About the Department

This position monitors and enforces a variety of applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations related to zoning, nuisance, rooming house and property maintenance ordinances and serves as a resource and provides information on City regulations to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public, and other City departments and divisions.

Position Duties

• Perform a variety of field and office work in support of the City’s local code enforcement program; enforce compliance with City regulations and ordinances.

• Investigate complaints of substandard housing, nuisance violations (tall grass/weeds, hazardous trees, junk/trash, and junk vehicles) and directs the correction thereof.

• Keep records and make reports on inspections, conditions found, recommendations and subsequent re-inspections.  Maintain accurate documentation and case files on all investigations, inspections, enforcement actions, and other job related activities

• Prepare forms and letters and correspondence related to enforcement activities.

• Prepare court documents and testify to International Property Maintenance Code, zoning and nuisance violations in the Municipal Court or Lorain County Court of Common Pleas.

• Prepare evidence in support of legal actions taken by the City; appear in court as necessary; testify at hearings and in court proceedings as required.

• Prepare information and assist the Department in obtaining and executing search warrants for nuisance properties.

• Inspect, license and monitor all rooming houses, including Oberlin College off-campus student housing and review floor plans of proposed new rooming houses for code compliance.

• Investigate complaints and enforce ordinances related to sidewalk snow and ice removal

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Two year college certificate or equivalent; one to three years of experience in inspection and  investigation, law enforcement or fact finding; valid Ohio Driver’s License; or any combination of education and training and work experience which provides the required skill set to perform the essential functions of the job. International Code Council Certification preferred.

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of International Property Maintenance Code, Zoning Code, and nuisance ordinances.
• Experience/background in code or law enforcement practice and procedures related to code enforcement.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software.  
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and projects.
• Ability to keep clear and accurate records and reports.
• Knowledge of modern office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations 
• Ability to make timely, sound decisions.
• Ability to interpret documents such as safety rules, operations and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Ability to interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
• Ability to work alone for extended time frames.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to Research, compile, and collect data and prepare clear and concise reports
• Ability to create and maintain excellent working relationships with other City departments.
• Ability to use tact and discretion.
• Ability to deal courteously and diplomatically with the general public.
• Ability to arrive at constructive solutions while maintaining positive working relationships.
• Independently perform a full range of municipal code enforcement and compliance duties.
• Ability to facilitate solutions between individuals, organizations and other parties 
• Knowledge of American with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing