Code & Assessing Specialist- City of Westbrook

Start Date: December 03, 2024 | End Date: January 31, 2025
County: Cumberland County
Job Type: Assessor, Code Enforcement, Planning
More Information: Click here

The City of Westbrook was a traditional mill city that has grown and diversified significantly over the last two decades to become a residential hub and business center for the region. Westbrook has a population of over 20,000 and covers 17.36 square miles. Westbrook is centrally located to both urban and rural amenities. Currently, the City employs approximately 195 full-time and 80 variable hour employees covered by five different Collective Bargaining Agreements. The departments contained within the City are the Mayor’s Office, Economic Development, City Clerk, Finance, Human Resources, Planning, Code Enforcement, & Assessing, Public Services, Community Services, General Assistance, Library, Police, Fire & Rescue, and Dispatch.

We are hiring a Code & Assessing Specialist. This is a responsible and varied Code and Assessing position for the City of Westbrook which falls under the two departments of Planning & Code Enforcement and Assessing. The position maintains a variety of office records; processes various documents, including scheduling code inspections, collecting fees, applications for specific property tax exemptions and property transfers; and performs selected technical and administrative functions.

The Code Enforcement Department is responsible for administrative and technical work in carrying out land use, building, plumbing and electrical permitting and inspections and obtaining compliance with City ordinances, codes and zoning regulations. The Planning Department advises the Planning Board in the review and approval of new development or redevelopment projects as well as to work with development applicants through the review process. The planning staff conducts other studies and initiatives pertaining to transportation, open space and natural resources, conservation, affordable housing, and infrastructure planning. The Assessing department is responsible for discovering, describing and determining property value of all Real and Personal Property subject to property taxation.

The City of Westbrook is deeply committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in our hiring process. We value a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBT+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

Job Duties:

• Collects and accounts for various fees and services; secures cash draw receivables and issues payment receipts to customers; regularly prepares financial deposits in accordance with established City financial policies and procedures. Responsible for following all security measures to minimize potential loss.
• Processes departmental billing/invoicing for various services (permits, fines, abutter notifications, street opening, etc.) through automated and manual methods.
• Schedules appointments for Code and Assessing inspections.
• Serves as resource person for all staff by disseminating information, interpreting, and responding to inquiries regarding Planning & Zoning Applications, Customer Complaints, Permit Applications, Violations, Street Openings, Valuation updates, etc.
• Knowledgeable of upcoming projects and initiatives of the Code Enforcement Officer, Planner, Assessor and City Engineer.
• Processes, reads, interprets, and researches deeds transferring ownership of property and updates records accordingly. Sources for property information will include, but are not limited to, Probate Court, the Registry of Deeds, and the City Clerk's office.
• Researches properties and complex deeds and enters data into deed plotting software.
• Determines eligibility, approves, and records all Homestead, Blind and Veteran's Exemptions according to Maine State Statutes.
• Answers telephone and assists the public, providing information on a wide range of code ordinances and property tax issues for both real estate and personal property. Provides customer service by providing code and assessment information by telephone, mail, and email. Either responds to requests in accordance with ordinances and policies or screens or refers to appropriate staff or departments.
• Prepares monthly and annual mailings to the public, including sending Sales surveys and Exemption information to new owners via USPS.
• Retrieves and records new sales information and photos from Web based sources to maintain property database records.
• Assists the Planning & Code Enforcement Department as needed, including assisting with customer needs at the counter or phone/email, mailing labels, and pulling of map and lot files.
• Serve as recorder for Board of Assessment Review, Planning Board and ZBA, as needed.
• Serves as staff coordinator for Board of Assessment Review. Updates membership annually to ensure all members are current and sworn in.
• Organizes and maintains abatement and supplemental files.
• Maintains City website with up-to-date code and assessing information.
• Produces specialized reports for use by office staff, other departments, and the public. Maintains reports available to the public.
• Orders supplies and maintains vendor payment records for the department.
• Performs filing duties and maintenance required in the office. Maintains an organized filing system.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Directors.

Education and Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent supplemented by advanced training in Code, Assessing, and/or accounting.
• Preferred Code and/or Assessing related experience (ordinances, reading deeds, understanding nature of real estate, municipal experience, etc.) or equivalent.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered, however preference will be given to those with more applicable experience.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of City ordinances, land use ordinances, property tax law, and assessing procedures
• Well-developed organizational skills, attention to detail and accuracy with that ability to work within deadlines.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in the following computer software/applications:  Vison Appraisal, Microsoft Office:  Word, Excel, Outlook, Munis, MyGov, Deed Plotter and Adobe.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to deal tactfully and effectively with taxpayers, the general public, and other municipal employees.
• Highly adaptable and flexible with an ability to work effectively as part of a professional team.
• Ability to prepare effective correspondence on routine matters and perform routine office management details without referral to a supervisor.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize workload and use sound decision-making and problem-solving skills to enhance effectiveness.
• Ability to keep complex clerical records and prepare accurate reports.
• Solid math skills with the ability to perform necessary accounting and mathematical computations.
• Ability to successfully complete any necessary training.
• Valid Maine Driver’s License.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary range of $48,692.80-$71,510.40 annually depending on experience. Cost of living adjustment to be applied on January 1, 2025.
• This position is full-time, non-exempt, and covered by the General Unit collective bargaining agreement.
• A comprehensive benefits package includes medical (PPO plan at 12% premium cost, plus HRA reimbursement), dental, vision, life insurance (one times base salary), short and long-term disability, and employee assistance program.
• Generous paid leave including vacation, sick, and 13 holidays per year.
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses.
• Retirement program of the Maine Public Employees Retirement Plan (Maine PERS) or defined 457 with matching up to 6%.

Application Process:

Whether you have found us through our jobs page, Indeed, the Maine Municipal Association (MMA), Facebook, or other platforms, you can apply online, via email, or in-person. Be sure to include all necessary information, including the position applied for, salary requirement, experience, education, qualifications, and certifications.

• Online application
• Interested applicants should send their resume and letter of interest to the Human Resources Department at [email protected].
• In-Person Applications at 2 York Street, Westbrook, ME

The City of Westbrook is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, and or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants selected as finalist for this position will be subject to a comprehensive reference and background check.