Zoning Investigator (Community Engagement Officer)

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City Planning Department - Development Management Division
Location: 414 E. 12th St.
Salary: $22.61-$34.48 per hour

Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Application Deadline: June 4, 2026


Responsibilities

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What you'll do

• Conduct daily zoning investigations to assess alleged zoning violations, ensuring issues are identified accurately and promptly to protect community standards.
• Manage the full lifecycle of zoning cases, including initial investigations and inspections, in-depth legal research of the Zoning and Development Code, issuing legally binding correspondence, and participating in weekly court proceedings to support effective enforcement.
• Track and monitor the weekly court docket to prepare zoning cases for court proceedings, ensuring cases are complete, organized, and ready for prosecution.
• Develop a thorough understanding of relevant legal codes and processes to apply regulations consistently and defensibly.
• Create and maintain detailed investigative reports based on evidence collected through site inspections and research; issue legal notices and summonses; educate offenders on available paths to resolve violations; prepare cases for prosecution; and testify in court on behalf of the City.
• Exercise considerable independent judgment while performing fieldwork and utilizing technology effectively in both field and office settings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What success looks like

• Zoning cases are investigated thoroughly, documented accurately, and advanced efficiently through the legal process.
• Court materials are well-prepared, timely, and withstand legal scrutiny.
• Violations are addressed fairly, consistently, and with clear communication to the public.
• You manage your workload independently while meeting deadlines and court schedules.

What you'll bring

• Ability to analyze and interpret complex code language accurately.
• Advanced time management skills with the ability to balance fieldwork, documentation, and court preparation.
• Strong attention to accuracy, efficiency, and comprehension in written and verbal communication.
• Excellent customer service skills when working with the public and internal partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.

What you get

• Stable, mission-driven public sector work with long-term career security.
• Opportunities to build legal, investigative, and courtroom experience.
• A role with autonomy, clear ownership of cases, and visible community impact.
• Structured schedules aligned with court and field operations.

Why this role matters
Zoning enforcement protects neighborhoods, supports responsible development, and ensures fairness across the community. This role plays a direct part in upholding city standards and maintaining trust between residents, businesses, and local government.


Qualifications

REQUIRES:

• High school graduation and 2 years experience in planning/zoning; nuisance housing; building construction or inspection; health, safety, codes and ordinances inspection or investigations; neighborhood/community assistance, code enforcement, social services, background investigations or criminal justice;
• OR an equivalent combination of qualifying education and experience
• PREFERENCE for applicants with investigation experience
• Must possess a valid State-issued driver's license in accordance with City of KCMO.
• Must possess or be eligible to obtain required police commission from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and post offer physical examination as prescribed by the City.

Other Information

Military veterans encouraged to apply

Why You'll Love Working with Us - Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)

Comprehensive Health Coverage
Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays-with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning
City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Life's Big Moments
Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance
Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses-invest in your future while you work.

Income Protection
Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided
City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave
Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?
Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.
Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to accommodations@kcmo.org .

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code • 4211).

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• City of Kansas City

• 816-513-1903

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