Code Enforcement Officer

City of Tustin; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tustin is seeking a service-oriented Code Enforcement Officer to work with residents, property owners, and businesses to address community concerns and promote compliance with local regulations.

This role emphasizes field work, problem solving, and clear communication, with opportunities to resolve nuisance issues, document findings, and contribute to public safety and quality of life in Tustin.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of public relations experience with significant public contact and regulatory compliance.
• Valid California driver's license is required; background check and medical may apply.

Responsibilities

• Responds to inquiries and provides technical assistance regarding compliance with zoning and property maintenance.
• Investigates complaints, conducts on-site inspections, and identifies code violations.
• Documents violations with notes and photos; issues warnings and notices of violation.
• Maintains case files and prepares reports and correspondence.
• Prepares documentation for legal action and may testify in court.

Skills

Public relations

Regulatory compliance

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Make a positive impact in the community while helping maintain the quality of life that makes Tustin a great place to live, work, and do business. The City of Tustin is seeking a service-oriented and resourceful Code Enforcement Officer to work directly with residents, property owners, and businesses to address community concerns, investigate potential code violations, and promote compliance with local regulations.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a collaborative problem solver who enjoys working in the field, communicating with people from a variety of backgrounds, and finding practical solutions to challenging situations. If you enjoy building relationships, resolving community concerns, and seeing the results of your work firsthand, this may be the opportunity for you.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded professional who combines technical knowledge of code enforcement with excellent judgment, integrity, and interpersonal skills. They possess a solid understanding of local, State, and Federal laws, ordinances, codes, and can apply that knowledge to interpret and resolve a wide range of situations — from routine cases to complex nuisance abatement matters. They act as an educator, negotiator, and problem solver, working to achieve compliance in a manner that is both productive and efficient.

A Tustin Code Enforcement Officer delivers a high level of customer service, actively listening to and addressing community concerns while managing difficult complaints, public contacts, and site visits with professionalism. Strong verbal and written communication skills allow them to explain rules and regulations clearly, develop and present educational material to varied audiences.

This candidate thrives in a team-oriented environment built on cooperation, mutual support, and shared responsibility, while also being fully capable of working independently with sound, well-reasoned judgment. Dependability, accountability, and cross-department coordination round out their approach, along with the flexibility to work a schedule that may occasionally include evenings and weekends.

THE DEPARTMENT:

The Community Development Department is comprised of the Planning, Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, Historic Preservation, Housing, and Economic Development divisions. Community Development manages and promotes the overall well-being of a community by overseeing initiatives that encourage economic growth, improve quality of life, and facilitate responsible development through planning, housing programs, business recruitment, code enforcement, and building permits, all while considering the needs of residents and businesses within the area.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The first step in the selection process is a training and experience evaluation of each candidate based on the application materials submitted. Candidates whose qualifications are determined to best meet the needs of the position will be invited to participate in a structured panel interview (week of 12/7). Finalists will participate in follow-up interviews (week of 12/14). Dates are tentative and may change if necessary.

All candidates who pass the panel interview will earn placement on the eligible list, which is valid for one (1) year and may be used for current and future vacancies in the job classification.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responds to inquiries and provides technical assistance to property owners and the general public regarding compliance with zoning regulations, property maintenance standards, regulatory practices, and currently active code enforcement cases; assists individuals during field inspections, at the public counter, and through telephone and electronic communications
• Investigates and responds to public complaints regarding municipal codes and regulations; conducts on-site inspections; determines existence and types of potential code violations
• Documents violations per procedural guidelines by preparing detailed notes and taking photographs; issues warnings, citations, and notices of violations to individuals and organizations in violation of codes and regulations
• Conducts research regarding property ownership and applicable codes
• Recommends corrective action in order to bring about compliance; determines timelines for compliance in accordance with local standards and requirements; assists homeowners and businesses with procedures to obtain compliance
• Administers graffiti removal contract; directs and reviews work completed by vendor; reconciles monthly invoices
• Maintains accurate case files containing complete records of complaints and inspections; prepares correspondence and summary reports
• Prepares documentation for legal action; testifies and presents evidence in court as necessary

A combination of education, experience, and training that has provided the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities is required for entry into the classification. A typical combination includes:

Education and/or Experience:

Graduation from high school; and two (2) years of public relations experience involving considerable public contact and regulatory compliance.

Licenses and/or Certificates:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

Possession of a Certificate of Training in Arrest, Search and Seizure Procedures (PC 832) is required within six (6) months of employment.

Possession of a Certified Code Enforcement Officer (CCEO) designation is highly desirable.

Special Requirements:

Satisfactory results from a background investigation, physical examination, and administrative screening.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

To view an extensive list of the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of the position, follow the link here.

Information on the physical demands, mental demands, and work environment can be found by following the link here.

The City of Tustin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.