Neighborhood Improvement Officer

GENERAL PURPOSE Performs a variety of technical duties as needed to assure compliance with city codes, ordinances, regulations and other legal issues related to business licensing, weeds, pests, parking, junk, hazards, waste, animals, noise, building, zoning, and signs. Works with neighborhoods and community groups to organize clean-up projects and other activities that foster pride amongst residents in various neighborhoods. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the direct supervision of the Neighborhood Improvement Coordinator. SUPERVISION EXERCISED None. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Code Enforcement: The Code Compliance and Neighborhood Improvement Officer works collaboratively and positively with residents and businesses to promote a safe, attractive, and thriving community. This role focuses on proactive outreach, education, and partnership building to facilitate code compliance and support neighborhood vitality. Through communication and a solution-oriented approach, the officer will address concerns and coordinate efforts to achieve shared community goals. Key Responsibilities - Community Engagement and Solution Facilitation: Proactively and positively engages with residents and businesses to investigate community concerns and work together toward effective solutions related to code compliance. - Response to Citizen Inquiries: Receives and responds to citizen inquiries regarding city ordinances, codes, and regulations. Clearly communicates potential timelines for investigation and follow-up. - Partnership with Property Owners: Advises property owners, builders, and developers on city codes and potential compliance issues, partnering with them to find proper courses of action. This includes researching tax records and coordinating solutions. - Neighborhood Improvement: Works with neighborhood groups, HOAs, religious organizations, and other community partners to organize neighborhood cleanups, property cleanups, or service projects that foster pride among neighbors in their neighborhood or community. Coordinates the placing and removal of large garbage receptables. Obtains "no dumping" and "no trespassing" signs for city properties. Assists other departments, as needed, to direct traffic, as a crossing guard, and various other duties. - Field Inspections and Property Assessments: Conducts thorough field investigations and property inspections to assess for compliance. Inspections may include checking for "clear view" on corner lots, monitoring property use for zoning compliance, and verifying business licenses and sign compliance. The officer may collaborate with the Utah County Health Department to monitor health and safety practices. - Documentation and Follow-up: Prepares investigative reports and initiates official follow-up actions when necessary. Coordinates any formal legal proceedings with city legal staff, if required. The officer may also administer preliminary sanctions as allowed by ordinance and deliver or send official notices regarding violations. - Fosters a Positive Work Environment: Works d iligently to help establish a positive, "can-do" attitude with citizens, businesses, team members, and other City employees. - Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Coordinates activities with other city departments as needed, in a helpful and courteous way, including working closely with the Planning Department regarding code interpretation and enforcement, and with the Building Division on matters such as structures without permits. - Hearing Preparation and Testimony: Prepares cases for administrative hearings as needed, providing objective case information and professional testimony. Coordinates or completes abatement of violations when ordered by an administrative law judge. - Code Review and Improvement: Regularly reviews codes and regulations to stay current, receives legal interpretations, and offers recommendations for practical applications. Assists in adapting, m difying, or rewriting codes as needed. - Reporting and Community Education: Prepares and delivers written and oral reports to department heads, directors, city councils, and other groups to explain neighborhood improvement activities and program needs. - Team Support: Provides training to clerical staff who assist with the administration of code enforcement tasks. Performs related duties as required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Education and Experience: 2. Graduation from high school, plus two (2) years of specialized training provided through in-service, professional workshops, technical college or university studies; AND 1. Four (4) years of responsible experience performing above or related duties; preference for experience related to local government ordinance enforcement and investigation; law enforcement civil and/or criminal investigation or some other related field; OR 1. An equivalent combination of education and experience. 2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Some knowledge of liability issues which arise out of investigative procedures; effective interpersonal communications; city and state codes and ordinances related to multiple aspects of public works, property rights, boundaries, subdividing and zoning, signing etc.; legal system and securing sanctions for violations; various investigative techniques; report writing, public relations; local animal control ordinances; local geography; the operation of motorized vehicles; basic animal care; basic procedures and cautions used in dealing with disturbed animals; animal behavior and animal handling techniques. Considerable Skill in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving. Some Ability to enforce regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality; ke ep operating records and maintain various written reports; read maps and locate property; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public; comprehend and interpret complex regulations related to zoning and other city ordinances. 1. Special Qualifications: Must possess a valid Driver's License. P.O.S.T certified as a special function peace officer (preferred). 1. Work Environment: Tasks require a variety of physical activities not generally involving muscular strain. Physical demands may occur in activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, digging, shoveling, using lawn mowers and landscaping equipment, etc. Talking, hearing and seeing required in the daily performance of job duties. Mental application utilizes memory for details, emotional stability and discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Frequent local travel required in course of performing portions of job functions.