Code Enforcement Officer

Job Description

NATURE OF POSITION
Perform activities related to the administration and implementation of the City’s Code Enforcement Program
with a Development Services Focus (see below). Manage field investigations involving violations of the
Municipal Code. Collaborate with residents of a culturally diverse population to achieve voluntary compliance
with Municipal Codes. When necessary, work with the City Attorney to prepare reports for the issue of uniform
infraction citations; serve as the City’s representative in District Court, Superior Court, and before the hearings
examiner regarding code enforcement issues.

The Code Enforcement Officer with Development Services will cross-train with the Code Enforcement Officer
with the Police Department and provide back-up during absences and extraordinary workloads. General focus
areas are outlined below:

Development Services Focus: Property maintenance, abandonment, public nuisances and building code
violations that affect sanitation, life, safety, and neighborhood vitality. Unpermitted construction,
commercial and industrial property nuisances, nuisance abatement contract management. Penalty
assessment, notices, and collections, including lien preparation. Secretary to hearing examiner/code
enforcement board.

Police Department Focus: Right of Way nuisances and abatement including abandoned/hulk vehicles,
illegal dumping, driveway obstructions and parking complaints. Ability to use LERMS and ACCESS
database to assist in processing abandoned vehicles and complaints. Homeless/Transient Camp and
transient property storage/return.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High School graduate or GED equivalent, supplemented with college-level training in planning, code
enforcement, communications, public administration, or community development and one year of code
enforcement experience. Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and
experience that would provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential
functions of the job. Must be computer literate and possess strong reading, writing and customer service skills.
Valid State driver’s license and proof of good driving record. Must obtain AACE (American Association of Code
Enforcement) certification as Certified Code Enforcement Officer within one year of appointment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Associate Degree preferred with one year of code enforcement experience. Prior public contact/public relations
experience. Bilingual in Spanish.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE
A completed City application and resumé are required to apply. Applications are available on the Human
Resources page of the City of Walla Walla website: https://wallawallawa.gov.

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Applicants whose experience most closely meets the requirements of the position will be invited to continue in
the selection process which will consist of an oral panel interview, reference inquiries and may include a criminal
background check. Completed application packages can be mailed to:

CITY OF WALLA WALLA-HR

15 N. Third Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362

Email to hr@wallawallawa.gov or faxed to (509) 524-7935.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The City of Walla Walla will provide reasonable accommodation to disabled applicants if requested. Please
notify the Human Resources office at least 5 days prior to the need.

JOB DESCRIPTIONS
To obtain a copy of the full job description and class specification for this position, please contact us at:
hr@wallawallawa.gov or 509.527.4475.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein
may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

THE CITY OF WALLA WALLA COMPLIES WITH TITLE VI, ADA, AND OTHER APPLICABLE FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS
LAWS AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY,
RELIGION, VETERAN STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, OR SEX IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE
PROVISION OF SERVICES.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER / MINORITIES AND WOMEN ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Development Services: General direction and oversight are provided by the Building Official.

Police Department: General direction and oversight are provided by the assigned Police Department Sergeant.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City’s core values:
Service – Integrity – Collaboration – Equity – Leadership – Community

2. Employees of the Police Department are expected to model and foster the Department’s core values:
Service – Pride – Integrity and Return with Honor in all endeavors.

3. Assist in the development of goals for Code Enforcement Programs that reflect an awareness of private
property rights and evaluate effectiveness of work program to accomplish these goals.

4. Receive complaints and prioritize magnitude of issues; log in and track complaints on computer; research
and make determination of appropriate codes to address complaint; prepare appropriate compliance
letters; work closely with a culturally diverse citizen population to achieve voluntary compliance
whenever possible, following due process and quasi-judicial procedures; and perform follow up
inspections.

5. Work with Patrol Officers to develop plans to assist in dealing with code issues at nuisance houses,
businesses, and other properties.

6. Collaborate with the local tow companies, salvage yards, and the City’s Solid Waste Division to
coordinate clean-up projects. May occasionally participate in the clean-up of campsites.

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7. Conduct investigations, document and photograph nuisances and unsafe conditions, inspect private

residences for housing code violations, inspect vacant, abandoned and fire damaged structures.
8. Accurately and completely research property records (relevant to the container or referral) for land use

(zoning) and occupancy requirements including but not limited to special use permits, open building
permits, public nuisances, housing codes, business licenses, and home occupations to establish facts to
support each case and verify complaints.

9. Promote, organize, and assist neighborhood groups to form cooperative voluntary clean-up projects and
programs.

10. Assist in the construction and operation of a multiple step compliance program including verbal
interaction, written notices, and infraction citations.

11. Communicate regularly and work closely with related departments to determine appropriate
responsibility for complaints.

12. Maintain computerized records and establish sufficient background information to proceed with legal
action if necessary.

13. Send reports to the City Attorney or Hearings Examiner for the issuing of infraction citation and
complaints, prepare documentation and evidence to support charges in District Court. Act as City’s
representative in code enforcement cases in which citations are not issued. Assist City Attorney in
preparing cases where defendants are represented by an attorney.

14. Knowledge of local, state, federal rules, and regulations. Including individual constitutional rights to
conduct investigations and relay information effectively and accurately to citizens and to limit the City’s
liability in certain issues.

15. Operate and maintain portable surveillance equipment to monitor problem areas for graffiti and illegal
dumping.

16. Work with Special Teams Unit to document, log and abate graffiti incidents in accordance with City’s
Graffiti Abatement Program.

17. Prepare and give presentations at public meetings such as Block Watch, Citizens Academy and City
Council.

18. Post properties as uninhabitable when sanitation, life, safety, or other appropriate code violations are
present that warrant such action.

19. Assist with and process abandoned vehicles.
20. Safely operate assigned City vehicles.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance, which is essential for successful job

performance.
2. Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure

excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
3. Execute assignments, projects and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work

independently and effectively with little direction.
4. Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek

solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
5. Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or

interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
6. Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Principles and practices of land use regulation, nuisance codes and health and safety standards,

particularly in the area of enforcement.

• Inspection, enforcement and research methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Industry standard computerized enforcement tracking programs/software.
• Oral and written communication skills, including correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation,

and vocabulary.

• Plan, organize, coordinate, and perform field inspections.
• Ensure compliance with Municipal Code and City ordinances.
• Work and communicate effectively with citizens, public officials, and co-workers.
• Resolve conflicts in a positive manner.
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and codes.
• Organize and maintain accurate computerized and hardcopy records.
• Photograph enforcement sites.
• Prepare clear and concise correspondence and written materials.
• Prioritize and schedule work to meet schedules and timelines.
• Analyze situations accurately; diffuse tense situations; adopt an effective course of action.
  

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Graffiti abatement equipment; hand and power tools; computers and related software; camera equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Sitting and standing for extended periods of time; seeing, hearing, and speaking to exchange information;
repetitive hand movements; intermittently stand, walk, kneel, stoop, bend at the waist and lift up to 20 pounds.
Walking at site inspections; seeing to perform inspections; hearing and speaking to exchange information; walk
for extended periods; lift, stoop and carry objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Indoor and outdoor work environment; seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions; driving a vehicle
to conduct work: exposure to various chemicals fumes, odors, or gases; working on ladders; heights; inspecting
dangerous, substandard properties with unknown hazards; encounters with dissatisfied customers; critical
situations.