Code Enforcement Inspector I

City of Hayward; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Alternative Work Schedule

Telecommuting

Vacation 80 hours minimum

Health benefits

CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement

Life and Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Wellness Reimbursement

Job summary

City of Hayward seeks a Code Enforcement Inspector I to help preserve community standards by enforcing local codes and conducting inspections of residential and commercial properties.

The role emphasizes learning city ordinances, building and housing codes, and rental regulations, with a strong focus on customer service and collaboration across divisions to achieve compliant neighborhoods.

Qualifications

• Experience in code enforcement or inspection is not required, but willingness to learn city ordinances and related codes is expected.
• Ability to interpret building, housing and zoning regulations and communicate requirements clearly.
• Strong written and verbal communication to interact with diverse community members.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections to ensure compliance with city ordinances and codes.
• Inspect residential rental units, motels and hotels for code compliance.
• Maintain records of findings, notices and enforcement actions.
• Prepare letters, reports and notices related to violations and citations.
• Assist in coordinating enforcement activities with other divisions and agencies.
• Represent the City in hearings and testify when required.

Skills

Code enforcement knowledge

Building inspections

Public communication

Record keeping

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Monday, September 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM

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.

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.

Link to full job description: Code Enforcement Inspector I Job Description

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.

• 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

You have: 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)

SELECTION PROCEDURE

• Minimum qualifications
• Completion of the supplemental questionnaire

The rating of the supplemental questions may determine application status and/or rank on the eligible list.

Based on the information provided, those best qualified may be invited to the next phase of the process, which may include an oral, practical, and/or written examination.

Job Related Testing: In Person Written Examination - tentatively scheduled for the week of September 20, 2026

The City of Hayward reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.

Department Interviews – Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process. The date for department interviews is to be determined.

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.

Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.

The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer