Code Enforcement/Planning Assistant

Pay

Salary: $4,566.00 per month – plus excellent benefits.

About the Role

The Code Enforcement Assistant provides the public with information and technical assistance regarding Umatilla County regulations, including solid waste, smoke management, development code, and code enforcement ordinances. The position offers administrative support to the Code Enforcement Field Officer, the Smoke Management Advisory Committee, and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, maintains detailed records of all code enforcement activities, and assists with land‑use and solid‑waste regulation enforcement. Additional duties include coordinating abandoned‑vehicle complaints, property abatement efforts, and supporting land‑use planners as directed by the Community Development Director.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the public, state agencies, and federal agencies regarding all county solid waste, land use, and code enforcement inquiries and complaints; issue warnings or citations, maintain case files, assist County Counsel with hearing preparations, and provide court testimony as requested.
• Assist the public with zoning and map inquiries in person, by phone, and via email; issue zoning and smoke/burn permits; process and draft findings for Conditional Use Permits as assigned.
• Act as staff liaison for the Smoke Management Committee: facilitate meetings, transcribe minutes, prepare agendas, update webpages, maintain the Smoke Management Ordinance, and ensure compliance with Oregon Public Meetings Law.
• Act as staff liaison for the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC): facilitate meetings, transcribe minutes, prepare agendas, update webpages, maintain the ordinance, send notifications to committee members and franchise holders, prepare the annual DEQ Waste Shed Opportunity to Recycle report, ensure Recycling Modernization Act compliance, coordinate volunteer clean‑up programs and household hazardous waste collection events, manage franchise renewal records and fees, and draft and present an annual SWAC report to the County Board of Commissioners.
• Manage annual Conditional Use Permit (CUP) reviews: notify permit holders, coordinate site inspections, issue follow‑up correspondence or notices of non‑compliance, maintain the CUP database, log detailed notes, and review potential violations with planning staff.
• Handle “junk slips” and abandoned vehicles: prepare DMV Form 272 for state submission, issue abandoned‑vehicle notices, and, in coordination with the Code Enforcement Field Officer, issue citations under ORS 819.100 to last known owners; provide court testimony as required.
• Support planning staff and front‑office customer service by researching code compliance, initiating code and ordinance updates related to solid waste and code enforcement, and compiling annual enforcement data for the Community Development Director.
• Maintain the digital tracking system for land‑use permits and administrative records, including digitizing physical documents; perform clerical duties such as transcription, data entry, filing, typing, mail distribution, and website maintenance.
• Coordinate the annual reporting process between Umatilla County and local wind‑energy facilities, ensuring timely submissions and taking enforcement action when necessary; track meteorological tower permits to ensure they remain current.
• Assist the Administrative Assistant with the annual preparation and compilation of the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) report and summary.
• Provide backup support for the Community Development Administrative Assistant: prepare daily deposits, organize land‑use files, draft public notices, manage Planning Commission hearing logistics, prepare commissioner packets, and transcribe meeting minutes.
• Perform other code‑enforcement and planning‑related duties as business needs dictate.

Requirements

Education/Experience: High School Diploma or GED equivalent; minimum two (2) years of general office experience, or a combination of office experience and secondary education.

Preferred Qualifications: Post‑secondary degree; valid driver’s license; previous work experience in code enforcement and ordinance compliance desirable; certification by the Oregon Code Enforcement Association desired but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Knowledge of conduct of public meetings and accurate minute‑taking.
• Familiarity with land use, building codes, solid‑waste practices, and related enforcement procedures (preferred).
• Identify code‑compliance issues, advise parties on required applications and permit procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to prepare clear narratives, reports, and documentation.
• Strong organization skills; proficient in electronic and paper record‑keeping.
• Professional demeanor in stressful situations.
• Effective intergovernmental communication and relationship‑building.
• Interpretation of code language to determine compliance; equitable application of laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Proficiency with GIS‑based tools on computer or tablet for field observations and reporting.
• Compile and summarize property information into concise, legally defensible written forms.
• Conflict resolution with complainants, property owners, neighbors, and agency representatives.
• Obtain certification as an Appraiser for the DMV within six (6) months of hire to issue Form 272 evaluations.
• Maintain confidentiality when appropriate.
• Successful passage of a background check (required twice in the posting).

General/Organizational Competencies:

• Integrity – act honestly and do the right thing.
• Accountability – own actions and decisions.
• Empowerment – encourage initiative and leadership.
• Quality/Compliance – achieve excellence and follow policies and regulations.
• Customer Focus – provide courteous, helpful service.
• Communication – listen, speak, and write clearly; keep others informed.
• Collegiality – be respectful, approachable, and team‑oriented.
• Initiative – take ownership and act without being asked.
• Efficiency – manage time, be cost‑conscious, and seek process improvements.

Physical Demands

• Frequent walking, sitting, bending, talking, and hearing.
• Use of hands and fingers to handle tools, objects, or controls; reaching with hands and arms.
• Occasional lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds.
• Close‑vision and ability to adjust focus required.

Tools and Equipment

• Computer and tablet (word processing, Internet, ArcGIS Online, spreadsheets).
• Calculator, telephone, copy machine, fax machine, postage machine.
• Digital and physical permit tracking and code‑enforcement record systems.

Work Environment

The position is performed in an office setting with a quiet noise level; occasional work outdoors in inclement weather is rare. Reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.