Community Standards Specialist I (Career Path)

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Purpose of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to enforce applicable federal, state, and local codes and ordinances to protect the health, welfare, and safety of citizens. Responds to complaints, issues citations, and assists with and participates in the prosecution of cases for non-compliance. Employees in this classification are eligible for noncompetitive career ladder promotion to Community Standards Specialist II after meeting the established career ladder requirements.

Essential Functions

The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of the duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Interprets and enforces the provisions of applicable federal, state, and local codes, ordinances, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations. Responds to complaints and questions concerning code violations and code enforcement issues; provides information and technical assistance; researches problems and initiates problem resolution; discusses problem areas with property owners, property managers, and contractors; mediates disputes between neighbors. Operates a City vehicle to patrol assigned coverage area; performs inspections of buildings and property for conformance with applicable codes; installs signs; measures size/weight of illegally dumped trash piles; interprets site plans, blueprints, and plot maps; conducts re-inspections as needed; verifies permits and occupational licenses; monitors vacant houses for security; photographs violations for evidence Prepares violation notices; processes violations initiated by other departments; issues citations for code violations as appropriate. Assists with the management of cases, researching property records to determine ownership of property; performs other related work in preparation for prosecutions. Gathers information and evidence for prosecution of violators; testifies at code enforcement magistrate's hearings as needed. Manages case data; makes photographic records of violations; prepares/maintains records of inspection activities, violation notices, and status of corrective actions. Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, demolition reports, citations, violation notices, maps, or other documents. Develops methods to help homeowners and commercial properties gain compliance. Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, citizen complaint forms, deeds, permits, occupational licenses, red tags, violation notices, site plans, blueprints, plat maps, policies, codes, ordinances, statutes, zoning maps, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate. Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; utilizes word processing, database, or other software programs. Operates a variety of equipment and tools associated with inspection activities, which may include a motor vehicle, camera, radio communications equipment, sound level meter, measuring devices, rake, shovel, post hole digger, or hammer. Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals. Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information and assistance; takes and relays messages; responds to requests for service or assistance. Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, City officials, government agencies, property owners, property managers, business owners, contractors, realtors, attorneys, homeowner associations, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Provides education and information to the community; prepares and distributes educational materials. Maintains current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate. Performs various clerical tasks associated with work activities, which may include copying documents, sending faxes, answering telephone calls, assisting citizens visiting the office, or filing documentation. Provides assistance or coverage to other employees as needed. Performs other related duties as required. ** This position will require you to work Saturdays on a rotating basis**

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Three (3) years previous experience involving customer service, building construction, building inspection or code enforcement.
• Must possess [or be able to obtain within twelve (12) months of employment] and maintain a valid Florida Association of Code Enforcement (FACE) Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification;
• Must possess [or be able to obtain within 14 days of hire] and maintain a valid Florida driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Associate's degree in public administration, business administration, fire science, construction, civil engineering, architecture, urban planning, or closely related field. One (1) year previous experience involving customer service, building construction, building inspection or code enforcement. Must possess [or be able to obtain within twelve (12) months of employment] and maintain a valid Florida Association of Code Enforcement (FACE) Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification;

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of City zoning code, ordinances and applicable state laws pertaining to housing standards, littering, and noise abatement, public health code, rules and regulations governing inspection and enforcement. Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures. Knowledge of investigation techniques and practices. Knowledge of safe and efficient work practices related to inspections and enforcement duties. Knowledge of the geography of the City. Demonstrated ability to accurately interpret and apply codes and ordinances in routine situations. Demonstrated ability to work independently and to adhere to established policies and procedures. Ability to confer with the public in-person, on the phone or electronically. Demonstrated ability to explain, interpret and enforce regulations in a tactful, courteous and impartial manner, and to identify and resolve problems. Demonstrated ability to recognize deviations from code requirements and from established policies and procedures. Ability to observe and detect unsafe and hazardous conditions in the field. Ability to effectively deal with individuals in an emotionally charged state while maintaining a professional demeanor. Demonstrated ability to read site plans, blueprints, plots and zoning maps. Ability to ascertain facts through investigation. Ability to operate a computer and to utilize software required to complete assignments. COMMUNICATION COMPETENCIES The ability to clearly communicate Department and City Goals, Policies, Strategic Plans and other key information to employees and peers using multiple communication platforms including e-mail and social media. Effectively communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, contractors, engineers, companies, vendors, outside agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Accurately and expeditiously receives and delivers messages and information to the appropriate individuals. Ability to prepare accurate and thorough written records and reports. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to complete assigned tasks with minimal direction. Ability to understand and quickly and accurately follow brief oral and written instructions on moderately complex matters. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with Supervisor, customers, owners, tenants, City officials, other employees, other departments, other governmental and regulatory agencies, and the general public as needed.