Field Investigator - Contractor Licensing

Technical work in the enforcement of the County's Contractor Certification Law.The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

• Enforces state statutes and county codes related to construction. 
• Checks new construction sites to ascertain if construction personnel are properly licensed. 
• Checks residential areas for home improvement contractors operating without a license or permits. 
• Routinely attends local community meetings to provide education and information on licensing and other pertinent regulations related thereto; provides audio/video presentations as necessary. 
• Stops construction work wherein unlicensed or uninsured contractors are identified. 
• Investigates complaints of consumers against licensed and unlicensed contractors; writes violation notices, citations, investigative reports, hearing notices, and other documents as necessary. 
• Conducts investigations of violations; files for prosecution with the State or County Attorney’s Office.  Appears as witness in civil and criminal litigation proceedings, and at licensing board hearings and special master hearings. 
• Conducts investigative interviews and acquires formal statements. 
• Prepares evidence against licensed and unlicensed contractors for presentation at licensing board meetings, civil and criminal court. 
• Prepares written reports as required. 
• Notifies individuals who are in violation; explains law and attempts to achieve compliance.  
• Prepares and sends correspondence for all violations when unable to resolve, or unable to achieve compliance using verbal communications. 
• Issues citations as necessary for egregious violations.
• Maintains violation file until resolution achieved. Stores and maintains computer photos where appropriate.
• Audits all advertising media for compliance with State and County laws. 
• Performs liaison duties with local and state law enforcement agencies and investigators. 
• Co-ordinates and participate in joint contractor “sting” operations with local law enforcement and state agencies.
• Assist other governmental enforcement agencies with information related to criminal activity of licensed and unlicensed contractors and file necessary reports for same.
• Provide new department personnel training in investigative techniques, computer system program for violations, Florida Statutes and local ordinance.
• Performs other reasonable related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management personnel.

Unsafe Building Abatement

• Investigates service requests related to unsafe buildings.
• Requests formal right of entry from building owners.
• Obtains and executes inspection warrants as necessary. 
• Performs preliminary inspections of unsafe buildings. 
• Coordinates and documents by digital and/or video camera formal inspections of unsafe buildings with building inspection personnel. 
• Mediates resolution of unsafe conditions contained by buildings, with respective owners. 
• Initiates formal abatement (condemnation) program and performs necessary follow-thru with procedure to conclusion (abatement of unsafe conditions). 
• Ensures all deadlines are complied with and/or met relative to unsafe building abatement procedure. 
• Coordinates with utility companies/agencies for proper shut-off/abandonment of applicable utilities to unsafe buildings. 
• Coordinates with demolition contractors for removal and disposal of building and associated debris.
• Tracks and documents all costs associated with abatement of unsafe conditions. 
• Ensures proper removal of unsafe buildings and/or closure of unsafe building service requests. 
• Assists with maintaining unsafe building service request log. 
• Assists in preparation of information for filing of liens to collect costs. 

Emergency Response 
County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description. Employees may request an exemption from this requirement by submitting the appropriate exemption form, subject to review and approval.Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school graduate or equivalent (GED), and 60 college credit hours in building construction, law enforcement, or equivalent combination of training and job experience. 
• Experience: Three (3) years experience in building construction, investigatory work, or code enforcement.  Equivalent combinations of education, training and experience may be considered. 
• Skills: Excellent communication and organizational skills; must be able to work independently and as part of a team; must be able to operate a computer, tablet, smart phone and other general office equipment. 

A combination of education, training and experience may be substituted at the County's discretion.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License or must obtain within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida and be insurable by current insurance carrier, or valid Florida Identification Card is acceptable only for positions not required to drive a county vehicle.
• Desired: Certification as a standard building inspector or one- and two-family dwelling inspector, or ability to obtain provisional inspector certification and/or law enforcement certification.
• Must have or be able to obtain certification within three (3) months of employment in FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses:
  • IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS)
  • IS-200.b: ICS for Single Resources & Initial Action Incidents
  • IS-700.b: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System

Required Competencies

• Knowledge of investigatory techniques and procedures as applied to construction licensing law.
•  Knowledge of possible flaws and defects in building construction and alteration.
•  Ability to explain, interpret and enforce codes and regulations.
•  Ability to present ideas effectively, orally and in writing.
•  Ability to research legal records.
•  Ability to interact with public.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• The job involves frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 20 pounds.
• The job requires frequent bending, twisting, and occasional squatting, climbing, kneeling, and balancing.
• The job requires the completion of tasks that involve simple grasping, pushing, pulling, fine manual manipulation, and typing.
• The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, depth perception and color vision, hearing, and speaking.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pay Grade: 7
Salary Disclosure: Pay rates are based on policy, education, skill, experience level and internal equity.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Hernando County BOCC provides to veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

PLEASE REVIEW THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ON POSTING AND COMMUNICATE HOW YOU MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR APPLICATION/RESUME. MINIMUM REQUIEMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED.
All applications will be carefully reviewed to evaluate qualifications and overall suitability for the position. The relevance, scope, and length of related work experience, training, and education outlined in the application and resume will be considered during the screening process. Selected applicants will be contacted to participate in interviews. Candidates are encouraged to clearly document all pertinent experience, including relevant knowledge, skills, or abilities gained outside of traditional employment, in the additional information section of the application.

Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.

Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law. 

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.