Code Enforcement Officer - Limited Term

Code Enforcement Officer

The City of Des Moines Police Department is establishing an eligibility list for the position of Code Enforcement Officer. This is a limited-term position with an anticipated duration of up to (24) months.

The Code Enforcement Officer plays a key role in maintaining the quality, safety, and livability of the community. This position works directly with residents, businesses, and property owners to address concerns, ensure compliance with municipal codes, and support neighborhood standards. Through field inspections, investigation of complaints, and proactive outreach, the LT Code Enforcement Officer helps resolve issues, educate the public, and promote long-term compliance.

The position also collaborates with internal departments and community partners to support consistent and effective enforcement across the City.

Closing Date:
Open Until Filled. First Review of Applications May 7, 2026

To Apply:

Complete the online application at  and attach a resume and cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements.

Nature of Work:

Under the general direction of the Chief of Police, the Code Enforcement Officer provides support services related to development code enforcement in coordination with the Community Development department. The position investigates code violations related to commercial and residential buildings and educates the community on development standards. The Code Enforcement Officer enforces local laws, ordinances, and building codes related to property maintenance, zoning, health, and safety.

The Code Enforcement Officer may also receive work direction from the Community Development Director or designee related to development code enforcement activities.

Essential Functions:

• Under a limited commission granted by the Chief of Police, performs code enforcement duties to include processing complaints, conducting field investigations and inspections, documenting violations and, when appropriate, issuing notices of infractions.
• Conducts on-site visits to ensure compliance with applicable municipal codes and ordinances, with the expertise of other staff as needed; creates and maintains comprehensive records of visits and investigations, including photographs, documenting phone calls, emails and written correspondence; conducts follow-up inspections and verifies compliance.
• Prepares correspondence to advise property owners of violations and steps needed to correct them.
• Inspects junk vehicles on private property and completes junk vehicle affidavits.
• Works with the City Attorney's office to resolve challenging cases; prepares documentation, presents evidence, provides testimony and recommends dispositions to the court as required.
• Communicates with residents, neighborhood/homeowner associations, and/or other agencies, and the public regarding City code, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; provides information and recommendations within scope of authority.
• Communicate and clearly explain findings and testify in court.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the general public using principles of good customer service.
• Reports for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned, provided such duties are consistent with development-related code enforcement responsibilities.

Necessary

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Municipal code enforcement methods and procedures, related to areas such as zoning, housing, transportation, health, sanitation and nuisance ordinances and codes, business license/permit regulations, regulations and requirements of court evidence, rules of evidence and related procedures.
• Code compliance methods, inspection and investigation techniques.
• Federal, state and local laws and ordinances.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relations with other City employees, other law enforcement agencies, civic leaders, and the general public.
• Become thoroughly familiar with the policies, procedures, rules and regulations of the department dealing with all matters pertaining to the area of responsibility.
• Understand and execute moderately complex oral or written directions, and to prepare clear and comprehensive written reports.
• Maintain confidentiality of information and to restrict the use of such information to work duties.
• Acquire a good working knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances which are enforced by the municipal police department.
• Address all violators in a firm, courteous manner in order to develop public respect and confidence in the officer and department.
• Safely and legally operate City vehicles.

Skill in:

• Reading and interpreting codes, building plans and plat maps.
• Performing inspections and preparing reports.
• Researching property features, zoning, ownership, history and legal descriptions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school graduate or GED required.
• Two years of professional experience code enforcement,…