Town of Houlton

Job Title:				Code Enforcement Officer
Department:				Administration
Direct Supervisor:			Town Manager
FLSA Status:				Exempt

Nature of Work
Responsible, technical and administrative work: employee enforces compliance with land use
and building maintenance, construction, modifications and repairs.
Work involves the monitoring of all zones for code or zoning compliance and the inspection
of buildings, plumbing, electrical systems, construction, and maintenance compliance with
applicable codes. Makes considerable effort and thorough review in the technical
examination of structural plans and plot plans preparatory to issuance of building permits.
Makes detailed reviews and inspections of building plans and specifications to completion of
the construction phase for compliance with BOCA building and maintenance codes, and State
of Maine statutes and The Town's ordinances and codes.
The Town Manager exercises general administrative direction over this position with broad
reviews for compliance of work to municipal policies. This employee exercises a high degree
of independence and discretion in carrying our responsibilities.
Examples of Work (not all inclusive)
Provides information as a liaison person to the Zoning Board of Appeals as necessary for public 
hearings and/or technical advice and input. Collects fees for variance requests and public hearing
announcements. 

Provides code information as requested by banks, lawyers, realtors, developers, and
individuals; advises plumbers and others regarding plumbing regulations.
Answers inquiries received by phone or directly from persons at the office.
Reviews construction and plot plans for soundness before issuing building permits and
collecting fees. Makes field checks on new construction and renovations, and secures data for
Tax Assessor for records purposes.
Issues plumbing permits and collects fees; checks plans and specifications for plumbing
installations including subsurface wastewater disposal systems and interior plumbing.
Inspects buildings which are under construction, alteration, or repair for compliance with
building, electrical, plumbing, or zoning code requirements, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code;
NFPA 31 Oil Burning Equipment Code; NFPA 54 & 58, Solid fuel Ordinance; and other
related ordinances and codes. Initiates appropriate action to insure compliance.
Inspects buildings and systems for compliance with the BOCA Maintenance Code and the
Maine State Plumbing Code. Initiates appropriate action to insure compliance.

911 Addressing Officer responsible for assigning street names and numbers

Investigates complaints of possible code violations, initiating appropriate action to insure
compliance as necessary.
Appropriate actions to insure compliance may include initiating and appearing before the
Town Council for a public hearing to request an order to rectify the violation with costs
encumbered on property lien or independently initiating condemnation proceedings.
Maintains office records and prepares correspondence, reports, and annual office budget.
Performs related work as required by the Town Manager.
Requirements of the CEO
Ability to deal with the public firmly and courteously under adverse or strained conditions,
communicating effectively, verbally, and in writing.
Ability to analyze and interpret complex plans and specifications. Knowledge of the use of
engineering, leveling, and related instruments. Ability to estimate costs of work.
Working knowledge of approved methods and materials used in building construction,
plumbing repair and installations, electrical systems, and oil burner installation.
Knowledge of possible defects and faults in plumbing systems, electrical systems, and of
standard testing devices and effective corrective measures. Ability to detect and locate
defective plumbing and to ascertain the stage of installation when defects are most easily
found and remedied.
Considerable knowledge of Zoning Ordinance provisions.
Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures. Computer literate.
Experience, Training, and Certification
Experience in the construction industry including electrical, plumbing, heating, and zoning
requirements. Graduation from a two-year vocational program in building construction, or
structural design, preferably supplemented by a college degree in a related field is considered
beneficial as is knowledge of the community. Any equivalent combination of training and
experience may be considered.
The incumbent must be certified in accordance with Maine Statute for Shoreland Zoning,
Comprehensive Planning and Land Use, Internal Plumbing, Subsurface Wastewater Disposal,
and Building Standards within 12 months after beginning employment. Failure to obtain
certifications and subsequently remain certified shall be cause for termination. The Town
Manager may consider requesting the State waive this requirement for up to one year if the
certification requirements cannot be met without imposing a hardship on the Town.