Zoning Inspector – Full-Time | Wage range: $28.00 - $30.00/hour
Introduction:
Berlin Township is seeking a professional, detail-oriented Zoning Inspector to oversee zoning administration and code enforcement activities throughout the Township. This position plays a vital role in protecting public safety, supporting responsible development, and ensuring compliance with Township zoning regulations. The successful candidate will work closely with residents, contractors, Township officials, and local boards to review permits, conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and provide guidance on zoning requirements while delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining accurate records. The Zoning Inspector reports to the Director of Zoning.
JOB OBJECTIVES:
Individual is responsible for the consistent enforcement and administration of the zoning codes, standards and Township regulations that promote public safety and welfare and conserve natural resources and monitor improvements to building and any other duties pursuant to O.R.C. 519.16 and as further assigned by the Berlin Township Board of Trustees (the “Board”).
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school education plus a minimum of 2 years of general office experience which must include working collaboratively and serving clients or customers.
- Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office – Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and other software programs such as Google products and Zoning technology.
- Must possess strong communication skills (written and verbal).
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Must remain bonded and/or insurable under the applicable Township policies.
- Ideal applicants will possess a college degree in the field of planning or the equivalent to at least 1 to 2 years of work experience preferred that contains some combination of private, municipal, or another governmental role in the area of planning/zoning or a related field.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Answers questions regarding specific zoning of parcels;
- Performs weekly or other periodic inspections within the unincorporated areas of the Township for zoning compliance and/or violations;
- Provides the Board with periodic updates on Zoning Department Activities;
- Informs public of zoning code requirements;
- Inspects proposed staked out building locations and monitors all building activities to ensure zoning permits are obtained and all regulations are adhered to;
- Notify alleged zoning violations, keep log of same, and assist in the prosecution of same;
- Process applications and amendments intended to initiate a proposed zoning change as well as applications for variances, appeals and conditional uses;
- Review subdivision plats and/or drawings to ensure compliance with Township zoning regulations;
- Maintain records and/or files of all zoning activities;
- Serve as liaison between the Board, Board of Zoning Appeals and the Zoning Commission;
- On a semi-monthly, monthly and yearly, or other basis, presents acceptable written and verbal reports to the Board and Trustee Liaison, BZA and Zoning Commission on Department activities, and provides information requested by Board and Commission members;
- Discusses and answers complaints of general public;
- Performs follow-up inspection on complaints to determine zoning compliance;
- Issues zoning permits after proof of compliance has been determined;
- Performs compliance inspection at project completion to confirm compliance with zoning standards;
- Supports building regulations programs and other programs by working with local agencies to include writing and monitoring contracts, attending meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and performing a variety of public relations duties;
- Works overtime as may be required from time to time;
- Communicates with Township officials, Township officers, Township employees, outside agencies and residents in with respect and dignity and in a professional and business-like manner;
- Prepares professionally written correspondence, completes forms and develops reports associated with the public assistance operation;
- Handles client complaints and public inquiries regarding programs;
- Maintains regular, predictable in person attendance at the Township’s work sites and locations;
- Work irregular hours (e.g., evenings, nights, weekends.) or overtime as necessary;
- Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Ability to operate a variety of technology office equipment such as computer, copier, typewriter, telephone, calculator, facsimile machine, small hand tools, probe, tape measure, measuring wheel, architect scale, engineer scale, and other equipment necessary to perform duties;
- Strong communication skills to work with township officials and residents.
- Ability to comprehend various construction drawings;
- Ability to read, comprehend and interpret zoning text;
- Ability to consistently enforce codes and regulations without backing down;
- Knowledge of general surveying terms and procedures;
- Knowledge of state and local zoning law;
- Ability to schedule work to achieve time critical objectives;
- Ability to request assistance when appropriate;
- Ability to read and understand blueprints;
- Knowledge of general construction, terminology, and general materials and methods;
- Ability to define and solve problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions using judgment, and analytical skills;
- Extensive knowledge of and ability to apply program policies and procedures to assist staff in the performance of their responsibilities;
- Ability to communicate timely, professionally and effectively, both orally and written;
- Ability to work effectively with members of the public who may be upset, distraught, irate, emotionally or mentally or otherwise unable to function within reasonable range of constructive behaviors;
- Ability to work independently, under time sensitive deadlines, and to set and achieve goals;
- Ability to organize and maintain large volumes of information and paperwork;
- Ability to effectively program plan independently and in collaboration with other staff units and outside agencies.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS:
- The working conditions and physical and mental demands of this job are as necessary to fulfill the essential job functions of this position, with or without a reasonable accommodation;
- The physical requirements of the position are identified as sedentary work which may require the lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds. Individual may, from time to time, as determined by the Board, be required to pass a physical examination to determine the individual’s ability to perform essential job-based functions;
- The physical activity of the position includes communicating, reaching, lifting and walking;
- Individual must be able to see at close distances and beyond arm’s reach;
- The work environments of this position are performed in both a climate-controlled office setting and outdoors in an uncontrolled setting, which may require the incumbent to work in inclement weather (cold, snow or ice, rain, heat, etc.) for long periods of continuous time, and around chemicals or other substances, on uneven footing and various surfaces.
These requirements represent the typical knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position but are not all‑inclusive. To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out the essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals to perform these essential duties.
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Berlin Township is a Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace, and a Tobacco and Nicotine Free Workplace. Details of these policies can be found in the Employee Handbook.
All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to undergo a pre-employment background check and drug screening conducted by a designated vendor. Employees holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are subject to federally mandated random drug testing throughout their employment.
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Current Benefits for Full-time (40 hrs/wk) Berlin Township Employees
- Health Insurance: Township pays 90% of premiums
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life and ADD Insurance
- Holidays: 11 paid holidays per year
- Leave Time:
- Vacation: Two weeks of vacation accrued at 3.08 hrs. per pay period.
- Prior public service years accepted when computing vacation accruals.
- Additional week of vacation after eight, 15, and 25 years employment, up to five weeks.
- Sick Days: Three weeks of sick leave accrued at 4.62 hrs. per pay period.
- Prior public service accrued unused sick hours can be brought over.
- Max of 480 hours may be accrued.
- State retirement pension.
- Pay periods are bi-weekly (26 pays per year).
Pay: $28.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- General office: 2 years (Preferred)
- Zoning or Compliance: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
