Code Enforcement Officer III

SUMMARY:

In order to hire and maintain a quality workforce that reflects the diversity of the community and works well within our True North values-based organization, the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for the career-service position of Code Enforcement Officer III.

The Code Enforcement Officer III will assist the Code Enforcement Product Line Manager (PLM) in leading, training, evaluating, and overseeing the work of the professional code enforcement staff, and in the development of work plans and the scheduling of unit work.

In this role, you will provide quality control by reviewing reports, files and documentation of code enforcement cases handled by other Code Enforcement Officers; assist in the development of programs and procedures to improve the enforcement program; provide code interpretations and training to officers; provide public information and clarification on codes and their practical applications; assist with difficult public hearings and legal actions; and perform inspections on difficult or unusual sites. The Code Enforcement Officer III also directly handles more complex or difficult cases that may be assigned by the PLM.

Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering equity, racial and social justice in every aspect of our work.  Our commitment to “True North” values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose.  Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.

JOB DUTIES:

Applying equity, racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

To be considered for this opportunity, you must at a minimum, demonstrate knowledge, skill, and ability to:

• Provide guidance to Code Enforcement Officers in resolving difficult and/or unusual situations related to code enforcement cases.
• Review case notes and enforcement files to determine adequacy of data entry, timing and frequency of inspections, and documentation of code violations.
• Monitor timelines for Notice and Orders, billing of civil penalties, appeals, etc. to assure appropriate and timely follow-up.
• Provide feedback to the PLM on employee work performance; and assist the PLM in case assignments to balance workload.
• Provide training and technical guidance to Code Enforcement Officers.
• Review and update form letters and public information materials as required, to reflect changes in code requirements and policies.
• Assist Code Enforcement Officers with difficult public hearings and legal actions and assist in the field with difficult site inspections.
• Review legal notices such as Notice and Orders, Compliance Certificates and Termination of Enforcement. Assist in recording documents as needed.
• Assist in the development of code enforcement programs and in planning and implementation of changes to current programs.
• Assist in the review and revision of code enforcement policies and procedures as needed and monitor staff to verify they are complying with policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and standardize section code interpretation and participate in Department code interpretation and code change recommendations.
• Represent King County in legal action by acting as expert witness, giving depositions, and answering interrogatories in litigation involving code enforcement actions.
• Provide information to the public on code clarification, code interpretation and enforcement issues, and be available to represent the Code Enforcement Section at community meetings if needed.
• Investigate reports of building, zoning, housing, grading, clearing/grading, critical-area, and nuisance code violations, including property research, site inspections, assessment of violations, interviews of involved parties, and making written and photographic records for evidence in hearings and trials.
• Other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience in the investigation of code violation complaints and the code enforcement process.
• Ability to plan and lead the work of others; ability to build consensus and motivate employees.
• Familiarity with terminology used in construction and land use; zoning, building, housing, shorelines, nuisance, and environmental and critical-area codes; and legal principles applied to code enforcement procedures.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations and right of entry requirements.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques; skill in investigating and researching information.
• Experience working collaboratively with staff from multiple disciplines and from various levels of the organization and coordinating their work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including providing training and making presentations.
• Experience in using data and spreadsheets to prepare reports.
• Skill in working effectively and cooperatively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Skill in providing solutions to code questions and interpretations.
• Skill in making presentations to non-technical audiences and/or providing testimony in litigation matters.
• Ability to use office equipment and software.

Desired Qualifications:

• International Code Council (ICC) Code Enforcement certification
• Demonstrated experience leading both entry and journey level code enforcement professionals.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable state, federal and local laws, rules, ordinances, and regulatory standards applicable to the work.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• An offer of employment will be contingent on the success of a pre-employment physical examination.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle throughout the county.
• Must be able to traverse difficult terrain in any weather condition.

Code Enforcement Officer III

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.