Position Summary:
The Planning and Zoning Inspector works under the direct supervision of the Code Enforcement Supervisor to conduct inspections of new construction and/or already developed property to note deficiencies and work with the owners to get them cured in order to be in compliance with zoning laws. This position has no supervisory responsibility.
Essential duties are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills. They are intended to be accurate summaries of what the job classification involves and what is required to perform it. The omission of specific statements or duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED
Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in construction work, business management, law enforcement or any related field.
Licenses and Certifications- Valid driver's License
Duties/Responsibilities:
-Conducts field investigations to inspect properties for compliance with zoning ordinances.
Issue and post warning notices, notices of violations, corrective notices, orders to comply and related documentation for code violations while assisting residence or businesses with resolving the violation(s) and schedule and perform follow-up functions to reach compliance.
-Conduct research of the property addresses and legal descriptions in order to verify information and ownership and perform abstract work such as conveyance, mortgages, judgements, dedications, adjudications.
-Provide information and serve as a resource for other parish departments, divisions, general public and outside agencies to refer to for zoning regulations by preparing and providing research and documentation for meetings, interpreting and explaining municipal codes and ordinances to members of the general public, contractors, business owners and other related groups in the field, in person, through email and over the phone.
-Patrol assigned areas of the Parish to identify and evaluate areas of concern and/or ordinance violations and then assist with resolving violations by providing recommendations based on ordinance requirements.
-Ensures compliance with zoning regulations and Federal and State flood elevation laws by inspecting new construction and permit projects and communicating between the builder/public and the regulatory agency.
-Assists other parish departments with pre-storm and post-storm assessments.
-Creates and maintains all necessary reports and records relating to inspections and code enforcement work performed by preparing worksheets of notice violations, referral forms for other agencies concerning possible violations and preparing work orders for other departments to be able to remedy violations.
-Oversees the execution, enforcement, and compliance of court-ordered judgements.
-Prepare documentation and testimony for presentation in a court of law and act as an expert witness on behalf of the Zoning and Planning Department when subpoenaed.
-Perform additional duties as needed.
Competencies:
-Strong computer skills and software management experience with an ability to use computer programs needed for the job including but not limited to -Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, MyPermitNow database, InspectionAnywhere, ArcGIS, and any other programs necessary to complete given tasks.
-Experience in data entry and report maintenance.
-Excellent communication skills via email, phone, in-person and virtual with both the public and internal staff.
-Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others as well as aid/provide customer service to the public.
-Ability to meet deadlines and be dependable.
-Ability to prepare accurate and concise reports.
-Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and work within tight deadlines, while maintaining disciplined focus on parish goals and measurable objectives.
-Strong attention to detail and the ability to solve complex problems.
-Experienced and comfortable with implementing and enforcing policies and procedures.
Work Environment:
The primary duties of this position are performed outdoors.
Physical Requirements:
Employee will spend most time outside of the office performing inspections at new construction sites as well as sites that are already developed. May be required to be in heat, cold, rain, walk on uneven terrain, and walk uphill or downhill. Physical requirements in the office would include those of a clerical nature such as being on the telephone, operating other office equipment, and needing eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. The position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer, walking, and standing. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at a time.
St. Charles Parish is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, political affiliation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance.
Acknowledgement:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or evolve and the employee may be asked to perform additional duties as necessary. This position is a classified civil service position and is subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations and all applicable St. Charles Parish Policies.
Working knowledge of general office equipment.
