Chief Code Officer

PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION:   

Performs a variety of technical duties in support of the City's local code enforcement program; plans, organizes and directs the Code Enforcement Division programs for the City; monitors and enforces a variety of applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations related to zoning, land use, nuisance housing, building codes, health and safety, medical marijuana, and other matters of public concern; conducts building inspections on a needed basis; and serves as a resource and provides information on City regulations to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public, and other City departments and divisions.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

• Plans, prioritizes, assigns, supervises and reviews the work of staff responsible for code enforcement services, special projects, and activities in the code enforcement division performs a variety of field and office work in support of the City's local code enforcement program;
• Inspects, enforces, and ensures compliance with City regulations, ordinances, and comprehensive plan including those pertaining to zoning, land use, derelict personal property, dilapidated buildings, health and safety, weeds and grass, trash and debris, medical marijuana, and other matters of public concern.
• Participates in the selection of Code Enforcement staff; provides or coordinates staff training and works with employees to correct deficiencies. 
• Handles complaints from the public, physically investigates and inspects public nuisances in the field concerning but not limited to, weeds, trash, debris, junk, abandoned vehicles, dilapidated structures, derelict personal property, alleged violations of City zoning and related municipal codes and ordinances; interviews complainants and witnesses; conducts investigations and provides recommendations for resolution, coordinates all requests and responses to concerns on the Citizen Action Center.

• Conducts field investigations; inspects properties for violations; attempts to make contact at the property in order to resolve violation(s); issues and posts warning notices, notices of violation, corrective notices, orders to comply, and related documentation for code violations; schedules and performs all follow-up functions to gain compliance including letters, inspections, calls, meetings, discussions, and negotiations to ensure compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances; issues administrative and parking citations and notices of violation as necessary.
• Is responsible for monitoring commercial medical marijuana facilities including cultivation facilities, facilities for the production of edible marijuana or marijuana-infused products, marijuana processing facilities, independent testing laboratories, distributors and marijuana dispensaries to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations and for public health protection as well as municipal codes.
• Assists in licensing and permitting requirements for new and existing medical marijuana businesses including assisting the building and fire inspection departments and other state and county regulatory agencies to ensure conformance with established marijuana laws and ordinances, as well as safety regulations and ordinances for proper standards of materials and workmanship; Inspects medical marijuana business sites to check for proper registrations, licensing and permits and ensures businesses are operating in accordance with plans and codes; issues Certificates of Occupancy for medical marijuana businesses.
• Works closely with the Community Service Coordinator in determining locations and properties to be cleaned through the Community Service Program.

• Prepares evidence in support of legal actions taken by the City; appears in court as necessary; testifies at hearings and in court or administrative hearings as required.
• Maintains accurate documentation and case files on all investigations, inspections, enforcement actions, and other job related activities including accurate and detailed information regarding code enforcement activity to substantiate violations; draws diagrams and illustrations and takes photographs.
• Prepares a variety of written reports, memos, and correspondence related to enforcement activities.
• Assists in the preparation of preliminary budget information and reports for the Code Enforcement division.
• Operates office equipment and other technology such as computers, tablets, copiers, phone systems, Microsoft Office Suite of applications, Adobe Acrobat, and other applications; learns to operate new technologies as they are developed and implemented.
• Reports to work on a regular and timely basis.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

The Chief Code Officer reports directly to the Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development.

The Chief Code Officer supervises all Code Enforcement Officers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience: Graduation from high school or an equivalency certificate and three (3) years of practical experience in or training in code enforcement, municipal government, building inspections, and/or medical marijuana compliance. An equivalent combination of training, certifications, and experience will be considered.

Knowledge of:

• The International Property Maintenance Code, Residential Code, and Building Code;
• All types of building construction materials and methods;
• The operations, services, and activities of a municipal code compliance program;
• Pertinent codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations of related areas;
• Procedures involved in the enforcement of codes and regulations;
• Conducting and documenting field investigations;
• Legal actions applicable to code enforcement compliance;
• Effective public relations practices;
• Principles and procedures of record keeping; modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications;
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices;

Ability to:

• Inspect and identify violations of applicable codes and ordinances;
• Enforce pertinent codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations with impartiality and efficiency;
• Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and firm manner;
• Investigate complaints and mediate resolutions in a timely and tactful manner;
• Effectively communicate with the public, City officials, and department heads and effectively maintain records, reports and evidence.
• Testify coherently and effectively in courtroom or other formal proceedings.
• Express ideas concisely and accurately, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with municipal officials, employees, contractors, and the ability to work effectively with the public.

Skills in:

• Preparing accurate and detailed documentation of investigation findings and maintaining complex logs, records, and files;
• Research to compile, and collect data; make oral presentations and testify in court; work independently in the absence of supervision; and understand and follow oral and written instruction. 
• Exercise good judgement in inspection situations.

Physical Requirements:  The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.  On a case-by-case basis, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, arm and hand steadiness and finger dexterity will be needed enough to use a key board and telephone.  Frequent walking and standing is required.  Occasional lifting and carrying of objects up to ten (10) pounds; frequent carrying of objects weighing up to five (5) pounds.  Constant balancing; frequent reaching, stooping, handling, twisting, and repetitive movements.  Vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks.  Punctuality and reasonable attendance is essential.     Must submit to drug screening and fitness to work physical exam.

 

Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid Oklahoma Class D driver's license is required. Must acquire or possess the following licenses/certifications within the scheduled prescribed within one year of employment:

• Oklahoma Code Enforcement Association Certified Code Officer
• Certified Property Maintenance Officer
• Residential Building Inspector License (ICC B1)

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:  Time will mostly be spent indoors but occasional work outdoors will be spent in varying weather conditions; may be exposed to environmental hazards and weather/temperature extremes.  Driving vehicle to and from properties within the City limits, requires a good driving record and driving skills.