Code Enforcement Jobs in Lakeland, FL (NOW HIRING)

Performs technical, administrative, and customer service duties related to receiving and processing citizen complaints and providing paraprofessional support to Certified Code Investigators. Work is performed in accordance with Florida Statute 162, the Polk County Land Development Code, Florida Building Code, Polk County Property Maintenance Code, and related codes and ordinances. Responsibilities include legal research, preparation of case files, and drafting legal documents.

Customer Relations

• Receives and records code enforcement complaints; prepares case files according to established procedures.
• Greets citizens at the front desk, records complaints, creates cases, and assigns cases to investigators.
• Answers and routes incoming calls via a multi-line telephone system; provide general information as needed.
• Greets and signs in citizens attending Special Magistrate Hearings.
• Relays detailed and accurate information from the public and staff to Investigators and relevant personnel.
• Independently follows up with customers regarding code enforcement requests and case statuses.
• Coordinates with the public, county, regional, and state agencies regarding case file information.
• Communicates professionally with Board of County Commissioners staff, legal practitioners, business professionals, County staff, and the public.
• Assists the public in person and by telephone, providing guidance based on Code Enforcement procedures.
• Reviews legal documents to identify property ownership.

Technical Abilities

• Reviews policies, procedures, and complaints to assist Investigators.
• Advises Investigators regarding extension of time requests from respondents.
• Discusses and researches code enforcement inquiries to assist in citizen issue resolution.
• Utilizes GIS Dataviewer, Hansen, and other land development software to research permitting and project complaints.
• Assists Investigators in managing workloads, deadlines, and scheduling Special Magistrate Hearings.
• Acts as Magistrate Clerk, managing case documents and evidence preparation.

Transaction Management

• Processes large volumes of certified and regular mail.
• Notarizes documents for citizens and staff.
• Enters ownership and complaint information into databases, working closely with field Investigators.
• Prepares and processes various code enforcement forms, notices, affidavits, and legal packets.
• Perform clerical duties, including typing, filing, copying, scanning, and maintaining records.
• Schedules Special Magistrate Hearings and monitors task deadlines through reporting systems.
• Updates case statuses to reflect case closures or inactivity.
• Prepares files for electronic archiving.
• Generate reports and compiles data as requested.
• Conducts research and assists with Public Records Requests and lien searches.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

Communication and Customer Service

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interact courteously and effectively with the public, officials, and staff.

Technical Proficiency

• Ability to interpret legal descriptions and recognize basic components of site maps, aerial photographs, and land use maps.
• Proficiency in business English, spelling, punctuation, and basic mathematical calculations.
• Knowledge of office practices, procedures, and records management specific to code compliance.
• Familiarity with Polk County GIS Dataviewer and other related property databases.

Research and Analytical Skills

• Ability to research property ownership, code enforcement regulations, and site-specific issues.
• Ability to comprehend and meet efficiency and effectiveness metrics.

Technology Skills

• Ability to operate office equipment, including multi-line phone systems, scanners, and computers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to learn specialized Code Enforcement software.
• Data entry and document management skills.

Organizational and Administrative Abilities

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.

Knowledge of Regulations and Codes

• Familiarity with Polk County ordinances, Land Development Code, and regulatory codes.
• Knowledge of relevant divisions assisting with Code Enforcement processes (e.g., Building, Land Development, Waste & Recycling, Roads & Drainage).

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Minimum of two (2) years clerical office experience involving public service problem-solving or inquiries.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Polk County GIS Dataviewer and navigation of the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector websites for Code Enforcement research.
• Proficiency in researching Code Enforcement programs and basic familiarity with building permit and land development applications.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to obtain a valid Florida driver's license upon employment.
• Ability to type a minimum of 35 CWPM with a maximum of 10 errors.
• Proficiency in word processing software and CRT equipment as required.
• A comparable amount of education, training, and related experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications, except for the driver's license requirement.

Special Preferences

• Paralegal or court clerk experience preferred.
• Basic proficiency in Excel, including spreadsheets, graphs, and tables.

Special Requirements

• Certification as a Notary Public within six (6) months of employment.
• Florida Association of Code Enforcement (FACE) Certification Level I – Fundamentals of Code Enforcement within one (1) year of employment.

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.