HomeMy WebLinkAbout#06 - Code Enforcement Officer PostingSTAFF REPORT
DATE: February 7, 2023
CONSENT
AGENDA ITEM: Approve Job Description and Authorize Advertising for Code Enforcement
Officer
SUBMITTED BY: Kristina Handt, City Administrator
BACKGROUND:
The Code Enforcement Officer position has been vacant since the beginning of January due to a staff
promotion.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL:
Should the Council approve the new job description and authorize advertising for the Code Enforcement
Officer position?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
As mentioned previously, Baker Tilly updated job descriptions as part of the classification and
compensation study. They made updates to job descriptions based upon the information submitted by
employees and their supervisors in completing their position analysis questionnaires and based upon the
SAFE criteria used in evaluating the job. A redlined version of the new job description is included in your
packet. The duties mostly remain the same. The reporting structure has been updated to reflect the new
Community Development Director role.
Also included in the packet is a job posting. As was discussed during the class and comp presentation and
as we have done with the recent advertisements for other positions, I’m proposing we advertise with an
anticipated hiring range that spans from the minimum to the midpoint. Since anyone hired will need to
time get up to speed on our specific city, we should strive to hire no one above the midpoint. This position
was given a grade 4 assignment with a minimum step 1 being $23.46/hour, the midpoint step 6 being
$27.20/hour and the maximum step 11 being $31.53/hour.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The anticipated hiring rate is $23.46-27.20/hour which is within the range of the budget for 2023. Once an
offer is made and accepted staff will provide a more detailed cost estimate.
OPTIONS:
1) Approve the job description as presented and authorize issuing the posting for Code Enforcement
Officer
2) Amend and then approve one or both the job description or posting for Code Enforcement Officer
3) Do not update job description and advertise for Code Enforcement Officer.
RECOMMENDATION:
If removed from the consent agenda:
“Motion to approve the Code Enforcement Officer job description and authorize advertising the
position.”
ATTACHMENTS:
• Code Enforcement Officer Job Description
• Posting
City of Lake Elmo
Job Title: Code Enforcement Officer
Department: Planning Community Development
Status: Full-time regular position
Benefits: Qualifies for full-time benefits
Reporting Relationship: Reports to Planning Community Development Director
Supervisory Duties: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Position Details: Under limited supervision, this position performs intermediate work is
responsible for interpreting and enforcing municipal and zoning codes. This position
responds to concerns and complaints regarding property maintenance, nuisances,
junk/debris, vehicles, zoning, encroachment, etc. This position performs under the general
supervision of the Planning Community Development Director and is responsible for, but not
limited to the following duties:
Code Enforcement:
▪ Perform property investigations and inspections of possible municipal and zoning code
violations
▪ Maintain accurate records of inspections, follow-up actions, and compliance, and
maintains a database for tracking code enforcement cases
▪ Prepare a variety of correspondence and mailings regarding planning and zoning issues
▪ Respond to inquiries and complaints regarding municipal code, zoning code, property
maintenance, and related matters
▪ Develop and maintain accurate code violation cases for public hearings and court
proceedings, appearing at hearings as necessary, and coordinating with City p rosecutor
when appropriate
▪ Coordinates with Washington County Sheriff’s Office on inspections and code
enforcement cases
Planning and Building:
▪ Assist in zoning administration duties including reviewing building site plans, fence,
pools, impervious surface requirements, setbacks, signs, etc.
▪ Serve as backup to Permit Technician and assist in scheduling, permitting and building
inspection administration
▪ Assist in the review and administration of applications
▪ Respond to inquiries and concerns regarding the City’s planning and zoning operations
and applicable codes in-person or via phone and email
▪ Assist in the review of building site plans and zoning permits and requirements for
compliance
Administrative Duties
Provides information and education to interested parties regarding code
requirements, options and remedies
Keeps current with information on property maintenance and code compliance
inspection practices
Interprets and applies City enforcement policies and ordinances as approved by the
City Council
Identifies changes and relevant potential amendments to municipal code
Contributes to reviewing, developing, and modifying code compliance strategies,
policies, and procedures
Participate in the formation of departmental long range and strategic plans
While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and
employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the
City.
