LT-Code Enforcement Officer
City of Des Moines, WA, Des Moines, IA, United States
Job Overview
The City of Des Moines Police Department is establishing an eligibility list for the position of Code Enforcement Officer. This is a limited-term position with an anticipated duration of up to 24 months.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled. First Review of Applications May 7, 2026
Application Process
Please complete the online application at https://desmoineswa.applicantpro.com/jobs/ and attach a resume and cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements.
Nature of Work
Under the general direction of the Chief of Police, the Code Enforcement Officer provides support services related to development code enforcement in coordination with the Community Development department. The position investigates code violations related to commercial and residential buildings, educates the community on development standards, and enforces local laws, ordinances, and building codes related to property maintenance, zoning, health, and safety.
Essential Functions
Process complaints, conduct field investigations and inspections, document violations, and issue notices of infractions when appropriate.
Conduct on-site visits to ensure compliance with municipal codes, maintain comprehensive records (including photographs, phone calls, emails, and written correspondence), perform follow-up inspections, and verify compliance.
Prepare correspondence advising property owners of violations and corrective steps.
Inspect junk vehicles on private property and complete junk vehicle affidavits.
Work with the City Attorney's office to resolve cases, prepare documentation, present evidence, provide testimony, and recommend dispositions to the court.
Communicate with residents, neighborhood/homeowner associations, other agencies, and the public regarding city code, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; provide information and recommendations within scope of authority.
Communicate and explain findings clearly and testify in court.
Establish and maintain cooperative, effective relationships with coworkers, other city employees, and the general public using good customer service principles.
Report on scheduled work with regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned, provided they are consistent with development-related code enforcement responsibilities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
Municipal code enforcement methods and procedures (zoning, housing, transportation, health, sanitation, nuisance ordinances, business license/permit regulations, court evidence rules and procedures).
Code compliance methods, inspection and investigation techniques.
Federal, state and local laws and ordinances.
Abilities:
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with city employees, law enforcement agencies, civic leaders, and the public.
Become thoroughly familiar with department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations relevant to the area of responsibility.
Understand and execute moderately complex oral or written directions; prepare clear and comprehensive written reports.
Maintain confidentiality of information and restrict its use to work duties.
Acquire a good working knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances enforced by the municipal police department.
Address all violators in a firm, courteous manner to develop public respect and confidence.
Safely and legally operate city vehicles.
Skills in:
Reading and interpreting codes, building plans, and plat maps.
Performing inspections and preparing reports.
Researching property features, zoning, ownership, history, and legal descriptions.
Minimum Qualifications
High school graduate or GED required.
Two years of professional experience in code enforcement, property management, inspections, land use or a closely related field involving interpretation or enforcement of regulations.
A combination of experience and training enabling the individual to perform the position's essential functions may be acceptable.
Possession of and the ability to maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License throughout employment with a good driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
Associate's degree in planning, public administration, criminal justice, or a related field.
Knowledge of zoning, building, housing, shorelines, and environmental codes.
Experience with a public agency in land use planning, zoning enforcement, or regulatory compliance.
Special Requirements
Ability and willingness to wear a department–approved uniform.
Successfully complete the training program prescribed by the Department.
Successfully complete in‑service training specified by the Chief of Police.
Successfully complete a psychological assessment and/or polygraph examination or other testing deemed appropriate.
Successful completion of a criminal history and background check.
Because of the known effects of tobacco use, the City of Des Moines does not hire applicants who use tobacco products.
Working Conditions
While performing job duties, the employee is regularly required to sit; communicate in person and by telephone; operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms during field inspections, documentation, and report preparation.
Frequently required to walk or stand during inspections; strong vision and the ability to adjust focus, read documents, observe site conditions, and operate office and computer equipment are required.
Incumbents may need to travel to various city locations or off‑site meetings; duties require operating a vehicle and walking for extended periods, including on uneven terrain and in varying weather conditions.
General Information
The statements contained herein reflect general details necessary to describe the principal functions, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility for this job classification; they are not all‑inclusive.
The physical abilities described above are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
The provisions of this job description do not constitute a contract; any provision may be modified or revoked without notice.
