Polk County
Code Enforcement Investigator I, II or III or CEP
Polk County, Bartow, Florida, United States, 33830
POLK COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
JOB DESCRIPTION
CERTIFIED CODES INVESTIGATOR I, II, III, CEP
Pay Grade 17 $27.19/hr
Pay Grade 18 $28.56/hr
Pay Grade 19 $29.99/hr
Pay Grade 20 $31.49/hr
Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:
Major Function Performs field inspections of private and public properties, including but not limited to commercial, residential, industrial, agricultural, manufacturing, salvage yards, construction sites, rental units, businesses, storage areas, and special hazardous facilities or situations, to enforce compliance with local codes, ordinances, and applicable state regulations. Inspection requests originate from citizens, state and local agencies (e.g., Health Department, FDEP, SWFWMD, PCSO), or be initiated independently by the Investigator. Works directly with the public, legal counsel, regulatory agencies and private businesses to investigate complaints, gather evidence, and communicate with property owners or tenants to address violations. Provides accurate information and practical guidance on code enforcement issues impacting public health, safety, and community welfare.
Illustrative Duties Field Inspections and Investigations
Conducts field investigations in response to complaints regarding potential violations of the Land Development Code, Florida Building Code, and County Ordinances.
Gathering evidence, photographing violations, and interviewing parties involved.
Inspects substandard residential dwellings to enforce the Minimum Housing Ordinance and determine habitability.
Identifies illegal dumping and coordinates cleanup efforts.
Interpret and understand the Solid Waste contract for garbage and yard waste disposal requirements and what constitutes excessive bulk waste.
Assist citizens on matters requiring a building permit, engineering and variances.
Identifies and recommends properties for demolition when conditions meet established criteria.
Participate in mobile home park and salvage yard inspections for proper licensing inspection requirements.
Issues notices of violation, posts legal documents to ensure due process, and ensures corrective actions are taken to achieve compliance.
Prepares and presents detailed case reports for Polk County Special Magistrate or judicial hearings.
Conducts routine neighborhood inspections to ensure overall code compliance.
Research and Documentation
Research property ownership using legal descriptions, deeds, tax records, and Property Appraiser, GIS databases.
Maintains detailed case files using code enforcement software.
Prepares descriptive narrative written summaries, inspection reports, and evidence documentation.
Coordinates case presentations and testifies at hearings before the Special Magistrate and Appellate Special Magistrate, subject to cross‑examination.
Public Interaction and Compliance
Meets with property owners, tenants, and complainants to assess violations, explain code requirements, and guide corrective actions.
Responds to public inquiries, explains code requirements, and provides educational support to promote voluntary compliance plans.
Coordinates with Planning, Building, Roads & Drainage, Solid Waste, Keep Polk County Beautiful, PCSO Environmental Unit, State DEP, and other departments.
Safety and Emergency Response
Identifies and responds appropriately to hazardous conditions and have the mental, physical and verbal ability to think and respond quickly while remaining courteous and professional while safely interacting with the public during situations (e.g., chemical spills, hazardous waste sites, hoarding, drug paraphernalia, aggressive individuals, and mentally ill or unstable citizens).
Assists with damage assessments and inspections during emergencies and natural disasters including identification, placarding and reporting requirements to FEMA; identify structures for power pulls, required permitting and those unfit for habitation.
Applies FEMA guidelines and protocols during declared emergencies.
Have situational awareness about safety hazards during property abatements involving hoarders, death investigations and search warrants where a crime has taken place.
Ability and training to utilize issued safety equipment including but not limited to workboots, gloves, garbage collection equipment, posting stakes, safety/ballistic vests and law enforcement issued radios (appropriate dialogue: 10 codes & signals).
Other Duties
Inspects and removes illegal signage from public rights‑of‑way.
Manage contracted vendors during nuisance abatement activities or Special Magistrate order of enforcement. This position has a great deal of oversight and liability in the part of the County.
Participate in community meetings and events within neighborhoods to provide educational assistance and address needs within assigned area.
