How to hire a code enforcement officer

How to hire a code enforcement officer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step code enforcement officer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a code enforcement officer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new code enforcement officer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a code enforcement officer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your code enforcement officer job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a code enforcement officer for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A code enforcement officer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, code enforcement officers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of code enforcement officers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Code Enforcement Officer	Description	Hourly rate
   Code Enforcement Officer	Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators, who are sometimes called agents or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.	$13-26
   Deputy	The duties of a deputy vary on their line of work or place of employment. In law enforcement, a deputy is primarily in charge of conducting investigations on crimes and arresting criminals, performing regular patrols on streets, responding to calls of distress, and assisting citizens in calamities, disasters, accidents, or any forms of threat... Show more	$14-43
   Criminal Investigator	A criminal investigator is a law enforcement professional who endeavors to solve felony crimes. Criminal investigators may work alone or as a member of an investigative team whose goal is to uncover the certainty of a case and potentially keep suspects to prevent the ensuing criminal activity... Show more	$16-40

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Patrol
   • Public Safety
   • Community Development
   • Municipal Codes
   • Code Compliance
   • Plumbing
   • Building Codes
   • City Ordinances
   • Law Enforcement
   • Enforcement Actions
   • Citizen Complaints
   • Ordinance Violations
   • City Regulations
   • Animal Control

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Develop and manage firearms training programs, including weapons selection and qualification standards.
   • Review variance, special use and any land use applications.
   • Review plans and specifications for zoning, parking and setback requirements.
   • Enforce city and state ordinances, patrol city for violations against the city building code and animal laws.
   • Patrol assign areas within the city limits while operating a city vehicle to enforce nuisance and property maintenance codes.
   • Create simulations for force-on-force firearms training/defensive tactics for customers and train the trainers at Police/Sheriff departments.

   More code enforcement officer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your code enforcement officer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A code enforcement officer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, code enforcement officers' average salary in tennessee is 57% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level code enforcement officers earn 48% less than senior-level code enforcement officers.
   • Certifications. A code enforcement officer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a code enforcement officer's salary.

   Average code enforcement officer salary

   $40,706yearly

   $19.57 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level code enforcement officer salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 19, 2025

   Average code enforcement officer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$58,502	$28
   2	Illinois	$54,560	$26
   3	Ohio	$47,743	$23
   4	Colorado	$44,586	$21
   5	Pennsylvania	$44,098	$21
   6	Nevada	$43,747	$21
   7	Utah	$41,935	$20
   8	Idaho	$37,126	$18
   9	Texas	$36,784	$18
   10	Missouri	$35,989	$17
   11	New Mexico	$34,822	$17
   12	Florida	$33,467	$16
   13	Georgia	$31,702	$15
   14	North Carolina	$30,678	$15
   15	South Carolina	$29,797	$14
   16	Tennessee	$28,583	$14

   Average code enforcement officer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	King County	$52,598	$25.29	9
   2	City of Jacksonville	$52,329	$25.16	1
   3	El Paso County	$50,203	$24.14
   4	1 8 3 Lanes	$49,790	$23.94
   5	City of Largo	$49,498	$23.80
   6	City of Louisville	$49,116	$23.61
   7	City Of San Mateo	$49,092	$23.60	4
   8	San Bernardino County	$48,950	$23.53
   9	Gainesville Regional Utilities	$48,824	$23.47
   10	City of Riverside	$48,779	$23.45
   11	City of Tukwila	$48,157	$23.15	1
   12	City of Houston	$47,883	$23.02
   13	Eagle County	$47,401	$22.79
   14	City of Reno	$47,171	$22.68	3
   15	City of Costa Mesa	$46,404	$22.31	4
   16	City Of Kirkland	$46,321	$22.27	1
   17	Schindler Elevator	$46,131	$22.18	10
   18	City of Gainesville	$45,859	$22.05	3
   19	City of Concord	$45,824	$22.03	8
   20	Baltimore County Golf	$44,711	$21.50	5

4. Writing a code enforcement officer job description

   A code enforcement officer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a code enforcement officer job description:

   Code enforcement officer job description example

   We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that is representative of our diverse community. Applicants with equivalent experience and/or education should apply.Our hiring managers begin reviewing applications after the Job Posting End Date (see below) and will begin contacting applicants soon after that date. Thank you for your patience as we give each application the time and attention that it deserves.
   Job
   Title: Code
   Enforcement Officer
   
