Officials from the City of Petal are now taking application for a new code enforcement officer, who would work with the city’s building department to enforce ordinances for residential and commercial properties.
That person would take over for Kerry Smith, who recently retired from the position. Mayor Tony Ducker said the ideal candidate would have prior knowledge of the position and some background in construction if possible.
“But when it’s all said and done, if someone has some reading comprehension and common sense, that would go a long way,” he said. “We have our codes online, and we’ve got (building department director) Amy (Heath), who can walk them through the process.”
Responsibilities for the position include the following:
- Performing inspections of residential, commercial and other properties for compliance with city codes and ordinances. Inspecting exterior for electrical, plumbing, sanitation, ventilation defects and hazards, issue notices of violations and abatement.
- Conducting field inspections to uncover unsafe, abandoned and dilapidated houses, vehicles or other private property in violation of city ordinances. Also, monitoring abandoned structures, including those damaged by fire or natural disasters.
- Investigating possible violations; contacting responsible individuals in person and in writing, requesting discontinuance, removal or alteration of conditions that violate city ordinances, performing follow-up investigations to see that remedial action has been taken.
- Photographing conditions of violations for the purpose of evidence and identification, preparing reports regarding cases, preparing cases including history, facts, photos and other needed information in preparation of possible legal action.
- Carrying out preventative enforcement throughout the city.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate would possess such skills as the ability to read and interpret property maintenance codes and standards; the ability to meet and interact with the public and explain code requirements; being able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing; and the ability to inspect properties and determine compliance with codes.
A high school diploma is required, and salary is dependent upon experience.
“Unfortunately, due to staffing and resources, we have always operated – since I’ve been with the city – on complaint-driven code enforcement,” Ducker said. “Obviously, we see stuff when we’re out and about ourselves, but preferably (for this position), you would have folks that would be able to catch some of this stuff and be more proactive instead of reactive.
“Our past code enforcement (for instance) might be dealing with a dog, where they’d have to coordinate some of that with the police department and our animal control. Or it might be cars in the front yard, things of nature – that’s usually the kind of stuff they end up dealing with.”
Applications can be dropped off at Petal City Hall, 119 West 8th Avenue in Petal, or submitted via email to adye@cityofpetal.com. Potential employees must be able to pass a drug screen and physical checkup.
Ducker said the city has received several applications in recent days, and he expects to have someone hired in the near future.
“Even if we did fill the position, it’d be really nice to have (the applications of) whoever may be interested,” he said. ”That’s usually the first place we go back to (when we’re looking to hire for open positions).”
