Code Enforcement Officer (Bilingual-Spanish or Vietnamese)

City of Santa Ana; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Santa Ana seeks a proactive code enforcement inspector to ensure compliance with city, state, and federal codes relating to zoning, housing, and building standards. You will inspect structures, read plans, and coordinate enforcement actions with multiple departments to prevent blight and hazards.

You will prepare detailed reports, testify when required, and assist legal staff in enforcement cases. This role requires bilingual ability and a valid California driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Two years of journey-level experience in code enforcement inspection or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Must possess and retain a valid California Class “C” Driver's License.
• Must possess and retain a valid P.O.S.T. PC. 832 Certificate (Powers of Arrest).
• Must be bilingual in English and Spanish or Vietnamese.

Responsibilities

• Inspect buildings and properties to ensure compliance with zoning, housing, dangerous building, and related codes.
• Issue citations and corrective actions; coordinate abatement with appropriate departments.
• Prepare detailed reports, notices, and findings; testify as expert witness when needed.
• Advise owners, tenants, and contractors on repair methods and financing.
• Coordinate enforcement activities with other city departments and agencies.
• Maintain records and prepare periodic reports.

Skills

Code enforcement

Reading plans

Reports writing

Legal processes

Microsoft Office

Database apps

Conflict resolution

Communication

Education

CACEO Module I Certification

P.O.S.T. Certificate

CA Driver's License

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Job description

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 direction, performs responsible technical and public contact work in ensuring compliance with zoning, housing, dangerous building and uniform building and other related codes, rules and regulations.

Reads and interprets plans, and inspects existing buildings, structures and properties to determine their conformity with city, state and federal standards and laws pertaining to zoning, housing, building and other related codes to prevent blight in the City; inspects buildings which have been converted or altered and ensures compliance with all required codes and standards. Enforces parking regulations and issues citations. Abates, or arranges for the abatement of, public nuisances such as vacant structures/dangerous and abandoned buildings, substandard housing, unpermitted dwellings, illegal commercial occupancies, abandoned vehicles, pushcarts, shopping carts and other similar objects or conditions that could be considered public nuisances and/or potentially hazardous. 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, tenants and contractors as to proper repair methods and materials and available financing assistance. 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, County Health, Social Services, Orange County Fire Authority, the Internal Revenue Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Keeps up-to-date and accurate records and prepares periodic and special reports. 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; performs basic computations to determine area and percentages; draws general plot plans as needed. Conducts initial and follow-up investigations. Meets scheduled assignments on time; provides dependable service to the community. Interacts with coworkers and the general public in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Performs other functions as assigned.

Two years of journey-level experience in code enforcement inspection, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of building construction materials and methods;
• building maintenance standards and sanitary practices;
• current municipal housing, building, zoning, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and related codes and ordinances;
• legal processes including right of entry, due process, and time limits on applicability of codes;
• current office software applications such as Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, Excel and Access;
• current computer applications in a database environment;
• principles of conflict resolution and safe practices when dealing with the public in confrontational situations.

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

• Ability to: detect substandard maintenance, poor sanitary practices, structural defects, illegal occupancies, inferior or improperly used materials, zoning violations and fire safety hazards;
• recognize construction practices which do not conform to code standards;
• read and interpret plans, specifications, blueprints, maps and related documents;
• draw general plot plans and perform basic computations to determine area and percentages;
• write detailed reports and correspondence;
• use computer applications in database and word processing environments;
• maintain up to date and accurate records, using appropriate software;
• communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• testify effectively in hearings and in court;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with business and 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 MINIMUM 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 I (Basic) 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 the back of a 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.

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 the week of September 7, 2026) (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.

Candidates will be required to pass a bilingual oral fluency exam prior to hire.

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.