Senior Code Enforcement Inspector (COH)

Description

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, organizes, plans, prioritizes, assigns, and reviews the work of assigned personnel engaged in code enforcement operations; trains, provides direction, and/or supervises assigned code enforcement staff; handles the most complex and sensitive code enforcement activities; identifies, investigates, and seeks correction of violations of the Citys municipal, building, zoning, tobacco, cannabis and housing codes, and State and City Health and Safety Codes and Ordinances; performs field inspections; investigates citizen complaints of public nuisances and quality of life issues; seeks voluntary compliance or issues citations and initiates abatement procedures; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey-level in the Code Enforcement Inspector series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, and the amount of time spent performing the more complex duties. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series, which includes providing technical and functional supervision over assigned personnel and/or performing code enforcement activities related to City and State Codes and Ordinances including but not limited to: Hayward Municipal Code, California Health and Safety Code, California Building Code, International Property Maintenance Code, Zoning and Land Use Regulations, and other adopted regulations. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned areas of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Incumbents receive direction from the Code Enforcement Manager or other higher level supervisory staff.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May exercise technical and functional direction and supervision over assigned staff.

Essential Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Directs and trains assigned employees in their areas of work including code enforcement methods, procedures, and techniques.

Verifies the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications; ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

Inspects properties for violations and performs the most complex, specialized and advanced level inspections to ensure City ordinances and codes are being followed; reviews difficult cases with staff; coordinates, implements and monitors code enforcement and inspection related activities.

Inspects and evaluates buildings and properties for unsafe and substandard conditions.

Acts as a coordinator and program lead between multiple division programs as directed to be sure they are progressing and aligning with overall city, department and division goals.

Researches property ownership, zoning and parcel history; researches ordinances and history of ordinances affecting property uses; determines compliance of specific land with use permits, variances and development plans where improvements have been directed to meet zoning requirements.

Responds to public inquiries related to case files, complaints, and codes in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

Coordinates joint enforcement and activities with other City divisions, departments and outside agencies as necessary.

Attends training seminars related to code enforcement and stays updated with current procedures and information.

Works closely with homeowners, businesses and community groups to enhance and preserve the quality of neighborhoods through public relations, and educational code enforcement activities.

Interprets and explains various adopted codes, regulations and program procedures to internal departments and the public.

Ensures residential rental units, motels and hotels are in compliance with the City rent control regulations relating to decontrol of rental units, HOME program conditions requirements, and adopted housing codes and standards.

Performs a variety of inspections on public and private property in a safe manner to identify possible violations of City and State Codes and Ordinances including but not limited to: Hayward Municipal Code, California Health and Safety Code, California Building Code, International Property Maintenance Code, Zoning and Land Use Regulations, and other adopted regulations.

Attends, facilitates, prepares, and delivers public presentations/meetings and written materials for City Council, departmental management staff, small and large audiences including but not limited to community associations, homeowner associations, merchant associations, and other community and business area meetings.

Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.

Prepares reports and documents case information; represents the City in hearings of contested code enforcement activities; testifies in court or other legal proceedings as required; and initiates criminal and civil complaints in conjunction with the City Attorneys office when necessary.

Assists other inspectors in responding to and investigating complaints from the public, tenants, and City staff regarding possible violations of adopted City codes and other property regulations or agreements as directed.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Specialized Division Program Duties

The City of Hayward Code Enforcement Division operates a variety of specialized division programs to include but not limited to: Rental Inspection and Self Certification Program, UnPermitted Construction program, Cannabis and Tobacco Inspection Program and Community Preservation and Land Use Program. The Senior Inspector Class maintains lead duties to assure ongoing program operation, evaluation and efficiency. Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

Researches, analyzes and evaluates on an ongoing basis program needs, associated laws and regulations for implementation of improved efficiencies.

Develops schedules and methods to accomplish assignments for program needs ensuring all work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Participates in evaluating the activities of staff associated with division programs; recommends improvements and modifications; and provides and coordinates staff trainings related to assigned division program.

Assists in implementation of division programs, by maintaining effective tracking systems for all properties identified under the program, organizing joint inspection activities, analyzing inspection data and results, providing recommendations and information about difficult cases, program improvements and adjustments needed for assisting in lien hearings, coordinating and preparing forms and data as directed by management.

Work with administrative staff on identifying and scheduling program designated properties and coordinating team inspections as needed.

Plans, organizes and develops public educational forums and workshops on rental and owner-occupied housing in partnership with the Housing Division and other external housing agencies.

Provides staff training sessions as directed related to division programs.

Assists in the research, evaluation, analysis and revision of adopted, and proposed codes and works with other departments or divisions within the city of Hayward as needed for code development and compliance.

Ensures goals are met in areas including customer satisfaction, safety, service and team member performance.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of lead direction and training.
• Methods and techniques of code enforcement and regulatory compliance.
• Principles and practices of evidence and court rules and procedures.
• Methods and techniques of research and analysis.
• Operational characteristics of compliance equipment and tools.
• Organizational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws.
• Planning, Building, and Permitting requirements as it relates to land use and construction requirements.
• City services and municipal organizational structure as related to code enforcement and inspection. Procedures, methods, standards and materials used in building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical construction.
• Techniques used in conflict resolution.

Ability to:

• Rights to privacy and private property search and evidence gathering.
• Provide technical and functional direction over assigned staff; effectively train staff.
• Independently perform the most complex and specialized duties related to code enforcement and inspection activities.
• Prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with community services agencies, civic groups, the general public, and those contacted in the course of work.
• Assist in the interpretation, development and implementation of ordinances, regulations and policies pertaining to assigned programs and projects.
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply all applicable codes and ordinances related to code enforcement and inspection activities.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing as well as in report form.
• Operate office equipment including computers, and applicable software applications.
• Deal effectively and tactfully with property owners, managers and tenants and contractors.
• Analyze situations carefully and adopt effective courses of action.
• Work independently and in the absence of supervision.
• Analyze, compile and organize a variety of information related to code enforcement.
• Develop and implement code compliance policies.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Experience: Two years of fulltime experience similar to a Code Enforcement Inspector II with the City of Hayward. Experience in site plan review and zoning code interpretation is desirable.

Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. College level coursework or vocational training in the following trades: residential/commercial construction or inspection, urban planning, or regulatory compliance is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates: Possession and maintenance of, a valid driver's license is required.

Possession of, or the ability to obtain certification as a Certified Code Enforcement Officer by the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) or similar organization within 18 months of employment is required. Completion of, International Code Council (ICC) Housing and Property Maintenance certification is desirable.

Possession of a valid certificate of completion of Penal Code §832 Course in Arrest, Search, and Seizure issued by California Commission on Peace Officer Standards or California Association of Code Enforcement Officers or similar professional organization.

Supplemental Information

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to: inspect various buildings and housing sites; perform various physical activities on a regular basis including sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, reaching, turning, bending, climbing and twisting with exposure to various weather conditions; work in an office environment and use standard office equipment and current software; grasp, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination to prepare documents and data using a computer keyboard and mouse/trackball; periodically sit for prolonged periods of time; conduct City business during day and evening hours, including occasional weekend and irregular hours, safely lift and move equipment and material weighing up to 35 pounds; converse by telephone, by email, in person; read and comprehend legal, technical, and complex documents; interact with the public and all different levels of City staff in an effective and professional manner; and safely drive to various locations throughout the City and County to travel to fulfill assigned duties. Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: One (1) year