Position Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
▪ Demonstrates ability to prioritize tasks, solve problems and meet deadlines
▪ Interface with other City, County and State Government entities and other
jurisdictions when required
▪ Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills
▪ Knowledge of or ability to learn city ordinances, policies, and procedures related to
code enforcement, planning, zoning and development regulations
▪ Knowledge of or ability to learn principles and practices of land use and city planning.
▪ Ability to maintain composure under pressure, as well as in difficult or tense situations
▪ Ability to learn to use a variety of software applications applicable to land use planning.
▪ Ability to read, analyze and clearly interpret professional publications, tech nical
manuals, and land use planning and zoning regulations to communicate these to
nonexperts in understandable terms
▪ Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
▪ Prepare clear and concise written reports and materials for presentations
▪ Assist in interpreting planning and zoning activities to commissions, boards,
developers and the public
▪ Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Education: High School Diploma/GED or equivalent
Requirements:
● CFully capabilityle in word processing, and other applicable computer software
● Able to use GIS mapping software.
● CFully capableility in creating and using spreadsheets to collect, track, and analyze
information.
● Knowledge of basic land use principles
● Ability to interpret rules, procedures, and/or laws
● Experience working with the public
● Demonstrable experience with problem solving and research
● Valid MN State Driver’s License
Desired Qualifications:
▪ At least one year ofMinimal work experience or formal training in code enforcement,
municipal codes and/or zoning codes.
▪ Demonstrable experience applying regulations and achieving compliance
▪ Experience working with the public in the public sector
▪ Fully capable in GIS mapping software
▪ American Association of Code Enforcement Certification
Physical and Mental Requirements: Work is performed in both office and field settings.
Some of the employee’s time is spent in field inspection associated with code enforce ment
and development cases. Sufficient mobility is necessary to navigate natural terrain and
construction sites. Visual acuity sufficient to evaluate field conditions, plans and drawings is
necessary. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance, vision,
color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Hand -eye
coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand, walk, talk and
hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel and operate objects, tools or controls. This is light
work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of
force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The
employee must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds.
**The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable
accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essenti al
functions.
Working Conditions: While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to sit,
stand, walk, talk and hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel and operate objects, tools or
controls. The employee must occasionally lift and/or mov e 20 pounds. Work is performed in
a field environment involving working inside and outside of vehicles and in confined spaces.
Seasonal conditions can include excessive heat or cold. Conditions can include working in
wet, muddy, slippery or dusty and windy conditions.
Competencies Common to All City Positions:
● Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental
and applicable City policies and procedures
● Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excell ence, and integrity
expected from all staff
● Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including
willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with
confidence as quickly as possible
● Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters
which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities
● Represent the City of Lake Elmo in a professional manner to the public, outside
contacts and constituencies
**The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an
employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
REV 2/23
The City of Lake Elmo offers competitive pay and benefits in addition to professional development opportunities
to all employees. The city’s number one value statement is to foster an environment based on trust and
ethics. These philosophies and practices help the City in recruiting and retaining exceptional employees.
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Accepting Applications for the Position of:
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
ANTICIAPATED HIRING PAY RANGE: $23.46-27.20/hour
OPENING DATE: 2/8/23
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled, with first review of applications taking place 3/8/23
POSITION TITLE: Code Enforcement Officer
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Community Development Director
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: Under limited supervision, this position performs intermediate work interpreting
and enforcing municipal and zoning codes. This position responds to concerns and complaints regarding
property maintenance, nuisances, junk/debris, vehicles, zoning, encroachment, etc. This position performs under
the general supervision of the Community Development Director.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION
Code Enforcement:
▪ Perform property investigations and inspections of possible municipal and zoning code violations
▪ Maintain accurate records of inspections, follow-up actions, and compliance, and maintains a database
for tracking code enforcement cases
▪ Prepare a variety of correspondence and mailings regarding planning and zoning issues
▪ Respond to inquiries and complaints regarding municipal code, zoning code, property maintenance,
and related matters
▪ Develop and maintain accurate code violation cases for public hearings and court proceedings,
appearing at hearings as necessary, and coordinating with City prosecutor when appropriate
▪ Coordinates with Washington County Sheriff’s Office on inspections and code enforcement cases
Planning and Building:
▪ Assist in zoning administration duties including reviewing building site plans, fence, pools, impervious
surface requirements, setbacks, signs, etc.
