CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Salary

$69,290.00 Annually

Location

Environmental Health - Public Works - 5885 NE 14th Street, IA

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

27-1009

Department

Public Works Department

Division

Environmental Health

Opening Date

08/03/2026

Closing Date

8/17/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

PAA

Hours

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Sat/Sun Off)

Bargaining Unit

AFSCME/Paraprofessional

Salary Grade

10

Location

Public Works

• Description
• Benefits

Under general supervision, performs responsible work in the enforcement of federal, state and local regulations, codes, and ordinances regarding environmental health. Responsibilities include zoning, nuisance abatement, and inspection of private onsite wastewater systems, private wells, and licensed septic haulers.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Inspects installation, repair, and construction of private sewage disposal systems for compliance with applicable codes.
• Reviews and examines site plans and permit applications for buildings and structures to ensure conformity with zoning and environmental health requirements; assists in reviews for construction, alteration, rehabilitation, or repair of buildings and structures including private water supply systems, non-regulated wells, well plugging, and onsite waste water disposal systems.
• Performs reviews of Time of Transfer (TOT) inspection report and issues letters.
• Maintains database of onsite waste water system which require maintenance agreements and sampling of effluent.
• Investigates environmental health, nuisance abatement, and zoning complaints; conducts field inspections; works with property owners, contractors, and business owners to resolve violations; seeks compliance through written or personal contact; determines what enforcement action follow up is necessary; conducts follow up inspections.
• Conducts field inspections of vacant lots, commercial and residential buildings and structures, and public establishments to identify health violations; collects water samples for bacterial and nitrate examination; assist with vector/mosquito control; investigates other public sanitation problems.
• Assists in the reviews Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans and inspects sites for compliance; provides information and corrective measures to contractors and home owners.
• Establishes and maintains accurate and complete case files; prepares documentation; researches records, codes, and legal descriptions; confirms facts and establishes evidence to confirm alleged violation; issues notices of violation, citations, abatement orders, and emergency abatement orders; prepares required reports and records; presents reports and evidence at hearings or trials.
• Explains applicable regulations, codes, ordinances, and department policies and procedures to the public, outside agencies, and community groups; coordinates with other departments and agencies to achieve consistency and predictability in code interpretations/compliance actions.
• Attends training, seminars, and professional meetings to remain current on federal, state, and local regulations, codes and ordinances regarding Environmental Health, code enforcement programs and techniques; may make public presentations.
• Performs related duties as assigned; may be assigned to other areas of Code Enforcement.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Polk County construction Code, Health Nuisance Regulation, Subdivision Ordinance, and Zoning Ordinance.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to environmental health and public sanitation including onsite waste water systems, septic haulers, and private drinking water wells.
• Knowledge of private on-site waste water treatment and disposal operations.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry, microbiology and physics.
• Knowledge of the construction of private drinking wells, proper sampling techniques, and well plugging procedures.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques and principles and practices of effective code enforcement.
• Skill in the use of a computers and departmental software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
• Ability to compile, calculate, analyze, and evaluate technical data, prepare evidence for use in hearings or court proceedings, and testify regarding evidence.
• Ability to interpret and apply codes, ordinances, and regulations and explain them to the public, developers, and contractors.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze plans, blueprints, drawings, and diagrams.
• Ability to use persuasion, tact, and diplomacy to effectively resolve disputes.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to keep accurate inspection records and prepare clear, concise reports
• Ability to perform math calculations using prescribed formulas.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to travel to remote work sites.
• Ability to climb, hike, and walk in all types of terrains in inclement weather.
• Ability to crawl in and out of small confined spaces.
• Ability to routinely lift and carry ladders and test equipment weighting up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally push and pull up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, skilled workers, building and property owners, contractors and the public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

Training and Experience

• Graduation from high school or equivalent, and
• Two years of college or technical training in Environmental Science, Biological Science, Construction Technology, Engineering, or related field, and
• Two years of experience in building inspection, code enforcement, environmental health, planning and zoning, or related field, or
• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Biological Science, Construction Technology, Engineering, or related field, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Certification as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) or Registered Sanitarian (RS) is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A criminal background check is required.
• A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required.

Click below for a detailed overview of our benefits package.

Polk County Employment Benefits

Employer Polk County

Address 111 Court Avenue Suite 390 Human Resources

Des Moines, Iowa, 50309

Phone 515-286-3200

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/polkia