May represent the department at public meetings or outreach events.
Note: The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on the assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all the duties listed.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills Technical and Regulatory Knowledge
Proficient in inspection software, GIS/GPS tools, digital photography, and enforcement related computer applications including PowerPoint.
Working knowledge of local codes, ordinances, laws, and enforcement procedures related to land use and property maintenance.
Understanding of investigative techniques and case documentation standards.
Interprets and appropriately applies and enforces all regulatory enforcement violations within the Division under the scope of the County's authority.
Able to interpret and apply the Land Development Code on matters involving a Variance, Change in Land Use, Temporary Special Exception for Commercial Vehicle Parking and Medical Hardships, pre‑construction meetings and any commercial or industrial related land use projects, planning, existing and new construction.
Familiar with permitted septage spreading requirements through the State and Polk County Utilities Division.
Knowledge of utilities water and wastewater function and processes.
Work with the Roads & Drainage Division on projects involving flooding and drainage matters or the application process for vacating the right of way and closing off roads.
Knowledge of Polk County Housing and Community Development programs.
Proficiency in researching property ownership using legal descriptions, tax records and appraiser databases.
Communication, Interpersonal, and Documentation Skills
Compose clear, accurate, and concise case narratives and inspection forms.
Work independently, manage multiple cases simultaneously, and prioritize assignments.
Maintain working relationships, work collaboratively and effectively with property owners, the general public, officials, and coworkers.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to draft clear reports and present cases effectively.
Maintains professionalism in hostile situations and de‑escalates tense or sensitive interactions.
Judgement and Physical Field Readiness
Physically capable of navigating varied and potentially hazardous property conditions on foot, including lifting to 50 pounds, standing, bending, and walking in outdoor environments and all weather conditions.
Comfortable operating a county vehicle and working in the field for extended periods.
Demonstrates sound judgment and strong decision‑making skills in evaluating violations, determining enforcement actions, and making independent recommendations.
Must have visual acuity to differentiate and distinguish colors for inspections, safety, or quality control purposes.
Travel independently between job sites using traditional and web‑based maps, as well as GPS technology.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduate from an accredited high school or an acceptable equivalent diploma.
Must undergo a Level 2 (FDLE) screening submitted electronically before commencing work. Those obtaining this certification must maintain certification as a condition of employment.
Trainee – Pay Grade 17 (minus 5%)
The selected candidate will be hired at 5% below the starting rate of the base Level I Investigator or level of Investigator certification held, until they have successfully completed the 20‑week field training program and certified as a Level I Investigator. (If the selected candidate is a former employee, we reserve the right to hire a candidate at 5% below the certification level they hold, until they successfully complete the required 20‑week field and on‑the‑job training to function as a solo Investigator in an assigned area.)
Certified Code Investigator I – Pay Grade 17
At least one (1) year of experience in code enforcement, real estate, building construction, investigations, code enforcement, or related regulatory work.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level I or Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification.
Polk County Code Enforcement Property Maintenance Certification.
Certified Code Investigator II – Pay Grade 18
At least two (2) years of experience in code enforcement, real estate, building construction, investigations, code enforcement, or related regulatory work.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level I or Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level II or Administrative Aspects of Code Enforcement.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Officer Safety and Field Applications Certification.
Polk County Code Enforcement Property Maintenance Certification.
Certified Code Investigator III – Pay Grade 19
At least three (3) years of experience in code enforcement, real estate, building construction, investigations, code enforcement, or related regulatory work.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level I or Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level II or Administrative Aspects of Code Enforcement.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level III or Legal Issues in Code Enforcement.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Officer Safety and Field Applications Certification.
Polk County Code Enforcement Property Maintenance Certification.
Certified Code Investigator CEP – Pay Grade 20
Minimum of four (4) years of code enforcement, real estate, building construction, investigative, governmental regulatory, or related work experience.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level I – Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level II – Administrative Aspects of Code Enforcement.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level III – Legal Issues in Code Enforcement.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Code Enforcement Professional (C.E.P.) Certification, including acceptance of a legal issue paper.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Officer Safety and Field Applications Certification.
