Code Enforcement Officer I/II

Conducts inspections and investigations to enforce municipal and regulatory codes and ensure compliance with code enforcement programs. Responds to public inquires and complaints regarding potential code violations.

Works under the general supervision of the Code Enforcement Supervisor who outlines work assignments, occasionally reviews work in progress, and periodically reviews completed work. No supervision exercised.

Note: Duties may vary depending upon assignment.

Responds to and investigates reported violations of the municipal code relating to zoning regulations, noise standards, signage, substandard housing, property maintenance, business licenses, taxi rules and regulations, and environmental ordinances, such as water conservation and plastic/polystyrene containers.

Prepares and serves notices of violations, abatement orders, citations, corrections and stop work orders within assigned area(s) of code enforcement.

Gathers, maintains and presents detailed evidence necessary to enforce applicable municipal code provisions. Prepares and maintains accurate written, photographic and electronic records. Assists in preparing case files for court proceedings. Testifies in court, as necessary.

Performs inspections of properties and structures to ensure compliance with conditions of planning approvals and determines if inspected structures are permitted and approved.

Inspects signs for compliance with conditions set by the Architectural Review Board and enforces municipal code provisions governing existing signage, prohibited signs, portable signs, temporary signs, and other sign types.

Conducts sound tests of mechanical equipment, construction equipment, ambient noise levels and amplified music for compliance to municipal noise regulations.

Inspects properties for compliance with state housing law maintenance requirements, including: minimum light, ventilation and occupancy requirements; fire and life safety components; and plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems.

Reviews conditions of onsite drainage, weatherproofing, garbage, weed and rubbish control, and rodent and insect infestation. Works with local and state agencies to address health and life-safety violations.

Provides general zoning, housing, and property maintenance information to the public and local and governmental agencies.

Responds to inquiries and provides information to others regarding the right to due process in code enforcement cases. Refers escalated complaints and problems to a Lead Code Enforcement Officer and/or Code Enforcement Supervisor.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of regulatory compliance and enforcement.

Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations governing building, housing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and property maintenance.

Methods and techniques of conducting inspections and investigations.

Safe work practices and procedures.

Report writing techniques.

Business English, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Legal aspects of inspection, right-of-entry, and procedural and substantive due process of law.

Current office procedures, practices and equipment.

Computer word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.

Effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:

Inspect and identify code violations.

Prepare violations, abatement orders, citations, corrective notices.

Research, gather and organize data, information and evidence.

Prepare and maintain clear and concise records and reports.

Perform work with accuracy and attention to detail.

Read and interpret provisions of municipal codes, laws and regulations for land use, signage, noise standards, building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, housing, and property maintenance requirements.

Learn and enforce fire and environmental codes, taxicab regulations, and business license requirements.

Read and interpret maps, plans, schematics and technical drawings.

Learn and utilize specialized software applications (e.g. GIS) and digital photography equipment.

Interact with people under stressful situations and use tact and discretion to resolve conflicts and develop solutions to problems.

Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Work effectively with minimal supervision.

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public.

Provide effective customer service.

Skill in:

Using a personal computer and applicable software applications.

Working effectively with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds.

Education, Training and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree or 60 semester units or the equivalent of college level coursework in Engineering, Business or Public Administration, or a closely related field. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is highly desirable. Additional recent, related work experience may substitute for the Associate's degree or equivalent educational requirement on a year for year basis. (Successful completion of 30 semester units or the equivalent is equal to one year of the additional work experience.)

Level I: Two years of recent, paid work experience in general code enforcement and/or building inspection involving significant public contact. Recent related municipal experience is desirable.

After one year of current, paid work experience with the City of Santa Monica, a Code Enforcement Officer I may be promoted to a Code Enforcement Officer II upon meeting the minimum qualifications of the Code Enforcement Officer II and with the recommendation of the appointing authority.

Level II: Four years of recent, paid general code enforcement work experience of which two years are at a level comparable to the Code Enforcement Officer I with the City of Santa Monica.

Licenses and Certificates:

Level I: Possession of a valid class C driver license. Possession of a valid PC 832 – Arrest Course certificate. Possession of a valid Basic Level module certificate issued by the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO).

Level II: Possession of a valid class C driver license. Possession of a valid PC 832 – Arrest Course certificate. Possession of a valid Intermediate Level module certificate issued by the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO).

Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of your college diploma/transcript and/or certificates. Applicants who indicated receipt of degree from a foreign institution must provide United States degree and credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcript. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. You may attach a scanned copy of your college diplomas or transcript and license to your online application. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.

SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of any of the following: written test, evaluation of qualifications, oral interview, or any combination of these.

If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call , TDD Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

Background Investigation:

Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is regularly performed indoors in an office environment. Work requires visiting off-site facilities, noisy construction zones, and other outdoor work sites where the incumbent is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, and/or slippery surfaces. Physical demands include standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, stooping, and sitting at a computer workstation to use a computer keyboard and monitor/screen. May be required to work evenings and/or weekends.