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CODE COMPLIANCE INVESTIGATOR IV (#GL8 )
$43.78-$55.38 hourly / $7,588.00-$9,599.00 monthly / $91,062.40-$115,190.40 yearly


Definition

 

Under direction, as lead worker, plans, organizes, and coordinates the field activities of the Code Compliance Investigator staff; performs the most difficult, sensitive or responsible investigations in the enforcement of County zoning, building, environmental, cannabis registration and licensing, and other land use ordinances and regulations; and perform other duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

 

Code Compliance Investigator IV is distinguished from the lower level of Code Compliance Investigator III in that the latter does not involve ongoing lead work responsibilities, specific operational responsibility for programs such as abatement of dangerous buildings and sites, neglected properties, etc., and does not perform investigations with major policy, liability and multi-jurisdictional impacts. It is distinguished from the next higher level of Principal Planner in that the latter is responsible for managing the Code Enforcement Section by providing administrative and technical supervision to investigative staff.

Typical Tasks

 

As lead worker, plan, organize, coordinate and monitor the casework of Code Compliance Investigators; assist in training of investigative staff; keep abreast of ordinances and regulations pertaining to code enforcement and maintain the code enforcement section procedures manual as approved; serve as a resource to lower level code compliance investigators and other department staff regarding code enforcement issues; and in some positions, using the cannabis registration and licensing ordinances to determine and/or investigate cannabis sites for application approval, compliance and review for renewal; keep the section manager informed of the status of field investigations and unusual cases; develop and recommend bid specifications and contract conditions for abatement programs; monitor contractor performance; prepare reports and make presentations to the public, Planning Commission and/or Board of Supervisors regarding abatement programs; investigate reports of dangerous buildings and sites; issue abatement notices for dangerous buildings and sites as required; explain dangerous buildings and sites abatement procedures to the public and other interested parties; conduct the most complex and sensitive code enforcement investigations, including onsite inspections, to substantiate building, zoning, environmental and related violations; issue warning notices and notices of violations of County land use ordinances and codes; prepare documents to record or expunge violations from property title through appropriate agencies; gather and compile information and documentation in support of legal cases; verify compliance with permit conditions, zoning and environmental and other applicable laws and regulations governing land use and building standards; coordinate staff level work within the department and with other County departments and land use agencies to bring violations into compliance with County codes and regulations; analyze information gathered during investigations and make recommendations as to how to proceed with cases per established procedures; recommend referral of cases and/or information to other applicable agencies; coordinate investigations with other regulatory or law enforcement agencies; confer with County Counsel, District Attorney's Office, and Planning Department staff concerning cases under investigation; request, obtain and execute inspection warrants when authorized; appear as a witness in administrative hearings and courts of law; keep detailed records of investigations; compile and prepare written and oral reports on investigations; prepare correspondence; maintain case files and provide case management for assigned cases; deal with uncooperative and potentially hostile individuals; input, access and analyze data using a computer; conduct field reconnaissance to identify abandoned, dismantled and inoperative vehicles as a result of public complaints; issue "vehicle to be towed" warnings; explain vehicle abatement procedures to the public, vehicle owners and other interested parties; investigate reports of neglected properties; issue neglected property abatement notices as required; explain neglected property abatement procedures to the public and other interested parties.

Employment Standards

 

Knowledge of:

Thorough knowledge of:

  •  Procedures used in gathering and compiling information.
  • Interviewing principles and techniques.
  • Zoning, building and environmental ordinances. 
  • Regulations, laws and other ordinances governing land use.
  • Principles, methods and techniques used in investigations and enforcement work including appropriate legal requirements and constraints.
  • Uniform building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes.
  • California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

Working knowledge of:

  • Office procedures and practices, including preparation of correspondence, reports and filing.
  • Record keeping procedures and practices. Federal, State and local land-use regulatory agencies. Rules of evidence and court procedures.

Some knowledge of:

  •   the principles and practices of supervision and training.

Ability to:

  • Maintain accurate and legible field notes and document actions taken.
  • Independently apply inspection procedures for the full range of investigation cases and abatement programs.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with the public in stressful situations.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, the general public, officials, and personnel of other agencies.
  • Read, interpret and apply zoning, environmental and building ordinances and related regulations, laws and other ordinances governing land use in an objective, accurate way. Research regulations, procedures and/or technical reference materials relating to code enforcement.
  • Read and understand plot plans, topographic maps, building plans and elevations.
  • Take initiative in carrying out direction and in formulating creative solutions to problems.
  • Complete thorough, accurate investigations of violations and follow up to achieve compliance.
  • Learn to input, access and analyze data using a computer.
  • Gather and evaluate facts and evidence and draw logical conclusions.
  • Work well individually and as a member of a professional and technical team.
  • Write clear, concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence, technical reports and program plans.
  • Make detailed presentations on complex issues to internal and community groups and decision making committees, commissions and boards. Bend, squat, climb and twist such as while conducting a site inspection under a house, in an attic or walking through brush.
  • Walk over uneven terrain such as unpaved roads, hills, trails, construction sites, and streams. Perform tasks which require coordination and balance, such as walking on narrow ledges or on logs to cross streams.
  • Testify in administrative hearings and courts of law.
  • Synthesize complex case issues, ordinances and legal requirements relative to investigation cases or abatement programs and make recommendations for departmental actions.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

One year of experience conducting complex code investigations requiring multi-department coordination such as high priority abatement cases and complex violations with health and safety, off-site and non-restorable impacts.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

License: Possession of a valid California class C driver license.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to: variable temperatures; slippery surfaces; loud noises; sunburn; dust and pollen; silica dust such as asbestos in old homes; bee stings; infections, such as tick-borne Lyme disease or mosquito-borne encephalitis; angry or hostile persons; corrosive chemicals; wetness, such as while walking in the rain or through a stream on a site inspection.

Note: This classification has a 6-month probationary period.

Miscellaneous

 

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 03

Occupational Grouping: 28

Workers' Comp Code: 0285


CLASS: GL8; EST: 10/1/1995; REV: 6/1/2016;