Code Enforcement Officer

Summary: City of Gulfport is seeking a Code Enforcement Officer to help protect the safety and health of citizens by ensuring compliance with housing and zoning ordinances. The role involves conducting inspections, responding to complaints, and collaborating with other departments to enforce regulations. Responsibilities: - Respond to citizen’s complaints of code violations - Inspects and investigates potential violations of city ordinances which have been reported to determine if a violation has occurred - Proactively patrols and inspects properties for code violations during the course of duties - Researches land ownership records, permitting records and past or current code violations using computer - Prepares and issues notices of violation to be sent after inspection; communicates with alleged violators regarding findings, the process they will be involved in, and the resolution of the violation - Re-inspects violations for compliance - Post properties in accordance with state laws as required - Aid property owners in the abatement of nuisance or violation - Develop, organize and submit paperwork as deemed necessary to support Environmental Court proceedings - Appears in court or other judicial proceedings to submit testimony, evidence, and case summary for the enforcement/prosecution of criminal infractions of codes, ordinances and/or laws - Works in compliance with other departments that are engaged in code compliance tasks. (i.e., building inspector, public works, storm water, fire codes, etc.) Maintains communications for establishing coordination with other departments/agencies relevant to code enforcement activities - Performs data entry in computer as necessary - Maintain accurate records and documentations of complaints, property inspections, and case violations - Maintains cleanliness of assigned vehicle and equipment - Performs other duties as assigned Required Qualifications: - High School Diploma or equivalent - Must possess a valid Mississippi driver's license - Must obtain ICC Inspector Certification within 12 months of hire - Municipal Code enforcement methods and procedures - Safe and efficient work practices related to inspections and enforcement duties - Techniques of negotiations and conflict resolution - Possess strong customer service skills with the ability to remain calm in stressful situations - Establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and citizen groups, businesses, and other internal and external agencies - Ability to deal with the public tactfully and courteously - Ability to enforce regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality - Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from the general public, City Official or other department employees - Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form - Gather and analyze data for the purpose of preparing accurate and concise written and statistical reports - Ability to extract legal descriptions and ownership information from records as required - Interpret and implement assigned regulations, policies, and procedures as they are related to the program - Interpret City codes and determining corrective action - Apply analytical skills and understand impact and consequences of decisions and actions - Read and interpret laws, codes, ordinances and policies - Process information and data in a relevant manner to reach reasonable conclusions and make practical decisions - Travel to remote sites within the city to conduct inspections - Work indoors or outdoors in a variety of climatic conditions - Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing - Meet deadlines and work independently - Ability to write reports and business correspondences - Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications - Maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees, supervisor and other departments Preferred Qualifications: - Experience or training dealing with the public in any of the following types of work: Code Enforcement, Planning, Building Inspection, Investigation or other closely related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above Required Skills: Municipal Code enforcement, ICC Inspector Certification Important Skills: Data analysis, Report writing, Negotiation techniques, Conflict resolution Nice-to-Have Skills: Customer service skills, Computer proficiency