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The City of Des Moines Police Department is establishing an eligibility list for the position of Code Enforcement Officer. This is a limited-term position with an anticipated duration of up to 24 months.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled. First Review of Applications May 7, 2026
Application Process
Please complete the online application at https://desmoineswa.applicantpro.com/jobs/ and attach a resume and cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements.
Nature of Work
Under the general direction of the Chief of Police, the Code Enforcement Officer provides support services related to development code enforcement in coordination with the Community Development department. The position investigates code violations related to commercial and residential buildings, educates the community on development standards, and enforces local laws, ordinances, and building codes related to property maintenance, zoning, health, and safety.
Essential Functions
Process complaints, conduct field investigations and inspections, document violations, and issue notices of infractions when appropriate.
Conduct on-site visits to ensure compliance with municipal codes, maintain comprehensive records (including photographs, phone calls, emails, and written correspondence), perform follow-up inspections, and verify compliance.
Prepare correspondence advising property owners of violations and corrective steps.
Inspect junk vehicles on private property and complete junk vehicle affidavits.
Work with the City Attorney's office to resolve cases, prepare documentation, present evidence, provide testimony, and recommend dispositions to the court.
Communicate with residents, neighborhood/homeowner associations, other agencies, and the public regarding city code, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; provide information and recommendations within scope of authority.
Communicate and explain findings clearly and testify in court.
Establish and maintain cooperative, effective relationships with coworkers, other city employees, and the general public using good customer service principles.
Report on scheduled work with regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned, provided they are consistent with development-related code enforcement responsibilities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
Municipal code enforcement methods and procedures (zoning, housing, transportation, health, sanitation, nuisance ordinances, business license/permit regulations, court evidence rules and procedures).
Code compliance methods, inspection and investigation techniques.
Federal, state and local laws and ordinances.
Abilities:
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with city employees, law enforcement agencies, civic leaders, and the public.
Become thoroughly familiar with department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations relevant to the area of responsibility.
Understand and execute moderately complex oral or written directions; prepare clear and comprehensive written reports.
Maintain confidentiality of information and restrict its use to work duties.
Acquire a good working knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances enforced by the municipal police department.
Address all violators in a firm, courteous manner to develop public respect and confidence.
Safely and legally operate city vehicles.
Skills in:
Reading and interpreting codes, building plans, and plat maps.
Performing inspections and preparing reports.
Researching property features, zoning, ownership, history, and legal descriptions.
Minimum Qualifications
High school graduate or GED required.
Two years of professional experience in code enforcement, property management, inspections, land use or a closely related field involving interpretation or enforcement of regulations.
A combination of experience and training enabling the individual to perform the position's essential functions may be acceptable.
Possession of and the ability to maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License throughout employment with a good driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
Associate's degree in planning, public administration, criminal justice, or a related field.
Knowledge of zoning, building, housing, shorelines, and environmental codes.
Experience with a public agency in land use planning, zoning enforcement, or regulatory compliance.
Special Requirements
Ability and willingness to wear a department–approved uniform.
Successfully complete the training program prescribed by the Department.
Successfully complete in‑service training specified by the Chief of Police.
Successfully complete a psychological assessment and/or polygraph examination or other testing deemed appropriate.
Successful completion of a criminal history and background check.
Because of the known effects of tobacco use, the City of Des Moines does not hire applicants who use tobacco products.
Working Conditions
While performing job duties, the employee is regularly required to sit; communicate in person and by telephone; operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms during field inspections, documentation, and report preparation.
Frequently required to walk or stand during inspections; strong vision and the ability to adjust focus, read documents, observe site conditions, and operate office and computer equipment are required.
Incumbents may need to travel to various city locations or off‑site meetings; duties require operating a vehicle and walking for extended periods, including on uneven terrain and in varying weather conditions.
General Information
The statements contained herein reflect general details necessary to describe the principal functions, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility for this job classification; they are not all‑inclusive.
The physical abilities described above are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
The provisions of this job description do not constitute a contract; any provision may be modified or revoked without notice.
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