City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Code Investigator

Under nominal supervision, this position develops and provides field training, performs property inspections and in-depth case reviews and investigations, and assists inspection staff with assigned case management and resolution of complex code violations. This position determines the presence of health hazards; nuisance violations; unsafe building conditions; and violations of land use regulations, statutes, or ordinances. This position designs, documents, and implements field training and credentialing in-service programs for inspection staff. This position leads and supports quality improvement initiatives.

1. Monitors and facilitates resolution to the field investigations conducted by Code Inspectors.
2. Performs as an investigative and procedural resource for the assigned zone and conducts quality reviews on case reports to ensure compliance with internal standards.
3. Conducts investigations, case management, and enforcement on reported property code violations, which may include interviews with tenants/occupants, neighbors, contractors, workers, or property owners, to evaluate validity.
4. Determines if violations are present at the reported property and refers the code violations to appropriate departments or agencies.
5. Serves as field trainer; facilitates evaluations, credentialing, and field training activities for operations personnel; and ensures proper documentation in writing.
6. Performs research of reported property to determine property ownership, current occupants, and extent of violations. Evaluates research findings to determine appropriate compliance action and determines necessary corrective actions.
7. Coordinates and monitors the improvement or remedy of the violations with the property owners, violators, or other City departments, which includes re-inspections.
8. Coordinates notification of property owners or violators as required by code, regulation, or State statute for any action taken, which includes possible fines, fees, or charges for work performed by City-authorized third-party services.
9. Documents all actions, complying with all division standards, taken from initial investigation through the attainment of compliance, abatement, or judicial/administrative referral.
10. Assists in preparation of cases for legislative, administrative, quasi-judicial, and judicial bodies which may include providing witness testimony.
11. Complies with all applicable security and safety rules, regulations, and standards pertaining to vehicles and personal safety.
12. Responds to inquiries regarding registered complaints and their results.
13. Attends special meetings, which may include presenting/providing information related to code compliance.
14. Initiates quality assessments and facilitates process improvements based on documented findings. Performs post-disaster assessment of debris volume for collection services.
15. Complies with all applicable department and division security and safety rules, regulations, and standards pertaining to vehicle and personal safety.

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

• Knowledge of the principles, interpretation, and administration of applicable policies; codes; and municipal, State, and Federal regulations and guidelines.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques, procedures, and reporting.
• Knowledge of the methods required in reading and interpreting maps, building plans, and site plans.
• Knowledge of applying land use codes and ordinances, which includes, but is not limited to, research and the use of site plans.
• Knowledge of the coordination and integration of the investigative function with other operations, the department, and the City.
• Knowledge of data entry and retrieval procedures.
• Skill in organization.
• Skill in evaluating research to determine applicable ordinances, codes, regulations, and statutes.
• Skill in communicating orally subject matter case testimony before a governing or judicial body.
• Skill in written and oral communication of any violation and the requirements for its improvement or rehabilitation to architects, contractors, developers, other City staff, and the public to achieve voluntary compliance.
• Skill in making accurate measurements and computations.
• Skill in preparing clear and concise written reports, and in presenting quantitative and qualitative data to provide timely management information.
• Skill in recordkeeping.
• Skill in using effective time management to meet Federal, State, City, department, and division-mandated deadlines.
• Skill in using a digital camera, laptop or notebook computer, and appropriate software applications, principally Microsoft Office products.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus five (5) years of experience in code enforcement, code administration, building inspections, building construction, planning, or other regulatory or law enforcement capacity enforcing and interpreting codes and regulations, including three (3) years of case management experience.
• Graduation with an Associate degree or higher degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Environmental, Engineering, Urban Planning, Criminal Justice, Building Science, Construction Management, or in a related field may substitute for experience in code enforcement or building construction trade up to two (2) years.

• Valid Texas driver license within thirty (30) days of hire.
• Criminal background check is required.
• Registered as a Code Enforcement Officer with the State of Texas.

Ability to bend, lift, walk, carry, or use a force equal to lifting up to fifty (50) pounds.