Code Enforcement Officer

Lake Stevens is generally a residential community with access to numerous commercial retail and recreational opportunities. Of course the crown jewel of the community is the lake itself which boasts some of the greatest water recreational opportunities in the county. Lake Stevens is also uniquely situated being close to the lake ocean and Cascade mountains to take advantage of many outdoor activities. The Lake Stevens Schools are excellent and coupled with a city priority of parks and increased walkability makes Lake Stevens an ideal place to raise a family.

• Work-LifeBalance -We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service while also sustaining a routine that suits eachindividualslifestyle.
• FlexibleWork Schedules-Thecity offers a variety of work schedulesdependent on meeting business necessities and supervisor approval.
• Work Where you Live!

• Retirement-through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
• Deferred Compensation-with citymatch.
• Excellent healthcare options-including medical dental visioninsurancecity-paid life insurance and long-term disability health savings accounts (HSA) andHealthReimbursement Accounts (HRA/VEBA).
• Paid leave-including paid sick leave paid vacation flexible holidays paid holidays and bereavement leave.
• Tuition reimbursement!
• See our benefitspage for a complete list of all the benefits available to the City of Lake Stevens employees.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Responds to and investigates citizen complaints concerning alleged or potential land use and building code violations in coordination with other affected staff and departments.

• Conducts field investigations gathers and analyzes information makes findings and conducts follow-up inspections to verify compliance and takes appropriate action within level of authority.

• Meets with owners tenants contractors developers and businesses to review and explain code requirements violations or potential violations and secure code compliance.

• Inspects damaged or deteriorating structures to determine needed repairs; investigates alleged violations of building and land use ordinances as well as various other nuisance codes as assigned.

• Researches organizes and maintains documentation on code violations including remedial actions.

• Prepares cases for filing or submission for prosecution; gives testimony on behalf of the City at court hearings and public forums; attends and represents the City at violation appeal hearings.

• Prepares and presents reports evidence and testimony on behalf of the City.

• Interprets and explains ordinances codes and regulations; communicates with fire law enforcement water sewer and other community and governmental agencies in the performance of code enforcement duties in coordination with appropriate staff.

• Maintains a variety of logs and records management system related to inspection and enforcement activities; enters all inspection reports code enforcement documents and letters into the citys permit tracking system and address filing system.

• Writes prepares and distributes letters correspondence and written reports.

• Develops organizes and implements the code enforcement program and procedures; propose updates to the procedures or city codes.

• Assists with public inquiries at the front counter.

• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

• May attend City Council meetings as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The physical demandsdescribed 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 the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger handle or feel; talk; and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and to stand and walk; the employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and to stoop kneel crouch or crawl. While in the office environment the employee frequently is required to sit for extended periods of time and type on a keyboard for extended periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close distance color and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

Work is usually performed in both an office and field environment subject to driving to offsite locations to perform inspections or to investigate issues. The field environment may include but not be limited to all types of weather conditions and perhaps potential hazards from unconfined animals dilapidated structures and litter. Walking over rough uneven terrain and some climbing may be required. While performing the duties of this job the employee may occasionally be exposed individuals who may possibly be irate or hostile. The noise level in the work environment may vary.

Education Training and Experience Guidelines

Education: High school diploma or equivalent;

Experience: Two (2) years of experience in dealing with public for code compliance land-use planning law enforcement or building inspection.

Or: Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the desired skills knowledge and ability required to perform the job may be substituted for these qualifications.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal state and local laws codes regulations and policies and procedures related to building land-use housing and property maintenance codes.
• Investigative methods and techniques; real estate and land-use records research.
• Structure organization and interrelationships of city departments agencies and related governmental agencies and offices affecting assigned functions.
• Interpersonal skills using tact patience and courtesy.
• Correct usage of English grammar spelling punctuation and vocabulary.
• Effective oral and written communication principles and practices to include public speaking and professional business letter writing.
• Modern office procedures methods and equipment; including computers and computer applications such as word processing case tracking software spreadsheets and statistical databases.
• How artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies are used to enhance public service delivery decision-making and operational efficiency

Ability to:

• Investigate land use and building complaints and enforce laws codes ordinances and regulations with firmness persistence tact and equity.
• Conduct technical research to gather and analyze datato independently identify and define related deficiencies or hazards andpresent findingsto recommend effective remedial measures.
• Read interpret and apply adopted rules regulations laws and procedures in coordination with appropriate staff.
• Participate as a contributing member of a service-oriented team.
• Learn applicable computer applications software and peripheral equipment quickly and effectively.
• Handle multiple tasks accurately and reliably in a busy demanding work environment.
• Effectively schedule and prioritize workload individually and with other staff members.
• Maintain confidentiality and communicate with tact and diplomacy.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with assigned team staff management contractors developers outside agencies community groups and the general public.
• Demonstrate positive and effective interaction and communication with individuals of diverse social and economic backgrounds.
• Identifying opportunities to streamline workflows using AI or digital tools

Skilled in:

• Analyzing situations accurately and adopting an effective course of action.
• Record keeping techniques and using related technology.
• Preparing clear and concise correspondence and written materials.
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing including the ability to listen effectively and to explain complex issues applicable legal requirements policies and procedures to internal and external customers.
• Adapt to evolving technologies including AI and integrate them into routine work practices.

License Certifications and Other Requirements:

• Valid Washington State Drivers License and a driving record which meets the citys requirements.
• ICC International Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector Certification or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire date or as agreed upon.
• Completion of position-relevant background check.
• Additional consideration may be given for ICC or national inspector certifications.
• Adapt to evolving technologies including AI and integrate them into routine work practices

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore it is very important that the Work Experience portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity please include the following with your online application:

• An attached resume outlining(in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached cover letter thatfurther explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance technical skills and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the References section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.