Vendor Enforcement Officer
About the role
The Vendor Enforcement Officer plays a vital role in keeping New Haven's street vending community safe, fair, and thriving. This role involves field-based inspection, investigation, and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with the City of New Haven’s vending ordinances.
Responsibilities
- Conducts field inspections of vending activities to ensure compliance with applicable City ordinances and regulations.
- Investigates complaints related to unpermitted or non-compliant vending operations.
- Issues citations and notices of violation in accordance with local ordinances and established procedures.
- Educates vendors and the public regarding applicable laws, licensing requirements, and compliance standards.
- Maintains licensed vendors to ensure continued adherence to regulations and protocols.
- Prepares and maintains accurate and detailed records of inspections, violations, citations, and enforcement actions.
- Prepares written reports, case files, and documentation for administrative or legal proceedings.
- Collaborates with other City departments, such as zoning, licensing, and public safety, as necessary.
Qualifications
- Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in code enforcement, municipal inspection, regulatory compliance, construction trades, or a closely related field.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban studies, public administration, construction management, or a related field.
- In lieu of a college degree, an additional 4 years of closely related experience may be substituted.
Skills & Abilities
- Considerable knowledge of local vending ordinance and the zoning ordinance as it relates to vending and public space.
- Considerable knowledge of special vending districts and associated rules, regulations, and licensing requirements.
- Ability to interpret and apply laws, ordinances, and regulations in field situations.
- Ability to assess violations and determine appropriate corrective actions to achieve compliance.
- Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports and maintain organized enforcement records.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office for creating documents, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to handle potentially sensitive or confrontational situations with professionalism and sound judgment.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to deal effectively with the general public, contractors, technicians, and other City staff.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including vendors, business owners, contractors, and the general public.
- Ability to be versatile, flexible, and willing to work within changing priorities.
- Commitment to keep all matters confidential and conduct oneself with the highest ethical standards.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively in a diverse community, recognizing and respecting cultural differences, and fostering an inclusive environment.
- Ability to work flexible shifts, which may include occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Necessary Special Requirements
- Must have and maintain a valid Connecticut driver’s license.
SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This is a Special Fund, "Non-Tested" position. Funding may be terminated at any time. This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 884, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Bargaining agreements available to review HERE. Special Funded employees shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening in accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period.
Instructions and Information on this Pre-employment Process
Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.