Position Summary:

This position is in Jasper County South Carolina and is part of the Jasper County Emergency Services Department. The incumbent spends a preponderance of the time on inspection duties, but also on a regular basis, is assigned to assist emergency response crews during emergency responses, which could include driving emergency apparatus, performing emergency medical treatment, and assisting with other community risk reduction activities. Work is performed in Jasper County and the general work schedule is Monday – Friday from 0900 – 1700. There will be some days, nights, and weekends in which community risk reduction events and or incidents are taking place in which you may be required to attend/participate in. The position may also include some on-call responses after hours.

Major Duties:

• Planning for and carrying out inspection responsibilities, Inspect buildings, facilities, and properties for compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code, International Building Code, International Fire Code, and Local County Code.   Takes a proactive approach and seeks to develop cooperative relationships throughout Unincorporated Jasper County.  Takes action to control or eliminate hazardous conditions and seeks to reduce the risk of fire and other hazards in our county.
• The incumbent will be responsible for investigating and enforcing criminal activity related to South Carolina Litter Control laws and other environmental crimes. The incumbent may be required to attend the South Carolina Justice Academy to become a certified Class 1 Officer. The incumbent may be required to carry a firearm and other law enforcement tools needed to perform the function of a litter and environmental crimes officer.

• The incumbent conducts periodic safety prevention classes, lectures, and demonstrations for County personnel, civic groups, youth groups, churches, and other groups wishing to have a life safety presentation during a meeting, training, or social events.
• Will conduct basic fire prevention/inspection classes for all JCFR Fire personnel annually.   This will include paid and volunteer personnel.
• Will help conduct Fire Extinguisher Training for Jasper County employees, Law Enforcement personnel and Airport personnel, when requested.  Will also conduct Fire Extinguisher training for organizations wishing to promote fire and life safety during annual events.
• Provides for the rescue and on-scene care of victims of fire, sudden illness, accidental injury or other incidents requiring medical attention.  Evaluates the situation and personally determine, initiate, and maintains medical care for the victims, including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• The incumbent may be required to perform Incident Safety Officer Duties at emergencies at the request of the Incident Commander.            
• The incumbent may be requested to assist with the mitigation of fire, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescues, incident security, emergency management, and community risk reduction functions as assigned. The incumbent will be required to be at work during potential disaster preparation and during a disaster declaration.
• Performs all other related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge Required:

• Code Enforcement Officer’s develop skills that often involve conditions that are not found in any guides or books.  It often requires ingenuity and resourcefulness to work out these problems.   It would be impossible to carry all the guides and material covering inspection work.  The incumbent must study and absorb a great deal of knowledge to be able to effectively carry out their work.
• The incumbent must be able to take various certification classes, test and maintain those certifications.
• One of the incumbents’ most important requirements is to maintain good public relations in order to obtain cooperation and voluntary compliance.  As a Code Enforcement Officer, he/she has contact with many different individuals and organizations with varying degrees of demographics. The incumbent must be able to work and communicate with these individuals and organizations. The incumbent must also be able to adapt and overcome obstacles to achieve the overall goal of a safe community.
• Minor violations are corrected at the lowest level possible, but when satisfactory results are not obtained, the matter is taken up with higher authority, such as the magistrate court or circuit court. Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws and regulations.
• Incumbents must become thoroughly familiar with the location of various buildings in the county and must have knowledge of property maintenance code, building construction, electrical equipment, basic plumbing, storage procedures, fire alarm and fire suppression system codes, high hazard codes, and means of egress codes.
• Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communications.

Physical Demands:

The code enforcement officer must have the ability to remain alert and maintain self-control and emotional stability under conditions of stress. The work involves considerable strenuous activity such as walking, climbing ladders, crouching, crawling in restricted areas, confined spaces, and lifting. Must be able to lift approximately 50 pounds and may be required to wear personal protective equipment including a self-contained breathing apparatus.

WorkEnvironment:

The work involves exposure to potentially hazardous situations and conditions, including chemicals, smoke, IDLH environments, and a wide range of other safety issues. Entrance to hazardous areas is required. Work hours may exceed the normal 40 hours per week.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a bachelor’s degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• 3-5 years of experience in related field.
• Possession of valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fire and Life Safety Educator
• Incident Safety Officer
• Hazardous Materials Operations
• SCFA Courses 6100, 6200 and 8617
• Other courses and certifications as assigned.
• SC Emergency Vehicle Drivers Course or Reciprocity for driving course from another organization.  (12 Months)
• Emergency Medical Responder or higher level of EMS certification (within 12 months)
• NIMS 100, 200, 300,400, 700, 800 (within 12 months of employment)
• International Code Council International Property and Housing Maintenance certification (within 12 months of employment

Application Procedure:

Submit application to Jasper County Human Resources, PO Box 150, Ridgeland, SC 29936. Applications are available on-line or may be obtained in person at the Clementa C. Pinckney Government Building, 358 Third Avenue, Ridgeland SC 29936.

If an accommodation is needed in order to participate in the application process, please contact the Human Resources Office. JASPER COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER