Code Enforcement Associate

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitudes, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community.

Under general supervision, interprets and enforces the City's municipal code and other related codes, rules and regulations of a simple nature for the Code Enforcement Division in the Planning and Building Agency.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 PM on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early. Applicants who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

Responds to citizens' complaints; issues infraction and misdemeanor citations for violations of applicable codes; prepares written daily reports; may be assigned to assist in other areas of the Code Enforcement section. Enforces parking regulations and issues citations. Abates, or arranges for abatement of, public nuisances such as abandoned vehicles, pushcarts, shopping carts and other similar objects or conditions that could be considered public nuisances and/or potentially hazardous. Conducts initial and follow-up investigations regarding property maintenance complaints. Writes detailed reports of inspections and code violations; issues citations and corrective actions to be implemented by tenants/residents/owners where violations are determined; monitors compliance with proposed corrective actions. Advises owners and tenants as to proper repair methods and materials. Consults with legal staff concerning enforcement orders. Appears and may testify as an expert witness at administrative hearings and in court; provides assistance to legal staff in preparation of cases for prosecution; researches codes, rules and regulations for appropriate responses to inspection and code violations; coordinates enforcement activities with appropriate departments and agencies such as Business Licenses, Police Department, Public Works and the Orange County Fire Authority. Utilizes current office software applications to prepare reports, spreadsheets and correspondence; prepares correction notices, comprehensive reports, public handouts and other related documents; generates databases and other similar documents; downloads photographs; maintains up-to-date and accurate records and files; performs basic computations to determine areas and percentages; draws general plot plans as needed. Interacts with coworkers and the general public in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Performs other functions as required.

Two years of experience in construction, code enforcement, permit issuance or other building and construction related activities in a municipal government, which may include support staff experience in these areas, and one year of responsible public contact work, or any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the following knowledge and abilities:

Knowledge of: Santa Ana Municipal Code as it relates to code enforcement programs, of legal processes including right of entry, due process, and time limits on applicability of codes; current office software applications such as Microsoft Office, Word, Access, Excel and Outlook; current computer applications in a database environment; principles of conflict resolution Code Enforcement Technician and safe practices when dealing with the public in confrontational situations.

Skill in: the utilization of current office software applications such as Microsoft Office, Word, Access, Excel and Outlook; computer applications in a database environment.

Ability to: Read, interpret, explain and enforce complex policies and codes, communicate effectively and tactfully with the general public, write clear and concise reports; detect lack of property maintenance, poor sanitary practices, and zoning violations; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; testify effectively in hearings and in court; establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, tenants, community groups, coworkers and the general public in a culturally-diverse community; enforce regulations with perseverance, firmness and tact; lift objects weighing up to 30 lbs.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess and retain a valid California Class "C" Driver's License as a condition of continued employment in this classification.

Must possess and retain a valid Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) P.C. 832 Certificate (Powers of Arrest) as a condition of continued employment in this classification; must possess and retain a valid California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) Module 1 Basic Code Enforcement Certification or Code Enforcement Officer Academy Certification from Santiago Canyon College as a condition of continued employment in this classification.

Must be able to lift 30 lbs. in order to place shopping carts and other objects onto back of truck.

Must be bilingual in English and Spanish or Vietnamese.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE:

Possession of additional code enforcement certifications from CACEO and/or one or more certifications from the International Code Council (ICC).

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Must be available to work any shift, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Must be able to work special task force operations, sometimes during late evenings.

Must be able to walk for extended periods of time, in varying weather conditions. Must be able to stoop, kneel, bend, squat, and reach above his/her head; must be able to lift objects weighing up to 30 lbs.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for December 18, 2025): (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.