Code Enforcement Officer

The Code Enforcement Officer performs professional field and office work to promote compliance with City ordinances, municipal codes, land use regulations, nuisance abatement standards, and public safety requirements. The position investigates complaints, conducts inspections, educates residents and businesses regarding code requirements, documents violations, and pursues enforcement actions when necessary. The Code Enforcement Officer works collaboratively with City departments, community members, property owners, businesses, and the Municipal Court to maintain community standards and enhance the quality of life within the City of Umatilla.

• Conduct proactive patrols and inspections throughout the City to identify potential code violations.
• Investigate citizen complaints regarding nuisance, zoning, property maintenance, abandoned vehicles, animal control, and other municipal code violations.
• Inspect residential, commercial, and vacant properties for compliance with City ordinances and regulations.
• Research applicable municipal codes, state statutes, and ordinances to determine compliance requirements.
• Issue warnings, notices of violation, citations, and other enforcement documents as authorized.
• Conduct follow-up inspections to verify corrective actions and compliance.
• Document investigations through written reports, photographs, correspondence, and electronic records.
• Maintain complete and accurate case files and enforcement records.
• Coordinate enforcement activities with the Police Department, Public Works Department, Planning Department, Building Officials, Municipal Court, and other agencies.
• Prepare cases for administrative hearings and court proceedings.
• Testify in Municipal Court, administrative hearings, or other legal proceedings as required.
• Respond to inquiries from residents, business owners, contractors, and community organizations regarding code requirements and enforcement procedures.
• Educate the public regarding City codes and encourage voluntary compliance.
• Assist with nuisance abatement actions and enforcement remedies authorized by City ordinance.
• Attend and participate in Code Improvement Board meetings and other City meetings as assigned.
• Impound stray animals in accordance with City policy and applicable laws.
• Assist with community outreach and community policing programs affiliated with the Police Department.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

This list is illustrative only and not intended to specify every duty and job responsibility.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Planning, Building Inspection, Code Enforcement, or a related field preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience in code enforcement, law enforcement, inspections, planning, public administration, animal control, or a closely related field preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.
• Valid Oregon Driver License with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain Oregon Code Enforcement Association training or equivalent certification within one year of hire.
• Must pass a criminal background investigation and be able to become CJIS certified.

Preferred Skills
KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Municipal code enforcement principles and practices.
• City ordinances and applicable Oregon statutes.
• Investigation and evidence collection techniques.
• Court procedures and legal documentation requirements.
• Property maintenance and nuisance abatement standards.
• Public relations and customer service practices.
• Report preparation and records management.

ABILITY TO: 

• Interpret and enforce municipal codes fairly and consistently.
• Effectively communicate with individuals in difficult or confrontational situations.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports and correspondence.
• Maintain confidentiality when appropriate.
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Present evidence and testimony in hearings and court proceedings.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, elected officials, and the public.

Tools and Equipment
The employee utilizes a variety of office, field inspection, communication, and enforcement equipment in the performance of assigned duties, including:

• Computer and related software applications including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), electronic records management systems, and code enforcement case management software.
• Mobile devices including tablets, smartphones, digital cameras, and GPS-enabled equipment for inspections, documentation, and case management.
• Standard office equipment including telephones, printers, scanners, copiers, calculators, and other business machines.
• City-owned vehicles utilized for patrol, inspections, investigations, and community outreach activities.
• Radio communications equipment and other public safety communication systems.
• Digital photography and video equipment for documenting violations and maintaining evidentiary records.
• Mapping systems, property records databases, permit tracking systems, and geographic information systems (GIS) as applicable.
• Animal control equipment including traps, catch poles, kennels, transport cages, and related safety equipment when performing animal control duties.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety vests, gloves, eye protection, and other equipment necessary to safely perform inspections and field investigations.
• Measuring devices, flashlights, and other field inspection tools necessary to evaluate compliance with City ordinances and regulations.

Physical Demands
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 essential functions.

• Continuous: Use of arms, wrists, and hands
• Frequent: Sitting, standing, walking, driving, bending, twisting, crouching, climbing stairs, reaching forward, operating foot controls.
• Occasional: Lifting, pushing, pulling up to 10 lbs., kneeling, reaching above shoulder, and squeezing.
• Rare: Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling up to 50 lbs., crawling, climbing ladder.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those and employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position involves a combination of office and field work. Duties are performed in a variety of environments including City offices, residential and commercial properties, construction sites, undeveloped land, public rights-of-way, and other locations throughout the City.

Field work frequently requires travel throughout the City and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, wind, and direct sunlight. Employees may encounter uneven terrain, overgrown vegetation, construction hazards, dust, noise, insects, animals, animal waste, odors, hazardous materials, and other environmental conditions commonly associated with property inspections and code enforcement activities.

The employee regularly interacts with residents, business owners, contractors, property owners, tenants, and members of the public. These interactions may occasionally involve confrontational, hostile, emotional, or stressful situations requiring the exercise of professionalism, sound judgment, conflict resolution skills, and de-escalation techniques.

Work may require entering properties, conducting inspections of structures and vacant lots, and working in areas with limited accessibility. Employees may occasionally be exposed to potentially unsafe conditions and must utilize appropriate safety practices and personal protective equipment.

The position routinely utilizes standard office equipment including computers, telephones, printers, copiers, scanners, and mobile communication devices.

The position also requires regular operation of City-owned vehicles for inspections, investigations, enforcement activities, and community outreach efforts.
The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet office settings to moderate outdoor and construction-related environments. Work may occasionally require attendance at evening meetings, court proceedings, public hearings, community events, emergency response activities, or other assignments outside normal business hours.