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 https://desmoineswa.applicantpro.com/jobs/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.

Knowledge Of

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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 in experience code enforcement, property management, inspections, land use or a closely related field involving interpretation or enforcement of regulations.
A combination of experience and training enabling the individual to perform the position's essential functions may be
Possession of and the ability to maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License throughout employment with a good driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

Associates degree in planning, public administration, criminal justice, or a related field.
Knowledge of zoning, building, housing, shorelines, and environmental codes.
Experience with a public agency in land use planning, zoning enforcement, or regulatory compliance

Special Requirements

Ability and willingness to wear a department approved uniform.
Must be able to successfully complete the training program prescribed by the Department.
Must be able to successfully complete in-service training, as specified by the Chief of Police.
Successfully complete psychological assessment and/or polygraph examination or other testing deemed appropriate to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
Successful completion of a criminal history and background check.
Because of the known effects of tobacco use, the City of Des Moines does not hire applicants who use tobacco products.

Working Conditions

While performing job duties, the employee is regularly required to sit; communicate in person and by telephone; operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms in the course of conducting field inspections, documenting conditions, and preparing reports.
Frequently required to walk or stand during the performance of site visits and inspections. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus, read documents, observe site conditions, and operate office and computer equipment as necessary during the course of work assignments.
Incumbents may need to travel to various City locations or to off-site meetings as necessary and as the assignment demands. Duties require operating a vehicle and walking for extended periods, including on uneven terrain and in varying weather conditions.

General Information

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job classification, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.
The physical abilities described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The provisions of this job description do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

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City of Des Moines, Washington

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Limited Term Code Enforcement Officer