Code Enforcement Officer, Borough of West Chester

The position is in the Municipal Building and directly supervised by the Director of Building, Housing and Code Enforcement. The function of the Code Enforcement Officer is to perform the described duties below. All duties are performed in accordance with Borough policies and guidelines. Any problems or questions that may arise are directed to the Director of Building and Housing.

Duties:

• Conduct zoning inspections, note violations of the Borough Code including sidewalks, recycling, snow- and ice removal, abandoned vehicles, weeds/grass, trash, dumpsters and dumpster enclosures, signs, banners, and accessory structures.
• Visually inspect buildings for violations according to the ICC IPMC (International Property Maintenance Code) by physically accessing all levels including basements, attics, living areas and building exterior.
• Maintain rental permits for all rental properties, review all delinquent rental permits and issue citations as required.
• Responsible for review and maintenance of our Computerized Concern management system, processing all requests, maintaining documentation and following up until completed.
• Perform annual rental inspections of all registered rental properties.
• Investigate and issue violation letters and ensure the prompt resolution of all complaints.
• Prepare violation letters with reference to the appropriate Borough Ordinances.
• Schedule re-inspections of all properties to ensure that all violations are brought into compliance.
• Prepare files for court cases at the District and County Court level and testify on behalf of the Borough.
• Process and maintain a property file for all properties inspected.
• Operate Borough vehicles on streets, alleys, and parking lots noting any violations observed.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Director of the Department or the Borough Manager.

For these routine duties, the incumbent will be made aware of deadlines and the normal order they should be completed. In addition to the described tasks, the incumbent will perform any related tasks as required by the Director of the department. The incumbent will also answer any inquiries made to this department from the public.

Requirements:

• Experience and understanding with housing and property maintenance, building or construction techniques.
• ICC/PA UCC certifications must include, (1) Property Maintenance and Housing Inspections (within 9 months), and (2) Residential Building Inspector (within 18 months). Additional ICC certifications recognised and rewarded.
• The position requires substantial knowledge and experience in codes enforcement and the ability to inspect various phases of construction and possess the requisite industrial/business experience in these areas.
• The incumbent must be able to deal tactfully and effectively with individuals both on the telephone and in person and negotiate professionally.
• The incumbent must possess a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License.
• The incumbent must be a high school graduate, successfully pass a Pre-employment physical screening and background investigation.

Essential Functions:

• The incumbent must be physically able to inspect exterior properties, negotiate stairs and other obstacles in property inspections.
• The incumbent must be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• The incumbent must be physically able to operate standard office equipment, i.e., computers, copy machines, etc.
• The incumbent must be able to produce and process clear and concise written reports utilizing word processing computer programs.
• The incumbent must have the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively in English with staff, administration and the public in both written and verbal form.
• The incumbent must be physically able to service the public at the Building and Housing Office window.
• The incumbent must be capable of testifying in court and dealing with public inquiries in a clear concise manner.
• Conduct building inspections and plan reviews related to new construction, additions, and/or alterations, and note violations of the Borough Code including sidewalks, recycling, snow, and ice removal, abandoned vehicles, weeds/grass, trash, dumpsters and dumpster enclosures, signs, banners, and accessory structures.
• Perform annual rental inspections of all registered rental properties.
• The incumbent must have the ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• The incumbent must have the ability to maintain professionalism at all times.