Code Compliance Officer

Goochland County is located in the heart of Central Virginia. Just over 289 square miles of rural countryside, our County is home to just over 26,000 residents and is ideally located within a short drive to beaches or mountain tops. We have great proximity to major cities including Charlottesville and Richmond. Our quality of life is unsurpassed, and our active community welcomes one and all. A community rich in history, the Goochland County Courthouse is widely considered to be the most well-maintained Jeffersonian courthouse in Virginia. Goochland County is the smallest county in the United States to have earned the highest rating from all three credit rating agencies which reflects the County's exceptional financial resilience and is home to an award-winning public-school system.

This technical position will be part of the Planning and Zoning Department working closely with the public to provide customer service and enforcement on code compliance and development related issues. Under general supervision of the Zoning Administrator, performs work of considerable difficulty in interpreting and enforcing the county code with a focus on zoning and development related ordinances.

The incumbent manages and coordinates individual code compliance cases through investigating complaints including enforcing and interpreting the zoning ordinance, site plan requirements, sign ordinance, and conditions of zoning. This position also assists with zoning related permit review such as building permits and other minor development plans.

The incumbent also supports other departments, such as the Environmental Department and Transportation, by providing documentation for field inspections.

Code Compliance

• Investigates alleged violations of the County's ordinances to determine if there is substantial evidence to warrant the issuance of Notice of Violation. Gathers, reviews and interprets documentation related to complaints. May include conducting job site visits, taking photographs, interviewing complainants, and issuing Stop Work Orders where violations occur.
• Goochland County operates primarily on a complaint-driven basis. This position is intended to work with the community to educate residents regarding the County regulations and to seek voluntary compliance.
• Issues Notices of Violation if voluntary compliance is not achieved
• Performs research and investigative work in determining extent of violation and non-compliance, and in preparing cases for judicial process. Attends court cases to testify as directed.
• Verifies accuracy and completeness of all data/information received, and researches and provides verification on information requests from department field personnel.
• Provides superior customer service skills and correspondence with citizens and businesses who are in violation of county codes; explain corrective measures required to comply with codes or ordinances and provides remedial action alternatives.
• Demonstrates a polite, helpful, courteous, compassionate and empathetic manner when engaged in activity involving the public.

Development Compliance

• Reviews plans and applications for building and sign permits.
• Conducts field inspections related to plans of development, building permits, and other land development actions for compliance with approved plans, permits, and development related ordinances.
• Assist the environmental department with land disturbance and drainage complaints and field inspection.
• Issues inspection reports to site operators with required corrective actions and timeframes.
• Works with contractors, operators, and property owners to identify and resolve problems during construction.
• Assists the public with applications and information concerning development-related ordinances.
• Assists with the preparation of staff reports for Certificate of Approval and Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• General knowledge of the various codes to include the zoning ordinance and regulations pertaining to planning.
• Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations.
• Skilled with oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public.
• Problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve practical problems and address citizen inquiries and concerns.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks for time sensitive inspections and reports.
• Thorough knowledge of computer usage and related technology.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers and representatives of other agencies.
• Superior customer service skills.
• Exercise sound judgment and make decisions in accordance with established laws, regulations, ordinances, departmental policies and procedures.
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide, calculate decimals and percentages; understand and perform advanced mathematical skills, i.e., graphs, tables.

• High school diploma/GED.
• Two (2) years of experience in investigative concepts and techniques; researching and gathering information for use as evidence; or building, housing or zoning inspection work.
• Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience.
• Valid State of Virginia Driver's License with a driving record that meets HR Policy requirements.
• Criminal background check and drug screen required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The position involves medium physical demands , such as exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Tasks require some unassisted lifting, climbing, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects up to 50 pounds. Tasks may require prolonged periods of visual concentration and require moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Requires the ability to speak, hear (perceive sound) and/or signal people to convey and exchange information; differentiate between colors or shades of color; read a variety of materials, at times complex; apply principles of rational problem-solving; record and deliver information, explain procedures, issue and follow oral and written instructions; and communicate effectively and efficiently in Standard English as a primary language while performing job duties.

WORKENVIRONMENT:

Tasks are performed inside and outside, subject to weather conditions and uneven terrain.

As part of employment with Goochland County, all employees are required to complete Emergency preparedness and incident management training courses as directed or requested.

Goochland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental disability, family medical history or genetic information, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state or local laws.