Code Specialist II – Right of Way Compliance

Full-time position represented by AFSCME 189 – City Wide. Work location: 1120 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97204.

About the role

Code Specialists for the Right of Way Compliance Program perform a wide range of tasks: receiving and prioritizing reports from the public, field inspections of work sites, and identifying violations. This position ensures safety and compliance with city codes and permit conditions while providing excellent customer service.

About the division

The Utility Management and Compliance Division ensures safe, efficient, and equitable mobility for all users of the public right-of-way by overseeing the restoration of PBOT assets, managing utility infrastructure, and enforcing compliance with permit conditions, city codes, and administrative rules.

Responsibilities

• Respond to customer and public inquiries and complaints; explain and interpret codes, policies, standards, fees, and procedures to members of the public, contractors, engineers, architects, and other public or utility organization employees to resolve problems and ensure adherence to procedures.
• Inspect, observe, and monitor potential code violations in the field and apply appropriate remedies based on program procedures.
• Take reports; attempt to secure voluntary compliance before applying applicable penalties or corrective actions.
• Organize and route work by priority to meet specified deadlines.
• Coordinate with other bureaus and outside agencies or contractors to expedite enforcement of code.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, actions taken, conversations, and extensions granted; update computer records and research information in support of enforcement action.
• Compose and maintain correspondence and records for proper evaluation and documentation of code enforcement case management; prepare cases for fee assessments and code hearings.
• Represent the City in Code Hearings and other judicial proceedings; represent the bureau at interagency meetings to provide technical and procedural information.

Requirements

• One or more years of experience analyzing, interpreting, and/or enforcing complex code or policies.
• Experience clearly communicating technical or legal information in various forms (oral, written, graphic).
• Ability to work independently in the field conducting inspections and investigations.
• Ability to read and interpret complex permits and maps, as well as city codes and administrative rules and regulations.
• Skill in a variety of software packages including Microsoft Office programs and data storage and analytics products.
• Ability to remain calm and communicate clearly in high-stress situations that may involve verbal abuse; knowledge of conflict resolution and de-escalation methods.
• Class C Driver’s License and acceptable driving record at time of hire.

Qualifications

An ideal candidate will demonstrate the following attributes:

• Excellent communicator: Ability to communicate complex technical information and city codes to a wide variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Thorough: Strong recordkeeping and organization skills; ability to maintain detailed notes for cases that span long periods with multiple stages.
• Problem solver: Ability to utilize creative thinking to achieve results.
• Independent: Ability to prioritize and manage a caseload with little direct supervision; plan, route, and organize work based on specific criteria.
• Organized: Ability to work on multiple tasks and respond to various situations in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Relationship builder: Outgoing professional who values building trust, partnerships, and relationships to support an inclusive culture and accomplish objectives.

Preferred but not required:

• Fluency in two or more languages.
• Degree in code or law enforcement, traffic systems, or a related field.

Benefits

For an overview of benefits for this position, please visit the City of Portland’s benefits tab. Current labor agreements can be viewed here.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. An alternate schedule may be available.