Polk County Code Enforcement Property Maintenance Certification.
Special Requirements
All certifications must be maintained as a condition of continued 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.
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Major Function Performs field inspections of private and public properties, including but not limited to commercial, residential, industrial, agricultural, manufacturing, salvage yards, construction sites, rental units, businesses, storage areas, and special hazardous facilities or situations, to enforce compliance with local codes, ordinances, and applicable state regulations. Inspection requests originate from citizens, state and local agencies (e.g., Health Department, FDEP, SWFWMD, PCSO), or be initiated independently by the Investigator. Works directly with the public, legal counsel, regulatory agencies and private businesses to investigate complaints, gather evidence, and communicate with property owners or tenants to address violations. Provides accurate information and practical guidance on code enforcement issues impacting public health, safety, and community welfare.
Illustrative Duties Field Inspections and Investigations
Conducts field investigations in response to complaints regarding potential violations of the Land Development Code, Florida Building Code, and County Ordinances.
Gathering evidence, photographing violations, and interviewing parties involved.
Inspects substandard residential dwellings to enforce the Minimum Housing Ordinance and determine habitability.
Identifies illegal dumping and coordinates cleanup efforts.
Interpret and understand the Solid Waste contract for garbage and yard waste disposal requirements and what constitutes excessive bulk waste.
Assist citizens on matters requiring a building permit, engineering and variances.
Identifies and recommends properties for demolition when conditions meet established criteria.
Participate in mobile home park and salvage yard inspections for proper licensing inspection requirements.
Issues notices of violation, posts legal documents to ensure due process, and ensures corrective actions are taken to achieve compliance.
Prepares and presents detailed case reports for Polk County Special Magistrate or judicial hearings.
Conducts routine neighborhood inspections to ensure overall code compliance.
Research and Documentation
Research property ownership using legal descriptions, deeds, tax records, and Property Appraiser, GIS databases.
Maintains detailed case files using code enforcement software.
Prepares descriptive narrative written summaries, inspection reports, and evidence documentation.
Coordinates case presentations and testifies at hearings before the Special Magistrate and Appellate Special Magistrate, subject to cross‑examination.
Public Interaction and Compliance
Meets with property owners, tenants, and complainants to assess violations, explain code requirements, and guide corrective actions.
Responds to public inquiries, explains code requirements, and provides educational support to promote voluntary compliance plans.
Coordinates with Planning, Building, Roads & Drainage, Solid Waste, Keep Polk County Beautiful, PCSO Environmental Unit, State DEP, and other departments.
Safety and Emergency Response
Identifies and responds appropriately to hazardous conditions and have the mental, physical and verbal ability to think and respond quickly while remaining courteous and professional while safely interacting with the public during situations (e.g., chemical spills, hazardous waste sites, hoarding, drug paraphernalia, aggressive individuals, and mentally ill or unstable citizens).
Assists with damage assessments and inspections during emergencies and natural disasters including identification, placarding and reporting requirements to FEMA; identify structures for power pulls, required permitting and those unfit for habitation.
Applies FEMA guidelines and protocols during declared emergencies.
Have situational awareness about safety hazards during property abatements involving hoarders, death investigations and search warrants where a crime has taken place.
Ability and training to utilize issued safety equipment including but not limited to workboots, gloves, garbage collection equipment, posting stakes, safety/ballistic vests and law enforcement issued radios (appropriate dialogue: 10 codes & signals).
Other Duties
Inspects and removes illegal signage from public rights‑of‑way.
Manage contracted vendors during nuisance abatement activities or Special Magistrate order of enforcement. This position has a great deal of oversight and liability in the part of the County.
Participate in community meetings and events within neighborhoods to provide educational assistance and address needs within assigned area.
May represent the department at public meetings or outreach events.
Note: The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on the assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all the duties listed.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills Technical and Regulatory Knowledge
Proficient in inspection software, GIS/GPS tools, digital photography, and enforcement related computer applications including PowerPoint.