▪ Serve as backup to Permit Technician and assist in scheduling, permitting and building inspection
administration
▪ Assist in the review and administration of applications
▪ Respond to inquiries and concerns regarding the City’s planning and zoning operations and applicable
codes in-person or via phone and email
▪ Assist in the review of building site plans and zoning permits and requirements for compliance
Administrative Duties:
Provides information and education to interested parties regarding code requirements, options and
remedies
Keeps current with information on property maintenance and code compliance inspection practices
Interprets and applies City enforcement policies and ordinances as approved by the City Council
Identifies changes and relevant potential amendments to municipal code
Contributes to reviewing, developing, and modifying code compliance strategies, policies, and
procedures
Participate in the formation of departmental long range and strategic plans
While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be
called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the City.
Position Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrates ability to prioritize tasks, solve problems and meet deadlines
Interface with other City, County and State Government entities and other jurisdictions when required
Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills
Knowledge of or ability to learn city ordinances, policies, and procedures related to code enforcement,
planning, zoning and development regulations
Knowledge of or ability to learn principles and practices of land use and city planning.
Ability to maintain composure under pressure, as well as in difficult or tense situations
Ability to learn to use a variety of software applications applicable to land use planning.
Ability to read, analyze and clearly interpret professional publications, technical manuals, and land use
planning and zoning regulations to communicate these to nonexperts in understandable terms
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Prepare clear and concise written reports and materials for presentations
Assist in interpreting planning and zoning activities to commissions, boards, developers and the public
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Education: High School Diploma/GED
Requirements:
● Capability in word processing, and other applicable computer software
● Able to use GIS mapping software.
● Capability in creating and using spreadsheets to collect, track, and analyze information.
● Knowledge of basic land use principles
● Ability to interpret rules, procedures, and/or laws
● Experience working with the public
● Demonstrable experience with problem solving and research
● Valid MN State Driver’s License
Desired Qualifications:
• Minimal work experience or formal training in code enforcement, municipal codes and/or zoning codes.
• Demonstrable experience applying regulations and achieving compliance
• Experience working with the public in the public sector
• Fully capable in GIS mapping software
• American Association of Code Enforcement Certification
Physical and Mental Requirements: Work is performed in both office and field settings. Some of the
employee’s time is spent in field inspection associated with code enforcement and development cases.
Sufficient mobility is necessary to navigate natural terrain and construction sites. Visual acuity sufficient to
evaluate field conditions, plans and drawings is necessary. Specific vision abilities required by this job include
close vision, distance, vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear, use hands to
finger, handle, feel and operate objects, tools or controls. This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20
pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly
to move objects.
**The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Working Conditions: While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand, walk, talk and
hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel and operate objects, tools or controls. The employee must occasionally lift
and/or move 20 pounds. Work is performed in a field environment involving working inside and outside of
vehicles and in confined spaces. Seasonal conditions can include excessive heat or cold. Conditions can
include working in wet, muddy, slippery or dusty and windy conditions.
Competencies Common to All City Positions:
• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable
City policies and procedures
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance
to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to
the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
• Represent the City of Lake Elmo in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and
constituencies.
**The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters
while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals
with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
OPEN UNTIL FILLED WITH FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS TAKING PLACE 3/8/23
SEND COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
ATTN: KRISTINA HANDT, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
3800 LAVERNE AVENUE NORTH, LAKE ELMO, MN 55042
OR KHANDT@LAKEELMO.ORG
A CITY EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.LAKEELMO.ORG
CITY OF LAKE ELMO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER