Hybrid Code Enforcement Officer Trainee/Bilingual bei City of Rochester (NY), NY

About the Department

This is a trainee position designed to prepare incumbents to inspect new and existing structures and adjacent properties to ensure compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, and codes of the City of Rochester and New York State.   Work is performed under the direct supervision of a senior staff member with some flexibility allowed in the scheduling and execution of inspections and meetings with citizens and community groups.  This job requires working outdoors in all types of weather and incumbents may be required to work evenings and weekends.  Related work is performed as required.  The duration of the traineeship will be up to 24 months however it may be extended if more time is needed to complete the series of courses required by the State for certification as building inspector.  Upon successful completion of the job training, incumbents will transition to Code Enforcement Officer/Bilingual without further testing. 

This is a Competitive Class position.  The individual selected to fill this vacancy will be given a provisional appointment and will be required to participate in the next Civil Service Examination for this title.

 A qualified applicant may be provisionally appointed and serve in the position until a Civil Service Examination is administered and an appropriate eligible list can be established to make a permanent appointment in accordance with the Civil Service Rule of Three.  (See  "http://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589935786" Provisional Appointment - FAQ's) If you are already a City employee and have permanent, competitive status in your current position and appointment to this title would result in a provisional appointment in another department, you will lose your previous permanent competitive rights.

Position Duties

• Conducts visual inspections of existing properties and grounds to determine compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances;
• Inspects new and existing structures and adjacent properties to determine compliance with approved construction or rehabilitation plans and applicable laws, ordinances, and codes of the City of Rochester and New York State; 
• Determines when violations are a danger to public health or safety, and orders action needed for immediate compliance, including vacating structure;
• Explains to property owners, contractors, and the public code requirements and associated administrative policies and procedures related to enforcement; 
• Manages inspection caseload by prioritizing assigned inspections and setting own work schedule based on those priorities;
• Contacts DSS or other appropriate agency to report major health and safety violations and/or immediate vacate order for properties occupied by agency client;
• Contacts property owners or residents by phone, in person or by mail to explain code violations, the contents of the Notice and Order letter detailing necessary abatement; 
• Issues tickets, according to Departmental procedures, when necessary;
• Testifies as a technical expert in property code hearings and court cases involving building demolitions, municipal code violations, and tenant/landlord disputes;
• Participates in “Uplifts” with other agencies (e.g., utilities, County Health Department) and City departments to target particular area for visual surveys and interior and exterior inspections;
• Enters and extracts inspection information into a personal computer;
• Conducts follow-up inspections to determine if violations have been corrected;
• Explains code violations and purpose of codes to owners or residents;
• Conducts Quality Housing Inspections as part of Monroe County proactive Property Management Program.
• Conducts Lead Dust Wipe Tests;
• Communicates with property owners in Spanish when needed.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or Equivalent AND two (2) years of experience in public contact work which involved providing information to the public.  Examples: Customer Service Work, Teaching, Interviewing, inspection for code compliance in housing, construction, refuse collection or similar positions. 

NOTE:  Experience in a construction related field is helpful but not required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. NYS Class D Operator's License at time of appointment.  This licensure must be maintained throughout employment in this title. 
2. Car available for daily use.