ACE

CODE ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANT I/II

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, provides clerical and technical support to the Code Enforcement Division; receives, processes, and responds to citizen complaints and requests for information and investigation regarding various codes, ordinances and policies of the City; refers complaints and requests to other agencies as appropriate; performs routine field investigations as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Code Enforcement Assistant I – This is the entry level class in the Code Enforcement Assistant series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of work knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Code Enforcement Assistant II level. Code Enforcement Assistant I’ s exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Incumbents in this class are expected to learn the office and field operations of the department under the direction of the Code Enforcement Manager; work may be reviewed by the Senior Code Enforcement Officer and/or Business License Supervisor. Incumbents initially appointed to Code Enforcement Assistant I level may progress to Code Enforcement Assistant II after successfully completing one year (12 months) of progressively responsible experience as a Code Enforcement Assistant I with the City of Escondido, and achieving the qualifications and departmental requirements established for progression.

Code Enforcement Assistant II – This is the journey level class in the Code Enforcement Assistant series performing the full range Code Enforcement Assistant duties with only occasional instruction or assistance. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Code Enforcement Assistant I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed program knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Code Enforcement Assistant II level are normally filled by advancement from the Code Enforcement Assistant I level.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Receives citizen complaints via various formats such as in person, by mail, telephone, etc.; appropriately logs the complaints; assigns case numbers and establishes case files.
• Researches a variety of internal and external records to obtain information relating to cases.
• Provides information regarding various code violations and related issues to the public, property or business owners, tenants, and/or complainants at the counter, in the field, electronically, or by telephone.
• Inputs data and creates forms or appropriate letters and notices to property owners, tenants or business owners.
• May perform initial and/or follow-up inspections or other field work as assigned.
• May initiate field notices regarding routine violations.
• Performs routine clerical duties such as typing, filing, record keeping, data entry, and receptionist duties coordinating with clerical staff.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.
• Computer software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and filing techniques.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Methods and techniques of public relations.
• Basic map reading.
• Mathematical principles for purposes of reading plans and maps.
• Effective communication skills and techniques required for gathering, evaluating and transmitting information.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Conduct research in applicable local and state laws, codes, ordinances, and policies.
• Represent the City in a professional manner and deal effectively with the public to gain their cooperation in resolving problems and concerns.
• Accurately prepare and maintain a variety of correspondence, records and reports.
• Learn methods and techniques of research and investigation.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Keep records and make reports.
• Establish and maintain effective and courteous relationships with the public and co-workers.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Code Enforcement Assistant I/II

Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Code Enforcement Assistant I

Experience: One year of general office clerical work experience including public contact. Experience in code enforcement, investigations, inspections, or enforcement of established standards is desirable. Two years (full-time equivalent) of college course work in code enforcement, building inspection, urban planning, or related discipline may be considered as a substitution for the required work experience.

Code Enforcement Assistant II

Experience: One year of experience equivalent to a Code Enforcement Assistant I with the City of Escondido.

License and Other Requirements - Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Exposure to extreme heat and humidity working outdoors; temperature swings from indoor air-conditioning to outdoors, extreme noise and dust from construction equipment and hand tools at sites; mechanical and radiation hazards at industrial and construction sites; electrical hazards of electrical wiring; explosive hazards; fumes and odors of gases and exhaust; dust of household, storage spaces and environment; toxic chemicals and waste. Work schedule is 80 hour work periods with unscheduled breaks and lunch periods. Overtime may occasionally be required based on workload. Work is performed both in the office and in the field at various residential, commercial, and public buildings, as well as vacant land. Work setting is informal, autonomy-oriented, having variable tasks. Work is frequently fast-paced with high pressure.

Physical: Field and standard office setting. CONTINUOUS sitting, upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity and light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and other office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. OCCASSIONAL sitting to drive a vehicle with twisting and turning at shoulders and waist to enter and exit a vehicle. FREQUENT walking, standing, bending and stooping, twisting at waist, upward, downward and side-to-side turning of neck to perform inspections and work in confined spaces. OCCASIONAL squatting, climbing, reaching at shoulder level, balancing above ground, and pushing and pulling; lifting and transporting objects weighing up to 25 lbs. distances up to 50 yards; light finger press, power grasp, and twisting wrist to manipulate equipment, materials, and tools.

Communication: VISION may be correctible to see in the normal visual range; vision sufficient to observe conditions in performing inspections, documentation, operating equipment, and driving. HEARING in the normal audio range with or without correction. SPEAKING to communicate with citizens in person and by telephone. WRITING or other method of recording field notes of inspection observations and activities. READING of codes, regulations and ordinances, training materials, and documents in conducting research.

Date: May 2005
Revised by MH/Department