Code Enforcement Officer I

Job Description

Posting Expires: Until Filled.

Salary Range: $19.72- $25.00

General Description And Classification Standards

Ensures that businesses operating within the city limits are in compliance with the City of Atlanta's Code of Ordinances associated with occupational tax. Duties at this level include but are not limited to investigating businesses to verify that business occupational tax certificates are up to date; issuing court citations to non-compliant businesses; and making weekly court appearances to testify in trials.

Must have a valid Georgia driver’s license and good driving record. This role is a non-supervisory position and reports to the License Code Compliance Investigator, Senior.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Ensures compliance with the City's Business Ordinance by the identification, field investigation, notification, tracking, and citation of businesses not in compliance with City code, maintaining all related records and database information.
• Conducts field inspections to identify non-compliant businesses conducting business in the city. Checks to ensure that proper certificates are in the possession of business operators and that the certificate is displayed according to code. Directs individuals to obtain certificates and follows up to ensure compliance.
• Appears in court as a witness in violation cases where compliance cannot be otherwise obtained; Prepares case information and presents evidence at appeal hearings and other legal proceedings.
• Performs field audits of business activity to evaluate compliance with the City's Business Ordinance; identifies unregistered businesses.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of businesses, community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding certificates explaining municipal code requirements and procedures. Ascertains and gathers facts related to applicable ordinances, codes, laws, rules, and regulations, determining, and instituting proper action to be taken.
• Works collaboratively with other license code compliance investigators to assist and share knowledge with new or less experienced colleagues.
• Responds to and investigates complaints regarding violations of City ordinances; issues notices of violations stipulating necessary changes for ordinance compliance; takes appropriate action to ensure compliance.
• Prepares reports and recommendations on code investigation matters.
• Coordinates actions with other departments, programs, jurisdictions, or regulatory agencies.
• Maintains records of applications, inspections, investigations, violations, hearings, and related data.
• Convey information to taxpayers and their representatives regarding account status.
• Documents all customer contact, discussion points, agreement details, etc. in licensing system of record.
• Identifies opportunities to further improve efficiency and effectiveness of processes, procedures, and information reporting.
• Provides information regarding City policies and procedures to citizens, other City staff, other agencies, and organizations. Partners with the management team to stay updated and informed of any changes in policies or City ordinances.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with all department personnel, City officials and outside professionals.
• Maintains a knowledge base of information related to Office of Revenue processes to provide best in class customer service by answering customer concerns confidently and accurately.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

• Knowledge of municipal code compliance investigation methods and procedures; principles of investigation, interviewing and report writing, safe and efficient work practices related to inspections and enforcement duties; techniques of negotiation and conflict resolution.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other city departments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate across all levels of management and the public. Ability to de-escalate situations when communicating in heightened situations or environment.
• Provide outstanding customer service (internally and externally).
• Willingness and ability to multi-task in a high energy and fast paced work environment.
• Provide detail oriented and organized work products.
• Perform tasks proactively and with flexibility.
• Working cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees and management to maximize performance, creativity, problem solving and results.
• Aptitude to deal with confidential matters tactfully and with good judgment.
• Analytical skills to research, report, and troubleshoot process inefficiencies.
• Able to remain calm during interactions with taxpayers that may become confrontational.
• Ability to follow directions and work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Assist with occupation tax ad hoc projects as needed.
  
  

Knowledge of Job

Follow modern principles and practices of occupational tax certificate issuance; practice proper techniques for conducting investigations to identify local non-compliant businesses. Apply methods and procedures; basic principles of mathematics; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations relating to occupational tax. Understand occupational hazards and standard safety practices in operating a motor vehicle. Can follow policies, procedures, plans and activities. Able to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, and operational needs. Can effectively communicate and interact with management, employees, and members of the public. Has good organizational, human relations, and technical skills. Has the ability to follow regulations, procedures, and related information. Is knowledgeable and skilled in Microsoft office suite.

Standard Performance Indicators (not intended to be all-inclusive)

• Complete assigned monthly scheduled investigations/inspections.
• Maintain a clean drivers record with no motor vehicle violations or Dashcam incidents while operating a city vehicle.
• Complete the annual defensive driving training course.
• Adhere to all City of Atlanta and Department of Finance policies.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Associate degree or equivalent two-year degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, police science, business administration, finance, accounting or a related field.

Three years of related experience in the public sector with occupational tax certificate enforcement or equivalent combination of experience and training.

Intermediate proficiency with MS Office and particularly able to demonstrate a high level of proficiency with MS Excel.

Licensures and Certifications

Position would be expected to have licensure or professional certification appropriate to the position. Required: Valid Georgia driver’s license