SENIOR CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Code: 07379 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of a Supervising Code Enforcement Officer or other supervisory official, takes the lead over other code enforcement officers and/or performs the more complex work involved in seeing that residents, business places, and citizens comply with adopted codes, ordinances, and related rules and regulations other than the State Sanitary Code, State Uniform Construction Code or any of its subcodes, or State Uniform Fire Code or any other code for which a license, registration, or certification is required by state law; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• May take the lead over and gives assignments to subordinate code enforcement officers.
• Coordinates, schedules and distributes work assignments to Code Enforcement Officers and others involved in the work of the unit, providing guidance and assistance as necessary.
• Trains code enforcement staff responsible for conducting inspections and investigations.
• Conducts the more difficult and complex field inspections and special investigations to ensure compliance with various municipal ordinances.
• Initiates and enforces rules and regulations in relation to enforcement of various municipal ordinances.
• Reinspects property after completion of repairs to ensure that they comply to regulations.
• Initiates necessary legal action against violators of various municipal ordinances.
• Read and respond to submitted computer inquiries from the public.
• Presents inspection findings in court cases.
• Prepares the establishment and maintenance of records and files as assigned.
• May assist in the promulgation of municipal ordinances.
• Attends meetings of municipal boards or agencies including public meetings as required.
• Appears and testifies in municipal court or other appropriate boards and agencies to obtain compliance with laws and ordinances.
• Establishes a schedule of proposed systematic inspection of all properties in the municipality including interiors of businesses and multiple dwelling properties as well as schools and places of worship and assembly.
• Submits monthly reports of inspections made including names and addresses of owners, occupants, or lessees of premises, dates of inspection, code violations found if any, notices of violations served, complaints filed with court or agencies, and dates of compliance or disposition of cases.
• Coordinates inspections of occupancies requiring joint inspections with other public agencies such as the health department, building department, police department, and other appropriate bodies and agencies.
• Attends public meetings when required of the Board of Adjustment, Planning Board, and other appropriate boards and agencies.
• Prepares periodic reports of inspections and investigations.
• Establishes and maintains a complete, comprehensive record system of inspections.
• Inspects high rise and multiple dwelling properties for property maintenance code violations.
• Inspects the interior and exterior of premises for safety hazards and unsightly or unsanitary conditions such as loose and overhanging objects, accumulation of ice, excavations, projections, obstructions, and so forth.
• Inspects exterior porches, elevated patios, landings, balconies, stairs, and fire escapes to see that they are in good condition.
• Inspects the exterior of structures to see that they are maintained in good repair and that they are free of broken glass, loose shingles, peeling paint, or crumbling stone, brick, or cement.
• Inspects signs and outdoor light poles and stanchions for condition.
• Receives and responds to complaints of alleged violations of local zoning code.
• Conducts inspections of such sites and writes initial complaint and may refer matter to zoning officer.
• Advises owner or other person of violations to the zoning code.
• Receives complaints and inspects business premises for display of proper license, checks license to see if it is valid, and if no license is displayed or license validation has expired, issues a written notice of violation.
• In response to complaints, inspects site where garbage, refuse, and/or debris have accumulated and orders that the matter be abated or issues notices of violation of local code pertaining to same.
• Keep record of all abandoned properties within the jurisdiction in order to keep banks abreast of payments due on said properties.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in conducting inspections or investigations to detect violations of and ensure compliance with laws, rules, and regulations.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of provisions of municipal rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and ordinances after a period of training.
• Knowledge of problems involved in organizing work and developing effective work methods both in the field and in the office.
• Knowledge of inspection procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of methods used in writing reports that substantiate findings and serve as a basis for legal proceedings.
• Knowledge of procedures to be followed and precautions to be taken in observing and collecting facts which are significant in determining whether laws are being observed.
• Ability to analyze, comprehend, and interpret municipal rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and ordinances, and to apply them to specific cases.
• Ability to note significant conditions and to take proper action when action is called for in accord with prescribed procedures.
• Ability to make accurate observations and record conditions, and abstract and note those things which are significant.
• Ability to provide guidance and instruction to employees.
• Ability to conduct the more difficult field inspections and investigations.
• Ability to take and maintain a firm, correct stand when controversial matters are considered.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to make evaluative judgments based on the application of statutory or regulatory provisions.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.