Working knowledge of local codes, ordinances, laws, and enforcement procedures related to land use and property maintenance.
Understanding of investigative techniques and case documentation standards.
Interprets and appropriately applies and enforces all regulatory enforcement violations within the Division under the scope of the County's authority.
Able to interpret and apply the Land Development Code on matters involving a Variance, Change in Land Use, Temporary Special Exception for Commercial Vehicle Parking and Medical Hardships, pre‑construction meetings and any commercial or industrial related land use projects, planning, existing and new construction.
Familiar with permitted septage spreading requirements through the State and Polk County Utilities Division.
Knowledge of utilities water and wastewater function and processes.
Work with the Roads & Drainage Division on projects involving flooding and drainage matters or the application process for vacating the right of way and closing off roads.
Knowledge of Polk County Housing and Community Development programs.
Proficiency in researching property ownership using legal descriptions, tax records and appraiser databases.
Communication, Interpersonal, and Documentation Skills
Compose clear, accurate, and concise case narratives and inspection forms.
Work independently, manage multiple cases simultaneously, and prioritize assignments.
Maintain working relationships, work collaboratively and effectively with property owners, the general public, officials, and coworkers.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to draft clear reports and present cases effectively.
Maintains professionalism in hostile situations and de‑escalates tense or sensitive interactions.
Judgement and Physical Field Readiness
Physically capable of navigating varied and potentially hazardous property conditions on foot, including lifting to 50 pounds, standing, bending, and walking in outdoor environments and all weather conditions.
Comfortable operating a county vehicle and working in the field for extended periods.
Demonstrates sound judgment and strong decision‑making skills in evaluating violations, determining enforcement actions, and making independent recommendations.
Must have visual acuity to differentiate and distinguish colors for inspections, safety, or quality control purposes.
Travel independently between job sites using traditional and web‑based maps, as well as GPS technology.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduate from an accredited high school or an acceptable equivalent diploma.
Must undergo a Level 2 (FDLE) screening submitted electronically before commencing work. Those obtaining this certification must maintain certification as a condition of employment.
Trainee – Pay Grade 17 (minus 5%)
The selected candidate will be hired at 5% below the starting rate of the base Level I Investigator or level of Investigator certification held, until they have successfully completed the 20‑week field training program and certified as a Level I Investigator. (If the selected candidate is a former employee, we reserve the right to hire a candidate at 5% below the certification level they hold, until they successfully complete the required 20‑week field and on‑the‑job training to function as a solo Investigator in an assigned area.)
Certified Code Investigator I – Pay Grade 17
At least one (1) year of experience in code enforcement, real estate, building construction, investigations, code enforcement, or related regulatory work.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level I or Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification.
Polk County Code Enforcement Property Maintenance Certification.
Certified Code Investigator II – Pay Grade 18
At least two (2) years of experience in code enforcement, real estate, building construction, investigations, code enforcement, or related regulatory work.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level I or Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level II or Administrative Aspects of Code Enforcement.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Officer Safety and Field Applications Certification.
Polk County Code Enforcement Property Maintenance Certification.
Certified Code Investigator III – Pay Grade 19
At least three (3) years of experience in code enforcement, real estate, building construction, investigations, code enforcement, or related regulatory work.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level I or Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level II or Administrative Aspects of Code Enforcement.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level III or Legal Issues in Code Enforcement.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Officer Safety and Field Applications Certification.
Polk County Code Enforcement Property Maintenance Certification.
Certified Code Investigator CEP – Pay Grade 20
Minimum of four (4) years of code enforcement, real estate, building construction, investigative, governmental regulatory, or related work experience.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level I – Fundamentals of Code Enforcement Certification.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level II – Administrative Aspects of Code Enforcement.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Level III – Legal Issues in Code Enforcement.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Code Enforcement Professional (C.E.P.) Certification, including acceptance of a legal issue paper.
Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) Officer Safety and Field Applications Certification.
Polk County Code Enforcement Property Maintenance Certification.
Special Requirements
All certifications must be maintained as a condition of continued 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.
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