Code Enforcement Officer II

SUMMARY

**This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) term-limited temporary (TLT) or special duty assignment (SDA) position. The TLT/SDA is anticipated to end December 5, 2025, with possibility of extension.

In order to hire and maintain a quality workforce that reflects the diversity of the community and works well within our True North values-based organization, the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for the career-service position of Code Enforcement Officer II.

The person in this role will perform professional level code enforcement. The work will involve investigating alleged and reported violations of a wide array of land use and building regulations. The job requires daily contact with property owners, contractors and other King County and Washington State departments with the objective of causing buildings and properties to be brought into compliance with applicable codes.

The Code Enforcement Officer II conducts meetings to evaluate and resolve code enforcement violations, represents the County at public hearings and neighborhood meetings, performs site inspections, researches property zoning and history, coordinates with the department’s attorneys, and prepares reports and legal notices. The job requires excellent record-keeping skills and attention to detail; advanced communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population; familiarity with certain legal processes; and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

About the Department of Local Services:
King County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office, and the Road Services and Permitting Divisions. Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to all unincorporated areas. 

To learn more about the Permitting Division please visit our website at King County Permits. 

Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering equity, racial and social justice in every aspect of our work.  Our commitment to “True North” values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose.  Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike. 

JOB DUTIES

Applying equity, racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

• Responds to complainants, opens cases, and review on-line complaints for completeness.
• Investigate reports of building, zoning, housing, grading, clearing and critical-area violations, including property research, site inspections, assessment of violations, interviews of involved parties, and making written and photographic records for evidence in hearings and trials.
• Scrupulously honor commitments made to customers and others.
• Communicate on the job in ways that reflect well upon King County, the County Executive, and the Department.
• Exhibit and support a culture of superior customer service.
• Post notices for work stoppage, vacation of dangerous buildings, and public hazards.
• Prepare correspondence to advise property owners of violations and steps needed to correct them.
• Conduct regular inspections of properties where violations exist, monitor progress toward compliance, make record of progress, and assess penalties as required to secure compliance.
• Prepare inspection reports and maintain case records.
• Research zoning and history of properties to determine ownership, improvements, permitted and pre-existing conditions.
• Research and identify the presence of critical areas such as aquatic, wetlands and steep slopes.
• Occasionally testify on behalf of the department and the County in certain hearings and legal proceedings.
• Prepare written responses to inquiries from the public, King County Ombudsman, Metropolitan King County Council, County departments and citizen groups.
• Research, prepare and represent the County at public hearings and other meetings.
• Prepare cases to be referred to the King County Prosecutor’s for further action.
• Respond to requests for public disclosures and public information requests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Experience in basic Code Enforcement practices.
• Graduation from high school or GED as well as applicable work experience which includes, but is not limited to, construction, inspection, investigation, and code compliance.
• Experience with enforcement of zoning, building, housing, shorelines and environmental codes.
• Demonstrated experience in basic evidentiary requirements and basic grading, building and development practices.
• Skill in reading and interpreting codes, building plans and plat maps.
• Skill in researching property features, zoning, ownership, history, and legal descriptions.
• Skill in performing inspections and preparing reports.
• Experience providing excellent customer service, including working with inexperienced customers and solving issues while maintaining positive customer relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to use standard office equipment and intermediate skill using Microsoft Office Products including Excel, Work, and Outlook.
• Skill in working effectively and cooperatively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including public presentations.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Must have demonstrated punctuality, dependability, and good attendance in previous job experience. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of King County zoning, building, housing, shorelines, and environmental codes.
• International Code Council (ICC) Code Enforcement certification 

Requirements: 

• An offer of employment will be contingent on the success of a pre-employment physical examination.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Must operate a motor vehicle safely throughout the County.
• Must be able to traverse difficult terrain in any weather condition.
• Must be able to use office equipment and software.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingcounty/jobs/4853206/code-enforcement-officer-ii

To Apply:
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.