, memoranda and correspondence.
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Requires a high school diploma, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Specialized training in planning, zoning, building codes inspection and/or law enforcement. Successful completion of the S.C. Criminal Justice Training
Academy. Must have a valid state driver’s license, must be in good physical condition and have vision correctable to 20-20.
MINIMUM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Physical Requirements
Must be able to stoop, kneel, reach, lift, push, pull and climb during field inspections; Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of 10 to 20 pounds.
Communication Skills Requirement
Requires the ability to speak, convey and exchange information with the average citizen. Must be able to read, understand and interpret codes, laws, ordinances and regulations. Must be able to communicate in writing and written communications must be legible.
Computer Skills Required
Requires experience in using current computer technology.
Intelligence Skills Required
Must be able to read, understand, interpret and apply state and county laws, ordinances and codes. Must be able to read and understand maps and directions to sites. Must be able to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Must be able to comprehend and interpret received information. Must be able to comprehend relatively complex principles and techniques, to make independent judgments in the absence of supervision in routine and non-routine situations.
Numerical Aptitude Required
Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion.
Interpersonal Qualifications Required
Must have the ability to be patient when dealing with the public in stressful conditions. Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency, unusual and dangerous situations. Must be able to handle tension and stress as a consistent part of the job.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Knowledge of Job
Has a thorough knowledge of state and county planning, zoning and building laws, the Clarendon County Unified Development Code, and other laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has thorough knowledge of the organization of the Department and of other related Departments and agencies. Has knowledge of general law enforcement procedures and methods. Is able to conduct investigations and have knowledge of the legal rights of suspected violators. Has a thorough knowledge of the county layout, county roads and locations and characteristics of various zoning districts. Is able to gather, organize and present information in an orderly manner both orally and in writing. Can testify in court as necessary. Has the ability to use independent judgement as needed in performing routine and non-routine tasks. Has considerable knowledge of the terminology used in the department. Has the ability to communicate professionally in confrontational situations. Law Enforcement background is desired.
Quality of Work
Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial actions to correct identified violations. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with other county departments, co-workers and the public.
Quantity of Work
Performs specific job functions and related duties efficiently and effectively without sacrificing accuracy and quality. Produces quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the Department and County.
Dependability
Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, County policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Attends work regularly and provides proper notification of absences.
Work Habits
Demonstrates patience in stressful conditions; demonstrates the ability to always react professionally with tact and diplomacy. Plans and organizes a daily work routine; estimates time required to complete tasks and acts accordingly.
Initiative and/or Enthusiasm
Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment
Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and research problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation
Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments. Maintains a cooperative and courteous relationship and interacts effectively with other departments, higher management, professionals and the public.
Perform related duties as assigned.