Code Enforcement Officer

at  Snohomish County

DESCRIPTION

The mission of the Snohomish County Planning and Development Services (PDS) is to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations by promoting protection of natural resources and facilitating the development of safe, sustainable and resilient communities.
PDS is responsible for reviewing and issuing a wide variety of permits and land use applications, including residential and commercial building permits, boundary line adjustments, subdivisions, right-of-way, clearing and grading, public events, firework stands, and others. PDS strives to make the permitting process as painless and as easy to understand as possible.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s degree in planning, social science or related field; PLUS, three (3) years planning, civil or criminal investigation or related field; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and skill. Must pass job related tests.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

An AACE Code Enforcement Officer Certification preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A valid State of Washington Drivers License is required for employment.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• county and state land use codes, critical areas, state forest practices, and clean water laws, regulations, and standards
• construction materials, methods and stages of construction
• investigative methods and techniques; real estate and land userecords research
• administrative and courtroom procedures

Ability to:

• enforce laws, codes, ordinances and regulations with firmness, tact and equity
• independently identify and define related deficiencies or hazards and recommend effective remedial measures
• maintain necessary records and prepare required reports
• establish and maintain effective work relationships with superiors, peers, associates and the general public
• communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• make decisions under pressure
• read, interpret and apply adopted rules, regulations, laws and procedures
• learn Snohomish County zoning, building, platting, shoreline, and grading codes
• use personal computer equipment and software

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Conducts site inspections and fact finding for land use, conditional use, critical area, forest practice and clean water complaints. Determines validity of complaint by evaluating compliance with all appropriate codes.
• Conducts noise investigations; monitors noise utilizing noise monitory equipment; issues civil citations as necessary.
• Develops case documentation; researches records to determine property ownership, permit and zoning history, legal descriptions, and pertinent administrative and hearing examiner decisions and case law; established pictorial evidence to confirm violations and compliance requirements; prepares written reports.
• Provides information and guidance regarding land use, critical area, forest practice and clean water processes; provides technical information regarding code enforcement procedures; advises the public of violations and compliance requirements.
• Issues reports, evidence and testimony on behalf of the department at public forums, council hearings, appeal hearings and Superior Court.
• Prepares and presents reports motions and requests for admission of evidence, and gives testimony on behalf of the department at public forums, council hearings, appeal hearings, District and Superior court.
• Assists and advises Prosecuting Attorney’s Office regarding case pursuit and penalty assessment; provides case updates; coordinates activities of violator until case resolution is achieved.
• Performs related duties as required.