Position: Code Enforcement Officer
Department: Urban Development
Division: Land Code

Rate of Pay: $15.00/hr.

Nature of Work:
The incumbent will, under general supervision, perform a variety of technical duties in support of the City of Hattiesburg’s local code enforcement program. Work involves monitoring and enforcing a variety of applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations related to zoning, land use, nuisance housing, building codes, health and safety, blight, defacement of property, water waste, and other matters of public concern. The Code Enforcement Officer serves as a resource and provides information on City codes to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public, and other City departments and divisions.

Examples of Work:
• Receive and respond to citizen complaints and reports from other agencies and departments on alleged violations of City zoning and related municipal codes and ordinances; interview complainant and witnesses; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, conduct investigations and provide recommendations for resolution. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Conduct field investigations; inspect properties for violations; attempt to make contact at the residence or business in order to resolve violation; issue and post warning notices, notices of violation, corrective notices, municipal offence tickets, and related documentation for code violations; schedule and perform all follow-up functions to gain compliance including letters, inspections, calls, meetings, discussions, and negotiations to ensure compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances as necessary.
• Prepare evidence in support of legal actions taken by the City; appear in Environmental Court as necessary; testify at hearings and in court proceedings as required.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper documentation through case files on all investigations, inspections, read maps and property profiles, enforcement actions, and, other job-related activities including accurate and detailed information regarding code enforcement activity to substantiate violations.
• Be proficient in computer operations (Microsoft Office, Database operations (Energov), and generate Geographical Information Systems (GIS) information.
• May assist in researching, drafting, and rewriting municipal codes; participate in the development of forms and processes utilized to address various issues.
• Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications:
College level coursework in criminal justice, public administration, business administration/ other related field or equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training. Prefer at least one year of work experience involving a high level of public contact including some experience dealing with the public in an enforcement, inspection, investigation, or customer service capacity. Experience that includes the enforcement of municipal codes is highly desirable. Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license. Successful completion of the Asbestos Abatement course within 12 months of hire. Possession of, or ability to obtain within 2 years of employment, certification as a Property Maintenance/Housing Inspector (Code Enforcement Officer) issued by the International Code Council (ICC).