Code Enforcement Investigator I- Department of Housing & Community Development

Job Summary

The Code Enforcement Investigator I investigates alleged violations of environmental and housing code regulations and laws and participates in identifying violators and planning their apprehension, indictment, and conviction.

Work of this class involves no supervisory duties or responsibilities. Incumbents receive moderate supervision from a technical supervisor. Employees in this class work a conventional workweek that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. The employees work in an office and on site of violations where such conditions as seasonal weather extremes, hazardous waste, and hostile confrontations may be encountered. Work involves moderate physical exertion involving long periods of stooping, standing, climbing, and jumping.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or G.E.D. certification from an accredited institution.
• Experience: Two years of experience investigating environmental, housing, or other code violations, conducting environmental health or related code inspections, enforcing ordinances, regulations, and public laws, or in monitoring and enforcing compliance with program requirements.
• Equivalency: Each additional year of education at an accredited college or university may substitute for six months of the experience requirement.
• Licenses, Registrations, and Certificates: Valid Maryland Class C Noncommercial driver's license or an equivalent driver's license and eligible to obtain a Baltimore City driver’s permit.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of investigative methods, techniques, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of environmental hazards and housing code violations.
• Knowledge of environmental and housing codes and regulations.
• Skill in conducting investigative interviews and eliciting cooperation of individuals and businesses.
• Skill in investigative methods.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply environmental regulations and housing codes.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and policies relevant to criminal and civil investigations.
• Ability to utilize sound judgment and remain calm under stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, co-workers, governmental employees, and enforcement officers.
• Ability to deal effectively with the general public.
• Ability to observe and identify objects and activities that serve as evidence of an environmental or housing code crime or violation.
• Ability to testify as an expert witness in court and defend findings.
• Ability to prepare narrative reports explaining investigative activity and findings and justifying persecution of a case.
• Ability to utilize photographic equipment to photograph and document criminal evidence.
• Ability to utilize personal safety clothing and apparatus including respirators, batons, and handcuffs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sources and records.

Background Check

Provisional drivers licenses are not acceptable. Qualified candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint check.

Probation

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory six-month probation.

Selection Process

All candidates indicating the minimum qualifications on their applications will be placed on the eligible list without further examination. The training and experience of each candidate will be evaluated for appropriateness and quantity.

Training and Development

Employees must participate in, and successfully complete on-going skill development training related to investigation and enforcement of environmental laws and ordinances.

Financial Disclosure

Incumbents must be eligible to obtain a Certificate of Appointment as a Special Enforcement Officer by the Police Commissioner of the City of Baltimore prior to hire. The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.