Code Enforcement Inspector

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Under supervision, the Code Enforcement Inspector independently performs code enforcement inspections of properties within the City of Fargo and the surrounding extraterritorial area. The position's main focus is to keep the City safe and healthy by enforcing minimum standards. The Code Enforcement Inspector also provides education and information to City of Fargo citizens, building and home owners, and contractors, etc. on the local ordinances, codes and laws. Incumbents are expected to have and apply a working knowledge of all applicable ordinances and codes enforced within the City. The Code Enforcement Inspector must use a degree of discretion in exercising and performing required activities to ensure codes and ordinances are enforced uniformly across the city. At times, a Code Enforcement Inspector will be called upon to perform other duties of a Building Inspector I and II. The most significant purpose of this position is to provide a quality of life environment for all properties and citizens of the City of Fargo.
  PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES: The Code Enforcement Inspector is required to have a thorough working knowledge of and ability to communicate all relevant statutory and regulatory codes and ordinances and ensure that requirements are met. A variety of training and work direction will be provided by other staff and outside sources.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
 
1  Using independent judgment, performs code enforcement inspections of all properties including new construction and existing commercial and residential buildings and grounds.

1. Responds to complaints and violations as directed by supervisor regarding violations of ordinances, codes, laws and City standards;
2. Inspects properties and buildings and grounds, to determine and enforce compliance with ordinances, codes, laws and City standards;
3. Provides timely and detailed correspondence with all entities involved regarding code violations.
4. Tracks complaints and inspections letters, etc. by recording and documenting all details of all actions taken;
5. Provides information to City Attorney for cases to be prosecuted and provides testimony for same;
6. Provides enforcement on violations of ordinances, nuisances, blight, garbage/trash issues, planning and zoning violations, dangerous buildings and some health and safety codes issues, unpermitted construction, etc. as directed by supervisor;
7. Responds in a timely fashion to requests for Code Enforcement inspections so as to have minimal delays for the citizens, Owners, contractors, etc.;
8. Knowledge of City of Fargo and inspections department policies, rules and regulations;
9. Knowledge of legal aspects for the position including property rights, right of entry, etc.;
10.  If time allows, patrols city to identify and evaluate problem areas and determine resolution of violations.

 
2    Communicates courteously, tactfully and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
 
2.1    Responds to informational inquiries regarding the interpretation of ordinances and codes applicable to a case, including educating citizens, owners and contractors on the intricacies of such ordinances;
2.2    Frequently interacts with citizens, building owners and contractors to discuss deficiencies and to provide information and assistance regarding appropriate corrective
action to take to eliminate deficiency and to require compliance in all instances, including difficult situations;
2.3    Communicates with others in the work unit to provide information relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work
related needs;
2.4    Communicates responsibly while maintaining relationships that are professional and reflect well on the department and the city;
2.5    Communicates and coordinates with other departments on matters relating to code enforcement;
2.6    Provides evidence and testimony in court cases.
 
3    Performs administrative duties related to job functions.
 
3.1    Records/logs all complaints and inspections conducted and any subsequent corrections noted on a computer database or other programs as directed by supervisor;
3.2    Compiles data and prepares required documents and records and reports regarding inspection activities, compliance issues, etc.;
3.3    Participates in code enforcement committee work and advises Inspections Department and the City of Fargo on corrective actions to ordinances, policies and procedures of the Code Enforcement Inspector.
 
4    Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
 
4.1    Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
4.2    Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need
exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
4.3    When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or
safety representative in a timely manner.
 
5    Performs other duties and activities as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The job requires a minimum of two years of specialized/technical training in code enforcement inspections or a related field and one or more years of inspection experience or five or more years of previous experience in the field or an equivalent combination of education and experience to provide sufficient evidence of the successful performance of the essential elements of the job such as those listed above. Applicant must be able to obtain an appropriate certification for their discipline within one year of employment. A valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility is also required.
 
Knowledge, skills and ability include:
•    Knowledge of code enforcement activities along with remedial actions or techniques,
     methods and materials;
•     Knowledge of national and state laws and other related ordinances and codes to
      adequately interpret and apply it to code enforcement inspections;
•     Ability to perform inspections including using equipment, identifying deficiencies and
      interpreting and applying ordinances and codes;
•     Skill in written English sufficient to read manuals, ordinance books and other printed
      materials and to write reports, complete documents and issue code enforcement orders        and letters;
•     Skill in mathematical computations sufficient for the position to include calculating fee's        and payments, zoning ordinance rules and regulations, etc.;
•     Skill in  communications,  interpersonal  skills  as  applied  to  interaction  with         
      coworkers, property owners contractors, building managers and occupants sufficient to
      exchange or convey information and to receive work direction from supervisors;
•     Skill with computers and software that demonstrate proficient use of Microsoft Office
      and Excel and the ability to learn new programs such as inspections software for
      documenting all actions taken by inspectors;
•     Skill in providing detailed analysis of code enforcement activities, changes and updates and propose any changes and updates to supervisor;
•     Skill in recognizing, assessing and resolving conflict;
•     Ability to earn the respect of citizens, building Owners and contractors;
Knowledge of job hazards and remedial actions required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
 
About 60% of the time is spent in the field performing physical inspections of code enforcement cases. Considerable attention must be given to detail and timelines of inspection cases. Inspecting includes driving and walking to and from inspections. Remaining time is mostly office environment. Inspections may involve both inside and outside work, in normal or inclement weather conditions.   Activities the incumbent must perform include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing/listening, and seeing/observing.  Working conditions include extremes of weather and exposure to a varied of exterior and interior conditions that might be considered to be hazardous. Vision abilities must be 20/20 or corrected to be able to fully function in the position which may include low-light conditions.
 
Light Work:  The job is rated for Light Work, meaning that the incumbent must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
 
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.   All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
 
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.  To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
 
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.  The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.