Code Enforcement Officer

The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill Extra Help positions assigned to ensure compliance with the provisions of Placer County’s Cannabis Ordinance.

Primary duties will include the following:

• Prepare evidence for use in administrative and criminal hearing/court proceedings and the ability to testify regarding such evidence.
• Identify plant species, particularly cannabis/marijuana for investigative purposes related to restrictions of the plant in state and local code.
• Read and understand site plans, blueprints, maps, drawings, specifications, legal descriptions, contract documents, criminal code, penal code, graphs and building and use permits including that related to cannabis/marijuana cultivation.
• Use patience, tact, courtesy and self-restraint when dealing with members of the general public who choose to cultivate cannabis/marijuana whether in accordance with or in violation of local laws and codes pertaining to cannabis/marijuana cultivation.
• Determine violations versus permitted land uses per zoning or cannabis related ordinances, ordinance codes, and maintain files on all violations including those related to cannabis/marijuana cultivation.

Appointments made from this eligible list may transition to permanent status, should permanent vacancies arise at some future date.

Temporary/Extra Help assignments are limited to 999 hours (or 960 hours for CalPERS retired annuitants) in a fiscal year and are not eligible for benefits.

DEFINITION

To enforce State and local zoning, building and housing codes through research, investigation and inspection and follow up activities, including citation issuance and court appearance; and to communicate with the public regarding code compliance and enforcement

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full journey level class within the Code Enforcement series. This class is distinguished from the Code Enforcement Officer I by the assignment of the full range of duties assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

This class is distinguished from the Supervising Code Enforcement Officer in that the latter exercises full, first-line supervision over technical and clerical staff and investigates and handles the more difficult and complex code enforcement cases.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate supervision from assigned management or supervisory staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Investigate complaints and conduct field inspections; seek compliance regarding code requirements through written and personal contact; issue warning notices and citations; and conduct follow up inspections.
• Explain applicable zoning, building and housing codes and division policies and procedures to the public in the field, by telephone and at the public counter; and coordinate with other County departments and outside agencies as needed.
• Establish and maintain accurate and complete case files; prepare legal documents and evidence for court and/or administrative hearing proceedings; and testify in court as needed.
• Receive and review information about possible violations of zoning and building codes; and research parcel history and permits to determine validity of complaints.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years of responsible experience performing duties similar to those of Code Enforcement Officer I in Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized training in law enforcement, land use, building or business regulation or a related field.

License or Certificate:

• May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
• 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 and Training to be obtained within twelve months of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of positive interpersonal and public relations.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Arithmetic and basic mathematical calculations.
• Arithmetic and basic mathematical calculations.
• State and local codes and regulations pertaining to building, housing and zoning.
• Operation, policies and procedures of a county planning division, especially as related to Code Enforcement.

Ability to:

• Prepare and issue citations and warrants; collect and preserve evidence, write arrest warrants, inspection warrants, search warrants and related paperwork.
• Follow established procedures to issue citations and warrants to people in violation of county codes and state regulations; document each citation presented to owners and agents.
• On a continuous basis, analyze situations and develop solutions; identify, interpret, explain and enforce violations; review and interpret codes and rules; and maintain awareness of safety at all times.
• On a continuous basis, walk, stand, climb and bend in the field. Occasionally kneel and run; write or use a keyboard to communicate; occasionally lift moderate weight; visually differentiate between colors on land use maps.
• Independently interpret and enforce zoning and land use rules.
• Perform routine investigations and inspections and prepare evidence and files on difficult enforcement cases for court presentation and testimony.
• Simultaneously investigate multiple inquiries and complaints and conduct multiple field inspections, accurately document findings and maintain appropriate records.
• Compile, analyze and evaluate technical information; prepare evidence for use in hearings and court proceedings and testify regarding such evidence.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
• Obtain information through interview and dialogue; and work fairly and courteously with the public.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Use a computer, calculator, typewriter, telephone, facsimile machine, photocopy machine, microfilm reader printer, photographic camera.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination, which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation and/or be bonded.

MODIFIED AGENCY SHOP

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and those in management and confidential groups, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification. For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please visit our website at: http://www.jobaps.com/placer/sup/abfreenames.asp.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

BENEFITS

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.