Code Enforcement Inspector I

City-of-Haywar; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hayward is seeking a Code Enforcement Inspector I to perform inspections and enforce local codes under the supervision of the Code Enforcement Manager. The role involves field inspections of residential and non-residential properties to ensure compliance with city, state, and federal codes with thorough case management.

The ideal candidate is motivated, dependable, and community-minded, with a willingness to learn city ordinances, building and housing codes, zoning and rental

Qualifications

• Experience: None required.
• Education: Equivalency to the twelfth grade.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections to ensure city codes are followed and conduct field surveys for violations.
• Inspect residential and commercial properties for code compliance and maintenance.
• Explain building and housing codes to property owners, tenants and managers.
• Prepare and maintain records of findings, notices and enforcement actions.
• Coordinate with other divisions and agencies as needed.

Skills

Strong communicator

Customer service

Read/interpret plans

Education

Completion of the twelfth grade

Job description

DEADLINE TO APPLY

Monday, September 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM

THE POSITION

The City of Hayward is excited to announce its recruitment for the position of Code Enforcement Inspector I. Under the supervision of the Code Enforcement Manager, the Code Enforcement Inspector will play a vital role in the preservation of community standards by actively participating in the Divisions' various compliance programs. The Code Enforcement Inspector will also enforce various Local, State, and Federal codes and ordinances through inspections and associated case management of residential, and non-residential properties and structures non-compliant with established codes. The ideal candidate should be eager to partner with other enforcement divisions to ensure that all inspections meet code regulations.

You are:

The ideal candidate is a motivated, dependable, and community-minded professional who is interested in developing a career in code enforcement and public service. While previous code enforcement experience is not required, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn City ordinances, building and housing codes, zoning regulations, rental regulations, and related laws and procedures.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator who can interact respectfully and effectively with property owners, tenants, property managers, business owners, contractors, neighborhood groups, and members of the public from diverse backgrounds. They are comfortable listening to concerns, asking questions, explaining requirements clearly, and helping community members understand how to achieve compliance.

Duties

• Perform a variety of inspections to ensure City ordinances and codes are being followed; conduct field surveys to ascertain whether the property and/or land dwellings are in violation of various state and local laws and ordinances.
• Inspect residential rental units, motels and hotels to ensure code compliance and property maintenance.
• Ensure residential rental units, motels and hotel are in compliance with the City rent control regulations relating to decontrol of rental units.
• Interpret and explain various building, housing and related codes and regulations and inspection program procedures to citizens and property owners and property managers.
• Respond to and investigate complaints from the public, tenants and City staff regarding possible violations of City residential, building, community, rental, zoning, sign and other property codes.
• Assist property owners, managers and complainants in resolving code violations, inspections or neighborhood problems.
• Prepare and maintain manual and electronic records of findings, photographs, notices and other enforcement actions.
• Prepare a variety of letters and reports to citizens, property owners and other interested parties related to violations of City ordinances and issue warnings, notices, and citations and initiateSpecial Assessments, Liens, and abatement to bring properties into compliance.
• Work with property owners, property managers, business owners, rental housing associations, tenants, contractors and neighborhood groups to enhance and preserve the quality of neighborhoods through educational and code enforcement efforts.
• Prepare reports and case information for Administrative and Special Assessment Hearings.
• Represent the City in appeal hearings and testify in court or other legal proceedings as necessary.
• Assist in coordinating joint enforcement activities with other City divisions, departments and outside agencies as necessary.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Follow City policies and procedures.
• Work in a safe manner at all times.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of code enforcement.
• Basic methods for the inspection of buildings and property.
• Basic materials used in building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical construction. Principles and practices of work safety.
• Business letter writing and report preparation.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Methods and procedures used in record keeping. Principles and practices of good customer service.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Modern office equipment and procedures including use of a variety of software applications.

Ability to:

• Learn and explain all applicable codes and ordinances related to code enforcement and inspection activities to the general public.
• Learn to conduct code enforcement and inspection activities.
• Learn to read and interpret building plans, blueprints and specifications.
• Prepare letters, correspondence and reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Operate a personal computer and camera.
• Work after hours and on an occasional Saturday as needed to accommodate special inspections.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a respectful, tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to:

• Prioritize case load.
• Maintain appropriate records.
• Analyze situations carefully and adopt effective courses of action.
• Independently perform code enforcement and inspection duties.
• Understand and interpret building plans, blueprints and specifications.
• Analyze, compile and organize a variety of information related to code enforcement.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Experience:

None required.

Education:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession and maintenance of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license may be required. Possession of, or the ability to obtain certification as a Certified Code Enforcement Officer by the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) or similar organization and, International Code Council (ICC) Housing and Property Maintenance certification is desirable

BENEFITS AND REWARDS

Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Alternative Work Schedule and/or Telecommuting
• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 15.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer