Code Enforcement Officer

Under the direction of the Community Development Director, the incumbent will perform research and site inspections to investigate possible violations or compliance issues of land-use, building, housing, utility, environmental, health, safety, and nuisance codes. This includes pursuing compliance with various sections of the Lake Stevens Municipal Code and maintaining accurate and detailed code compliance documents. The incumbent is part of a collaborative work team, including other City Staff, Police, Fire, and Legal Departments. The incumbent will be responsive to inquiries from members of the public, contractors, developers and co-workers to resolve violations. This position may be responsible for developing educational programs, implementation strategies, and information in an effort to assist citizens in avoiding code violations.
 
Work is performed under limited supervision.  Supervisor sets the overall objectives and provides resources as available.  Incumbent and supervisor work together to develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be completed.  Incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives.  Incumbent keeps supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications.  Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness of results.

Lake Stevens is generally a residential community with access to numerous commercial, retail and recreational opportunities. Of course, the crown jewel of the community is the lake itself, which boasts some of the greatest water recreational opportunities in the county. Lake Stevens is also uniquely situated, being close to the lake, ocean, and Cascade mountains, to take advantage of many outdoor activities. The Lake Stevens Schools are excellent and coupled with a city priority of parks and increased walkability, makes Lake Stevens an ideal place to raise a family.

The City of Lake Stevens operates under the mayor-council system. The city’s motto, “One Community Around the Lake”, embodies our quality of life, top-ranked school district, and the City Council’s commitment to providing excellent services and amenities for its residents.

Why City of Lake Stevens?

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle. 
• Flexible Work Schedules- The city offers a variety of work schedules dependent on meeting business necessities and supervisor approval.
• Work Where you Live!

The City of Lake Stevens offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Retirement- through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
• Deferred Compensation- with city match.
• Excellent healthcare options-including medical, dental, vision insurance, city-paid life insurance and long-term disability, health savings accounts (HSA), and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA/VEBA).
• Paid leave- including paid sick leave, paid vacation, flexible holidays, paid holidays, and bereavement leave.
• Tuition reimbursement!
• See our benefits page for a complete list of all the benefits available to the City of Lake Stevens employees.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responds to and investigates citizen complaints concerning alleged or potential land use and building code violations in coordination with other affected staff and departments. 

• Conducts field investigations, gathers, and analyzes information, makes findings, and conducts follow-up inspections to verify compliance, and takes appropriate action within level of authority.

• Meets with owners, tenants, contractors, developers, and businesses to review and explain code requirements, violations or potential violations, and secure code compliance.

• Inspects damaged or deteriorating structures to determine needed repairs; investigates alleged violations of building and land use ordinances as well as various other nuisance codes as assigned.

• Researches, organizes, and maintains documentation on code violations, including remedial actions.

• Prepares cases for filing or submission for prosecution; gives testimony on behalf of the City at court hearings and public forums; attends and represents the City at violation appeal hearings. 

• Prepares and presents reports, evidence, and testimony on behalf of the City.

• Interprets and explains ordinances, codes, and regulations; communicates with fire, law enforcement, water, sewer and other community and governmental agencies in the performance of code enforcement duties in coordination with appropriate staff. 

• Maintains a variety of logs and records management system related to inspection and enforcement activities; enters all inspection reports, code enforcement documents and letters into the city’s permit tracking system and address filing system.

• Writes, prepares, and distributes letters, correspondence, and written reports.  

• Develops, organizes, and implements the code enforcement program and procedures; propose updates to the procedures or city codes.

• Assists with public inquiries at the front counter.

• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.

 PERIPHERAL DUTIES

• May attend City Council meetings as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk; and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and to stand and walk; the employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. While in the office environment, the employee frequently is required to sit for extended periods of time and type on a keyboard for extended periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

Work is usually performed in both an office and field environment subject to driving to offsite locations to perform inspections or to investigate issues. The field environment may include, but not be limited to, all types of weather conditions and perhaps potential hazards from unconfined animals, dilapidated structures and litter.  Walking over rough, uneven terrain and some climbing may be required.   While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed individuals who may possibly be irate or hostile. The noise level in the work environment may vary.  

The incumbent may need to work occasional evening or weekends.

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines 

Education:     High school diploma or equivalent;

Experience:   Two (2) years of experience in dealing with public for code compliance, land-use planning, law enforcement or building inspection.

Or:   Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job may be substituted for these qualifications.  

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations, and policies and procedures related to building, land-use, housing, and property maintenance codes.
• Investigative methods and techniques; real estate and land-use records research.
• Structure, organization and interrelationships of city departments, agencies, and related governmental agencies and offices affecting assigned functions.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Correct usage of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Effective oral and written communication principles and practices to include public speaking and professional business letter writing.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment; including computers and computer applications such as word processing, case tracking software, spreadsheets, and statistical databases. 
• How artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies are used to enhance public service delivery, decision-making, and operational efficiency

Ability to:

• Investigate land use and building complaints and enforce laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations with firmness, persistence, tact, and equity.
• Conduct technical research to gather and analyze data to independently identify and define related deficiencies or hazards and present findings to recommend effective remedial measures.
• Read, interpret, and apply adopted rules, regulations, laws, and procedures in coordination with appropriate staff.
• Participate as a contributing member of a service-oriented team.
• Learn applicable computer applications, software, and peripheral equipment quickly and effectively.
• Handle multiple tasks accurately and reliably in a busy, demanding work environment. 
• Effectively schedule and prioritize workload individually and with other staff members. 
• Maintain confidentiality and communicate with tact and diplomacy.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with assigned team, staff, management, contractors, developers, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Demonstrate positive and effective interaction and communication with individuals of diverse social and economic backgrounds.
• Identifying opportunities to streamline workflows using AI or digital tools

Skilled in:

• Analyzing situations accurately and adopting an effective course of action.
• Record keeping techniques and using related technology.
• Preparing clear and concise correspondence and written materials.
• Communicating effectively, orally and in writing, including the ability to listen effectively and to explain complex issues, applicable legal requirements, policies, and procedures to internal and external customers.
• Adapt to evolving technologies, including AI, and integrate them into routine work practices.

License, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and a driving record which meets the city’s requirements. 
• ICC International Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector Certification, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire date, or as agreed upon.
• Completion of position-relevant background check.
• Additional consideration may be given for ICC or national inspector certifications.
• Adapt to evolving technologies, including AI, and integrate them into routine work practices

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: 

• An attached resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached cover letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

The City of Lake Stevens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran’s status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

There are no limitations to who's a best fit to serve this community. If we contact you for an interview and you need specific accommodations, please let us know.  We're happy to make the arrangements. We’ll need to know ten (10) days in advance to make sure we get you situated, so call Human Resources at (425) 622-9400 or email [email protected].   You're also welcome to mail your request to City of Lake Stevens Human Resources, P.O. Box 257, Lake Stevens, WA 98258.