Description

Summary of Duties: Under general supervision, the Property Standards Specialist, Senior is responsible for inspecting residential and other zoned property for compliance with City codes and ordinances.  Staff will educate citizens on requirements for long term stabilization of residential neighborhoods.  Provides research and presentation on cases developed.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the advanced journey-level classification in the Property Standards Specialist series. The incumbent plans detailed methods to attain desired objectives working within established policy. Methods require use of initiatives and resourcefulness in developing processes and procedures. Works under indirect supervision, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters.

Examples of ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Investigates and inspects residential, commercial, and industrial properties for compliance with City codes, zoning ordinances, and other applicable property use and maintenance regulations.
• Notifies property owners, occupants or other responsible parties of violations regarding City codes, ordinances, or other applicable property use and maintenance regulations and makes recommendations for corrective actions in accordance with current regulations.
• Educates citizens and community on City codes, ordinances and other applicable property use and maintenance regulations to promote and enhance the health, safety, welfare, and overall livability of neighborhoods, commercial districts, and other urban areas within the City of Plano.
• Attends community meetings and works directly with residential and other groups to alleviate neighborhood issues or other concerns.
• Maintains accurate case documentation of investigations, inspections and all other case actions taken; issues abatement work orders and citations as required.
• Prepares probable cause affidavits and affidavits of administrative search warrants and any other documentation necessary to represent the City in court cases or other administrative hearings.
• Maintains case files on Substandard Housing Cases and prepares files and documents for presentation to the Building Standards Commission as needed; provides recommendations on cases to Building Standards Commission members as necessary.
• Researches information to process code case violations, property ownership, and citizen contact information.
• Conducts property assessments and surveys to determine overall condition and assist in the identification of needed neighborhood and revitalization programs.
• Collects the data required to assist management in the development of program plans.
• Identifies, develops, and participates in Plano CARES projects to abate non-compliant properties and enhance the overall neighborhood.
• Prepares staff reports; makes public presentations of matters pending before Boards and Commissions. Provides expert testimony during court hearings and board meetings, and represents the department at City Council meetings and other meetings.
• Attend and participate in other city, department, divisional or community educational programs and/or events such as HOA presentations, Love Where You Live, Block Parties, National Night Out, etc.
• Assist in the management and oversight of a specialized taskforce to facilitate education and assist in the resolution and long-term compliance of more complicated violations related to socioeconomic, psychological or physical contributors.
• Assist in the management of divisional programs such as Plano CARES or The Property Maintenance Minute.
• Review for approval Contract Work Orders, Probable Cause Affidavits and Notice to Appear in Municipal Court.
• Coaches, mentors, and trains new and existing staff to provide support and development; prepares and presents staff training and relationship building opportunities.
• Coaches, mentors, and trains new and existing staff to provide support and development; prepares and presents staff training and relationship building opportunities.
• Provides research and coordination with other departments to respond to various requests.
• Acts as Supervisor when assigned.
• Completes periodic after hour and weekend inspections as needed.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

Marginal Duties:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Decisions: The incumbent determines if properties and structures located within the City of Plano are in compliance with applicable codes, ordinances and regulations. In addition to identifying methods and techniques to promote compliance with current City codes, zoning ordinances, and other applicable property use and maintenance regulations. Incumbent also provides resources, direction and feedback to other staff to assist with their development and case management.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of: City codes and ordinances, Municipal, State and Federal statutory guidelines, and other statutory guidelines related to housing, zoning, health and safety; computer systems, software and computer usage; construction practices and material applications.

Skill in: Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing; performing customer relations activities; delivering public presentations; conducting research; demonstrating good judgment.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Science, Construction Management, Political Science, Urban Planning, Criminal Justice or a related field.

Experience: Three (3) years of demonstrated full time experience in effective implementation of community programs, case management, code and zoning compliance, building and housing inspections.

Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements

Licenses and Certifications: Texas Class C driver’s license (must obtain within 30 days of hire per state law); certification as a State of Texas Certified Code Enforcement Officer; Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector certification and Zoning Inspector certification.

Conditions of Employment:   Must pass a drug test, driver license check, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check (for positions requiring access into Police buildings) and social security number verification check.  

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to work in the field inspecting housing units, including traversing uneven terrain, to operate a motor vehicle, and tools and equipment, and to visit various City sites; vision to inspect assigned facilities, to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking conducting inspections to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, to operate standard office equipment, to turn faucets on and off, manipulate door knobs, conduct tests and to operate tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information, obtain samples, and set up equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 35 pounds.

Employees partly work in the office and partly in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.