Enforces County land use regulations and building codes. Investigates complaints and violations of various county and state laws and regulations. Prepares voluntary compliance agreements. Issues violation notices and orders to violators. Presents cases to the Prosecuting Attorney, Hearing Examiner, Shorelines Hearings Board and courts. Coordinates correction notices and court orders by working with the violators to ensure final closure of the cases according to law. Applicants may live on any island in the San Juans.
- Manages cases by investigating complaints or known violations of San Juan County ordinances, including the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Shoreline Master Program, development regulations, land division ordinances, sub-area plans, building codes, Revised Code of Washington, and the Washington Administrative Code. Prepares and maintains case logs, documentation and computerized records of all actions taken in every case.
- Plans and schedules site visits. Takes photos and measurements of any suspected violations. Interviews complainants, violators, and witnesses to determine if code violations have occurred.
- Coordinates investigations with one or more of the following, as applicable: CD Director; Deputy Director; County Building Official; Sheriff; Prosecuting Attorney; Environmental Health Manager; Public Works staff; County Assessor; the Washington State Departments of Ecology, Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife, and Attorney General; and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and other County, State and Federal agencies and officers.
- Prepares violation notices, enforcement orders, STOP WORK orders, citations, and recommendations for penalties and fines. Requires plans for correction and abatement of violations and monitors the application of these until the completion of the required remedy.
- Coordinates and prepares cases for the Prosecuting Attorney, prepares briefs for appeal bodies, presents cases at hearings and in court. Presents cases to the Hearing Examiner, Shorelines Hearings Board, and the courts.
- Communicates and coordinates with a diverse range of people, who are often adversarial, to obtain compliance with designated code violations.
- Meets with individuals and various citizen groups to as part of an on-going process to educate the public regarding construction methods and standards. This position responds to questions about and resolves problems regarding land use issues, land use laws, building codes, and environmental protection laws and standards.
- Analyzes existing laws, County codes, and ordinances; develops and recommends changes or corrections to those laws. Research existing laws and their applications for land use decisions, and plans and consults with other employees to determine proper enforcement of these laws.
- Attend necessary job-related training to keep skills current and maintain certification.
- Acting within the scope of their responsibilities, work as a public employee and municipal officer with courtesy and professionalism, adhering to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW 42.52.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
A bachelor’s degree in regional planning, industrial science, or related field with three years’ experience in conducting land use and building code violation investigations within a local or state governmental entity. Alternately, an equivalent combination of training experience, education, and professional certification that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the job. Must have a valid Washington driver’s license with a good driving record.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Five or more years’ experience in conducting land use and building code violation investigations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including skills necessary for speaking and making presentations in a public forum.
- Understand and be able to work with the legal system and understand how to read and interpret regulations.
- Deal objectively and calmly with persons in stressful confrontational situations.
- Perform tasks using considerable judgment and be able to make independent decisions based on applicable laws and established practices and procedures.
- GIS concepts and methods, including the theories, principles, and practices related to GIS mapping, and land use planning and development.
- Principles and practices of public administration, municipal finance, statistical analyses, and technology including ability to perform complex research and analysis on regulations and codes.
- Complete work assignments efficiently, accurately and within established time frames, working both independently and as part of a team.
- Listen to and communicate effectively with citizens and staff with varying educational backgrounds and values, being able to communicate complex information in layman’s terms; verbal and written communication skills required.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, other county agencies and departments, real estate professionals, and the general public.
- Excellent organizational and prioritizing skills.
- Act always with honesty, confidentiality, ethics, and integrity in the performance of this work, including remaining in compliance with all local and state land use/building codes.