   Department: Permits
   and Inspections
   
   Hiring
   Range: $21.80 - $31.17
   
   Posted Internally and Externally
   
   Job Posting End Date: October 24, 2022
   
   Buncombe County Permits & Inspections has a rare opening for a Code Enforcement Official. This is a community leadership position to provide citizens of Buncombe County a safe place to live, work and visit through construction projects and enforcement of state building codes.
   Purpose of the position:Code Enforcement Officers perform skilled inspection work on residential and commercial buildings to ensure compliance with established codes governing electrical, building, mechanical and plumbing trades.Minimum Qualifications: Code Enforcement Officer I: High school diploma or equivalent; one (1) year of experience in residential and/or commercial electrical, building, mechanical or plumbing construction work; or the equivalent in education and experience. Required Certifications: Standard Level I certification in all four trades (electrical, building-includes energy conservation, mechanical and plumbing). ust possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license. Code Enforcement Officer II: High school diploma or equivalent; three (3) years of experience in residential and/or commercial electrical, building, mechanical or plumbing construction work; or the equivalent in education and experience. Required Certifications: Standard Level II certification in all four trades (electrical, building-includes energy conservation, mechanical, and plumbing). Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license. Code Enforcement Officer III: High school diploma or equivalent; five (5) years of experience in residential and/or commercial electrical, building, mechanical or plumbing construction work; or the equivalent in education and experience. Required Certifications: Standard Level III certifications in all four trades (electrical, building - includes energy conservation, mechanical and plumbing). Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license.Essential Functions of the position:Inspect residential and commercial buildings in the process of construction, alteration or repair for compliance with building code requirements.Interpret, apply and enforce the rules and regulations relating to the construction, repair and maintenance of residential and commercial buildings. Review and study building code regulations to stay informed of changes in building codes and ordinances.Receive and answer inquiries concerning planning, inspections and permit procedures Check plans and specifications for proposed installation to ensure the codes and ordinances have been followed.Inspect electrical installations, heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing systems, and facilities for compliance with code requirements; check plans and specifications for the proper installation and connections of fixtures; investigate complaints concerning buildings that may not comply with electrical codes.Inspect new and existing residential and commercial buildings for compliance with safety standards and fire hazards; inspect mobile homes and mobile home parks for adherence to applicable codes and County ordinances; inspect establishments selling alcoholic beverages for compliance with applicable codes; issue inspection certificates for approved installation.Notify contractor/builder of code violations with written compliance report at the time of inspection.Enforce state and local codes to the extent authorized, issuing stop-work orders and pursuing other legal remedies, as necessary. Appear in court to present evidence as necessary.Maintain all necessary reports and records pertaining to inspections and code enforcement work.Attend and participates in meetings, and/or prepare correspondence, with builders, contractors, building owners and occupants, to advise them of code changes and violations at construction sites.Performs other related duties as assigned.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:Knowledge of state and local ordinances and codes administered through the Department applicable to the inspector's area of certification.Knowledge of the standard practices, procedures, methods, materials, techniques, and equipment associated with investigating code compliance or violations.Knowledge of modem building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical construction practices, materials and equipment of the various stages of construction when violations and defects should be observed and corrected.Knowledge of the approved methods and practices involved in the installation, construction, repair and maintenance of a variety of electrical and mechanical equipment.Knowledge of the geographic layout of Buncombe County.Skill in determining facts and gathering information associated with complaints and investigations.Ability to conduct investigations, organize records, and write reports.Ability to apply interpretation of codes and provide explanations to the public.Ability to perform required jobs with adequate strength, dexterity, coordination and visual acuity (with reasonable accommodation[s] if needed) and in a manner that does not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the employee or others in the workplace.Ability to think, learn, process information, solve problems and gather information.Ability to use the tools and concepts of the specialty area in which the employee works, including using appropriate process, procedures, resources and work or professional standards.Ability to detect and locate defective workmanship in construction or repair of buildings.Ability to interpret blueprints, diagrams, specifications, codes and building regulations.Ability to deal tactfully and firmly with property owners, architects, engineers, developers, contractors, the general public, etc.Ability to physically maneuver on scaffolds, structural members and in cramped quarters to accomplish thorough inspections.
   
   In order to uphold internal pay parity and equity, salaries are non-negotiable for new and current Buncombe County employees. All new employees are paid according to their years of relevant education and experience above minimum requirements for the position and employees have the opportunity to obtain pay increases via cost of living increases and promotions.
   
   Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.
   
   It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. In addition, Buncombe County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.
   
   Applicants for employment are invited to participate in the affirmative action program by reporting their status as a protected veteran or other minority. In extending this invitation, we advise you that: (a) workers (applicants) are under no obligation to respond but may do so in the future if they choose; (b) responses will remain confidential within the human resource department; and (c) responses will be used only for the necessary information to include in our affirmative action program. We are a company that values diversity. We actively encourage women, minorities, veterans and disabled employees to apply. Refusal to provide this information will have no bearing on your application and will not subject you to any adverse treatment.

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right code enforcement officer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your code enforcement officer job on Zippia to find and recruit code enforcement officer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit code enforcement officers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new code enforcement officer

   Once you've decided on a perfect code enforcement officer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new code enforcement officer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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