Code Compliance Investigator III

The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) responds to over 8,000 complaints each year related to property maintenance, unpermitted construction, zoning, and other violations of County code. DCC seeks compliance with county/state codes and ordinances in achieving the mission of the agency: to promote, protect, and maintain a healthy and desirable living environment in Fairfax County. The work of the agency is further guided by an annual Equity Impact Plan, in conjunction with the county’s One Fairfax Policy and commitment to consider equity when making policies or delivering programs and services.

As certified by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD) and/or appointed by the relevant Code Official to do so on their behalf, this position conducts research and field investigations. Interviews with residents/community and gathers evidence. Applies a variety of investigative techniques regarding alleged code violations – to include preparation of material for testimony in court and/or other adjudicative bodies (e.g. Board of Zoning Appeals; Local Board of building Code Appeals). Investigators issue formal Notices of Violation and will communicate with those found in violation to advise of the nature of the violation and provide information on methods to achieving compliance. Investigators are responsible for placarding unsafe premises when necessary. In order to provide educational and other information to support the activities of the agency, investigators must communicate with other stakeholders. This includes complainants, the general public, Board of Supervisor’s staff, and outside governmental agencies. May train new employees and provide support to the team in the supervisor’s absence. Duties are performed under the direction of a division supervisor.
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• Conducts initial interviews over the phone or face-to-face with complainants to determine the exact nature of complaint and requests further pertinent information;
• Investigates zoning, property maintenance, noise ordinance, and/or unpermitted construction complaints;
• Addresses life safety issues as priorities (unsafe construction, overcrowding and unsanitary conditions such as hoarding);
• Advises violators of ordinance requirements and seeks to gain voluntary compliance;
• Develops investigation plans and coordinates with other agencies or investigators;
• Conducts field investigations and gathers as much evidence as possible within constitutional/fourth amendment constraints;
• Gathers evidence such as photographs, violator and witness statements, and computer and file research;
• Conducts field interviews with violators;
• Recommends the opening of additional cases where the type and extent of violations merits;
• Prepares automated reports of investigation findings, citing violations of applicable codes based on analysis of investigation findings and maintains investigation files;
• Records coded entries in designated database for tracking purposes;
• Prepares and issues Notice of Violations, Stop Work Orders, Corrective Work Orders, Unsafe structures reports, memoranda and other correspondence and initiates corrective procedures to obtain voluntary compliance;
• Prepares evidentiary chronologies and Rule to Show Cause for submission to the County Attorney’s Office for civil litigation;
• Prepares evidentiary material and for presentation in general district court for the purpose of unclassed misdemeanor prosecutions;
• Employs unique investigative techniques such as stake-outs, neighborhood canvasses, etc. to gain critical information relating to cases;
• Swears to civil affidavits and criminal summonses;
• Testifies in civil and criminal court proceedings, Board of Zoning Appeal hearings, and Board of Building Code Appeal hearings;
• Responds to citizens’ queries concerning zoning and property maintenance and other matters;
• Appears at civic association meeting to present educational material;
• Condemns and placards unsafe structures which are dangerous to life, health, and safety of occupants and the public and board up entrances and openings into the structure;
• Conducts follow-ups to ensure that violations have been abated or court ordered mandates have been implemented;
• May assist in the preparation and/or review of draft amendments to the Zoning Ordinance;
• May coordinate with other county/state/federal agencies when issues have overlapping or joint responsibilities;
• May perform field training for new employees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in a field of study related to the enforcement of environmental and property maintenance codes such as urban planning, biological or environmental science, law enforcement, legal studies or a related field; plus four years of relative work experience in the area of code enforcement or equivalent (e.g., performing land use, zoning, building, public safety, or related code enforcement, inspection, investigative or abatement work).

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Valid driver’s license
• Property Maintenance Certification (VDHCD)
• Building Certification (residential or commercial) (VDHCD)- in each of the four disciplines (building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Four years’ minimum experience interpreting state and county codes and regulations related to zoning, noise, property maintenance, residential, and/or commercial building codes;
• Experience enforcing ordinances and codes and investigating complaints and violations of codes and ordinances in any of the following -property maintenance, zoning, and/or unpermitted construction violations.
• Construction and/or inspection experience.
• Experience with Planning and Land Use System (PLUS);
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with the public and fellow employees; and
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to climb, walk/traverse rough, icy, or broken terrain: go up and down steep inclines. Ability to distinguish appropriate nomenclature in colors in accordance with the VUSBC and other regulatory codes. Ability to exit structures quickly in case of an emergency/life safety situation. Ability to lift 50 lbs with assistance. Work requires the ability to speak clearly and understandably. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during Application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.
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