Code Enforcement Investigator , II or III or CEP

POLK COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS JOB DESCRIPTION CERTIFIED CODES INVESTIGATOR I, II, III, CEP Pay Grade 17 $ 27.19/hr Pay Grade 18 $ 28.56/hr Pay Grade 19 $ 29.99/hr Pay Grade 20 $ 31.49/hr

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

Performs field inspections of private and public properties, including but not limited to commercial, residential, industrial, agricultural, manufacturing, salvage yards, construction sites, rental units, businesses, storage areas, and special hazardous facilities or situations, to enforce compliance with local codes, ordinances, and applicable state regulations. Inspection requests originate from citizens, state and local agencies (e.g., Health Department, FDEP, SWFWMD, PCSO), or be initiated independently by the Investigator.

Works directly with the public, legal counsel, regulatory agencies and private businesses to investigate complaints, gather evidence, and communicate with property owners or tenants to address violations. Provides accurate information and practical guidance on code enforcement issues impacting public health, safety, and community welfare.

• Conducts field investigations in response to complaints regarding potential violations of the Land Development Code, Florida Building Code, and County Ordinances.

• Gathering evidence, photographing violations, and interviewing parties involved.

• Inspects substandard residential dwellings to enforce the Minimum Housing Ordinance and determine habitability.

• Identifies illegal dumping and coordinates cleanup efforts.

• Interpret and understand the Solid Waste contract for garbage and yard waste disposal requirements and what constitutes excessive bulk waste.

• Assist citizens on matters requiring a building permit, engineering and variances.

• Identifies and recommends properties for demolition when conditions meet established criteria.

• Participate in mobile home park and salvage yard inspections for proper licensing inspection requirements.

• Issues notices of violation, posts legal documents to ensure due process, and ensures corrective actions are taken to achieve compliance.

• Prepares and presents detailed case reports for Polk County Special Magistrate or judicial hearings.

• Conducts routine neighborhood inspections to ensure overall code compliance.

• Research property ownership using legal descriptions, deeds, tax records, and Property Appraiser, GIS databases.

• Maintains detailed case files using code enforcement software.

• Prepares descriptive narrative written summaries, inspection reports, and evidence documentation.

• Coordinates case presentations and testifies at hearings before the Special Magistrate and Appellate Special Magistrate, subject to cross‑examination.

• Meets with property owners, tenants, and complainants to assess violations, explain code requirements, and guide corrective actions.

• Responds to public inquiries, explains code requirements, and provides educational support to promote voluntary compliance plans.

• Coordinates with Planning, Building, Roads & Drainage, Solid Waste, Keep Polk County Beautiful, PCSO Environmental Unit, State DEP, and other departments.

• Identifies and responds appropriately to hazardous conditions and have the mental, physical and verbal ability to think and respond quickly while remaining courteous and professional while safely interacting with the public during situations (e.g., chemical spills, hazardous waste sites, hoarding, drug paraphernalia, aggressive individuals, and mentally ill or unstable citizens).

• Assists with damage assessments and inspections during emergencies and natural disasters including identification, placarding and reporting requirements to FEMA; identify structures for power pulls, required permitting and those unfit for habitation.

• Applies FEMA guidelines and protocols during declared emergencies.

• Have situational awareness about safety hazards during property abatements involving hoarders, death…