CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER I




Job Description


 


CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER I


SC-PAY GRADE 10


DUTIES AND FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
 
The incumbent in this class participates in the enforcement of County Codes. The work requires knowledge of State laws, County Codes and Ordinances, personnel policies, and procedures.  Inspections are conducted independently and in accordance with departmental regulations and established technical standards. May need to respond to emergency work at night and on weekends.
 
EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Compliance:
Responds to locations throughout Sussex County for the purpose of investigating complaints and completing assignments related to the enforcement of Sussex County Codes; works with all Sussex County departments to ensure that codes are properly enforced; inspects properties for compliance with zoning regulations; assists public with problems, questions and requests on routine zoning matters; prepares reports and maintains records of inspections performed including conditions found, action taken, and recommendations made for further action; prepares letters to property owners, contractors and agents informing them of violation and method of correcting violations; processes complaints; processes code violations; posts public notices; takes photographs of sites, and structures; conducts follow-up investigations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances; assists with issuing summons for violations when appropriate; appears in court to ensure compliance in violation issues and to help prosecute cases when required; performs other duties as assigned.
 
Construction:
Performs inspections for Manufactured Home placements; footer inspections; reviews setbacks; inspects accessory structures throughout the entire course of construction to determine compliance with adopted building codes; performs on-site inspections; issues Certificates of Occupancy and Certificates of Compliance for minor construction; prepares reports and maintains records of inspections performed including conditions found, action taken, and recommendations made for further action; discusses construction, alteration and repair of buildings/structures with contractors, property owners, and other interested parties explaining and interpreting building codes and ordinances; assists with special investigations upon request;  performs related office work; performs other duties as assigned.
  
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Compliance:
Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of investigation and code enforcement; ability to learn, interpret and apply County codes and ordinances; ability to work with little supervision and carry out assigned duties in a responsible manner; ability to enforce codes and regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially; ability to enter, maintain, and retrieve data and information in an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system; ability to successfully complete the Sussex County internal enforcement program within six (6) months of hire; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, contractors, property owners, representatives from other agencies and the public; knowledge of and experience with Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS)/Law Enforcement Investigative Support System (LEISS) preferred.
 
Construction:
Knowledge of applicable County adopted building codes, must be familiar with materials, methods, and practices used in building construction; knowledge of the principles and practices of zoning and construction; ability to learn, interpret and apply County codes and ordinances; ability to identify federally regulated flood zones and identify construction requirements related to such zones; ability to work with little supervision and carry out assigned duties in a responsible manner; ability to identify faulty construction or hazardous conditions and make appropriate referrals to ensure effective corrective measures are taken; must be familiar with building construction plans and specifications and recognize deviations from such plans in the construction process; ability to enforce codes and regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially; ability to enter, maintain, and retrieve data and information in an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system; ability to successfully complete the Sussex County internal enforcement program within six (6) months of hire; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, contractors, property owners, representatives from other agencies and the public.
 
QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum High School Diploma or GED with at least two (2) years’ experience in a related field (Construction/Compliance) or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities; must have basic computer operating skills and have working knowledge of Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Word, Excel) and related pertinent applications; excellent customer service and organizational skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills.
 
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
 

  • Direct Deposit Required
  • 35-hour work week (Monday - Friday)
  • Pre-Employment Background Screening
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license                                    


Revised 01/2026


Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : CONSTABLES

Posting Start : 09/16/2026

Posting End : 12/31/9999

Details : Pay Grades