Code Enforcement Officer

Position Summary

The Village of Spring Lake, Spring Lake Township, and the City of Ferrysburg seek a part‑time Code Enforcement Officer to conduct on‑site inspections and investigate potential violations of state and local codes, ordinances, and standards related to the health, safety, and welfare of residents. Responsibilities include proactive enforcement of zoning and general ordinances, issuing violation notices, identifying corrective actions, performing follow‑up inspections, maintaining accurate records, and seeking voluntary compliance where possible.

• Provides proactive enforcement of City, Village, and Township Code of Ordinances—zoning and general.
• Explains, both verbally and in writing, City, Village, and Township Code of Ordinances.
• Investigates alleged violations, issues violation notices and identifies corrective actions. Performs follow‑up functions, including re‑inspections, logging of complaints/activities, monitoring the status of citations and notifying involved parties of the status.
• Issues citations when ordinances are violated.
• Prepares documentation and testifies at hearings or court cases related to violations of codes and ordinances.
• Conducts enforcement activities in a fair and consistent manner. As necessary, interviews parties to a complaint or violation and otherwise investigates complaints in a comprehensive and unbiased manner. Seeks voluntary compliance, where possible. Follows the policy of obtaining compliance without being punitive.
• Maintains an accurate filing system of violations, inspections, transactions, reports, correspondence, etc. This will be a combination of electronic and paper files.
• Shares relevant information with management and community development departments, coordinating activity when appropriate.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Performs other work as assigned.

• Must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. Associates degree preferred.
• Two (2) or more years’ experience in law enforcement, code enforcement, zoning administration, courtroom proceedings or similar experience.
• A valid State of Michigan Operator’s License.

• Ability to learn and comprehend City, Village, and Township Ordinances and of the principles and practices of code enforcement and site inspections.
• Knowledge of the legal system and liability issues related to code enforcement.
• Ability to document, review, analyze and communicate—verbally and in writing—pertinent information regarding code enforcement.
• Establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with property owners, the public, other professional contacts and municipal officials.
• Ability to meet deadlines, adjust to shifting priorities, draft letters, run reports and gather information in a timely manner.
• Working knowledge of BSA software preferred.