Field Investigator - Contractor Licensing

Technical work in the enforcement of the County's Contractor Certification Law.

The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

* Enforces state statutes and county codes related to construction.

* Checks new construction sites to ascertain if construction personnel are properly licensed.

* Checks residential areas for home improvement contractors operating without a license or permits.

* Routinely attends local community meetings to provide education and information on licensing and other pertinent regulations related thereto; provides audio/video presentations as necessary.

* Stops construction work wherein unlicensed or uninsured contractors are identified.

* Investigates complaints of consumers against licensed and unlicensed contractors; writes violation notices, citations, investigative reports, hearing notices, and other documents as necessary.

* Conducts investigations of violations; files for prosecution with the State or County Attorney's Office. Appears as witness in civil and criminal litigation proceedings, and at licensing board hearings and special master hearings.

* Conducts investigative interviews and acquires formal statements.

* Prepares evidence against licensed and unlicensed contractors for presentation at licensing board meetings, civil and criminal court.

* Prepares written reports as required.

* Notifies individuals who are in violation; explains law and attempts to achieve compliance.

* Prepares and sends correspondence for all violations when unable to resolve, or unable to achieve compliance using verbal communications.

* Issues citations as necessary for egregious violations.

* Maintains violation file until resolution achieved. Stores and maintains computer photos where appropriate.

* Audits all advertising media for compliance with State and County laws.

* Performs liaison duties with local and state law enforcement agencies and investigators.

* Co-ordinates and participate in joint contractor "sting" operations with local law enforcement and state agencies.

* Assist other governmental enforcement agencies with information related to criminal activity of licensed and unlicensed contractors and file necessary reports for same.

* Provide new department personnel training in investigative techniques, computer system program for violations, Florida Statutes and local ordinance.

* Performs other reasonable related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management personnel.

Unsafe Building Abatement

* Investigates service requests related to unsafe buildings.

* Requests formal right of entry from building owners.

* Obtains and executes inspection warrants as necessary.

* Performs preliminary inspections of unsafe buildings.

* Coordinates and documents by digital and/or video camera formal inspections of unsafe buildings with building inspection personnel.

* Mediates resolution of unsafe conditions contained by buildings, with respective owners.

* Initiates formal abatement (condemnation) program and performs necessary follow-thru with procedure to conclusion (abatement of unsafe conditions).

* Ensures all deadlines are complied with and/or met relative to unsafe building abatement procedure.

* Coordinates with utility companies/agencies for proper shut-off/abandonment of applicable utilities to unsafe buildings.

* Coordinates with demolition contractors for removal and disposal of building and associated debris.

* Tracks and documents all costs associated with abatement of unsafe conditions.

* Ensures proper removal of unsafe buildings and/or closure of unsafe building service requests.

* Assists with maintaining unsafe building service request log.

* Assists in preparation of information for filing of liens to collect costs.

Emergency Response

County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description. Employees may request an exemption from this requirement by submitting the appropriate exemption form, subject to review and approval.

Minimum Qualifications

* Education:

High school graduate or equivalent (GED), and 60 college credit hours in building construction, law enforcement, or equivalent combination of training and job experience.

* Experience:

Three (3) years experience in building construction, investigatory work, or code enforcement. Equivalent combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

* Skills:

Excellent communication and organizational skills; must be able to work independently and as part of a team; must be able to operate a computer, tablet, smart phone and other general office…