Announcement

Meet the Team: Josh Vickers, chief inspector for the CPI Department

Monday, December 23, 2024

(Dec. 23, 2024) For Josh Vickers, chief inspector for the Ocean Pines Association’s Compliance, Permit, and Inspections (CPI) Department, the road to his current role has been both diverse and rewarding. With nearly 16 years of service under his belt, Vickers has made a significant impact in Ocean Pines, drawing from a wealth of experiences and skills developed both on the job and in academia.

Vickers grew up in Dagsboro, Delaware, where he still lives today with his wife, Alexis, and their two children, Connor, 11, and Derek, 7. His ties to Ocean Pines began long before his career started, thanks to his family’s deep roots in the community.

“My two uncles used to work in Ocean Pines,” Vickers said. “One was a police officer, John Wharton, and the other was Donnie Davis, who worked for Public Works. John actually got me the job, and I ended up working under Donnie.”

His first role with Ocean Pines was on the grounds crew, where he tackled tasks like weed-eating, lawn care, and sign installation. Over time, he took on more responsibilities, including heavy equipment operation, which he counts among the valuable skills he learned on the job.

“I never used to know how to run heavy equipment,” Vickers said. “But now I can jump in a backhoe and move a mountain if I need to.”

Although he enjoyed his time with Public Works, Vickers didn’t initially view it as a long-term career. He had pursued a college degree in nursing, later switching to biotechnology with a focus on forensic science. Along the way, he earned minors in graphic design and Microsoft Office applications, adding to his already diverse skill set.

“I’ve always kept my opportunities open for forensic science,” he said. “But life happens. Having children, needing medical benefits, and providing for my family meant I had to shift my focus.”

Vickers was able to use more of his collegiate training when he made the switch to the CPI Department roughly seven years ago.

“When I was in forensic science, I was always the safety officer,” he said. “I liked rules, order, and structure. When I saw what the CPI Department did, I realized it was similar. The rules are clearly written, and homeowners have free access to them. It’s black and white. If you don’t follow the rules, you get a violation. That principle really resonated with me.”

Vickers credits his success in CPI to his innate curiosity and his ability to retain information.

“When I started in CPI, I did a lot of ride-alongs with Dino McCurdy, who was the chief inspector at the time,” Vickers said. “He handed me the rulebook, and I read it cover to cover three or four times. I have an eidetic memory, so I can recall what I’ve read when I need it. That makes it really easy to do this job.”

In his role as chief inspector, Vickers splits his time between administrative tasks and fieldwork.

“An average day involves a lot of administrative work, like ensuring violations are up to date, sending letters, and refiling necessary information,” he said. “I also set aside at least three days a week to go out and handle violations.”

The CPI team includes Vickers, fellow inspector Travis Brittingham, and administrative assistant Lori Timmons. Together, they handle a range of responsibilities, from addressing property violations to processing permits and inspections.

“Travis and I divide Ocean Pines between us, but I often step into his section to help with the workload,” Vickers said. “We also rely on Lori, who doubles as a CPI inspector when needed.”

Code enforcement in Ocean Pines often requires a mix of investigative skills and creativity. Vickers said his background in forensic science has been surprisingly useful in this aspect of the job.

“When investigating a complaint, the problem isn’t always obvious,” he said. “You have to look for clues. For example, if someone reports ducks in a backyard, you might not see them right away. But if you hear quacking, you might follow the sound and find the ducks hidden under a tarp.”

While some violations are straightforward, others require careful interpretation of the community’s rules.

“Livestock is a common issue,” Vickers said. “We’ve had chickens, ducks, and even a pot-bellied pig. The pig was fine because it lived indoors and was treated like a pet, but chickens and ducks are not allowed.”

One of the most frequent issues Vickers encounters involves second homeowners who neglect their properties during the offseason.

“Grass violations are a big problem in April and May,” he said. “Second homeowners often don’t arrive until June, but grass grows quickly in the spring. If you’re not always here, it’s your responsibility to set up a landscaper or make arrangements to maintain the property.”

Another common issue involves signage.

“Contractors often leave signs behind after completing a job,” Vickers said. “Homeowners get frustrated because the violation is their responsibility, even though it’s not their sign. Signs are only allowed in Ocean Pines during certain periods, like elections, and they must be removed promptly afterward.”

Beyond code enforcement, Vickers has used his graphic design skills to create a cohesive aesthetic for community signage.

“My goal is to create a unified look in Ocean Pines,” he said. “I’ve worked on signs for White Horse Park, Public Works, and Recreation and Parks. They’re all roughly the same size and color, which creates a consistent, harmonious appearance.”

Vickers is currently working on an OPA Board of Directors charging document to further standardize community and street signs.

“It’s a big project, and I plan to start after the holidays,” he said. “I want to ensure everything looks clean and consistent.”

Looking to the future, Vickers hopes to advance within the Association by stepping into a managerial role.

“My goal is to become the CPI manager,” he said. “That would allow me to focus solely on the department and its needs, relieving Linda Martin, the director of business administration, of those responsibilities.”

Outside of work, Vickers enjoys spending time with his family, often watching “The Great British Bake Off.” He’s also active in the community as the second committee chair for Cub Scout Pack 280 in Ocean View, Delaware.

“I organize activities, camping trips, and parades,” he said. “We recently designed a float for a parade, which took up a lot of my time this fall.”

Reflecting on his time with Ocean Pines, Vickers said he’s grateful for the opportunities he’s had to grow personally and professionally.

“I’ve learned so much over the years,” he said. “From running heavy equipment to graphic design, I’ve brought my skills together in ways I never expected. It’s rewarding to do something I love while helping the community.”

Announcement

Meet the Team: Josh Vickers, chief inspector for the CPI Department

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