Code Enforcement Officer I/II (02-26)

City of Whittier; Whittier (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual pay premium (Spanish)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

The City of Whittier is seeking a Code Enforcement Officer I/II to inspect properties, enforce municipal codes, and coordinate corrective actions with owners and agencies. The role requires explaining regulations to the public, conducting follow-up inspections, and maintaining thorough case records.

Position requires driving, field work in various weather, and ability to work independently or in a team. A high school diploma or equivalent and relevant enforcement experience are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of experience in municipal government code enforcement, building, business licensing, construction or related field.

Responsibilities

• Inspect residential, commercial and industrial properties to identify code violations and enforce applicable codes.
• Coordinate with property owners or representatives and other agencies to take corrective action; perform follow-up inspections.
• Explain and apply municipal codes to the public and staff; guide applicants through compliance or permitting processes; conduct re-inspections as needed.
• Maintain records and prepare cases for court proceedings; gather evidence and photos of violations; file complaints when necessary.

Education

High school diploma

Code enforcement experience

Job description

WILL CLOSE AFTER RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 150 APPLICANTS THAT INCLUDE A COMPLETED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE OR OCTOBER 2, 2026, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.

Under general supervision, inspects residential, commercial and industrial properties, and transient businesses to determine compliance with applicable Federal, State and local codes, laws, regulations and ordinances relating to maintenance of properties and structures and business licensing; initiates enforcement action and issues citations and notices; performs other related duties as required. Successful candidates appointed to this position will serve a minimum one-year probationary period. Employees who are bilingual in Spanish are eligible to receive an additional $90 per month. Employees in this job classification may be required to work a Saturday or Sunday shift on a periodic basis. (Listed below are some of the basic duties for this position. For a complete listing of Essential functions, review the class specification)

Performs the full array of residential, commercial and industrial property, and transient business inspections; determines existence and type of code violation; compiles, analyzes, and evaluates findings of investigations and inspections; researches property ownership; coordinates with property owners or their representatives and other regulatory agencies to take corrective action; performs follow-up inspections and investigation as required; ensures compliance with all applicable municipal codes and regulations; issues citations for noncompliance; issues stop work orders and refers them to the proper department if necessary.

Interprets, applies, and explains applicable municipal codes, zoning ordinances, building codes, vehicle codes, State housing, health and safety codes, and other related laws, codes, and regulations to the public, departmental staff, and other agencies; advises property owners on the requirements for compliance; explains processes and procedures for obtaining compliance or appropriate permits, including re inspection on applicable permits and notices until compliance is attained.

Maintains clear, concise, and comprehensive records and reports related to enforcement activities; maintains daily log of contacts or inspections for code enforcement cases; enters and retrieves information from records systems.

Photographs violations; gathers evidence and prepares cases for court proceedings; produces photographs and records of violations for evidence; files criminal complaints in court when necessary with supervisor's approval. Responds to questions and concerns from the public, departmental staff, and other agencies; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints; cooperates with other agencies.

Prepares a variety of reports and correspondence, including notices of violations and follow-up letters; attends various meetings and training seminars; responds to emergency situations as required.

Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, State/local agencies, City management and staff, and the public. May represent the City in court regarding noncompliance if required.

Physical, Mental and Environmental Working Conditions:

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties.

The position also requires both near and far vision when making inspections, reading written reports and work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment, and supplies weighing 25 pounds or more is also required.

Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. Incumbents may frequently deal with irate members of the public. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions, and often work with constant interruptions.

The City of Whittier encourages applications from qualified individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Individuals who require accommodation in the application or testing process should contact the Human Resources staff at least 5 days prior to the application deadline or 5 days prior to the testing process so that a reasonable accommodation may be made. Persons requesting a reasonable accommodation will be required to provide documentation of such need. Seeking or receiving an accommodation by the City will have no negative impact on an individual's application or employment.

Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Code Enforcement Officer I/II. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of one year of experience in the enforcement of codes in the areas of building, business licensing, and construction, and a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition to the above, two years of experience in municipal government code enforcement, building, business licensing, construction or a related field.

License/Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver's license. Possession of, or ability to obtain a PC 832 and California Association of Code Enforcement Officials (CACEO) Basic Module certifications within one year of appointment to this class.

Knowledge of:

Modern principles, practices, and methods used in the enforcement of a variety of codes, laws, regulations, permits, and ordinances, including housing and building codes, business license codes, fire codes, and health laws; methods and techniques used in enforcement and investigation; law enforcement procedures and administrative techniques; rules of evidence and court procedures; basic principles of mathematics; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, ordinances and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment; modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; and occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:

Inspect and analyze a variety of buildings and properties and identify code violations; appropriately apply codes and regulations to varying situations; effectively deal with angry and non-cooperative people; keep up with constantly changing laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations; learn more complex principles, practices, techniques, and regulations pertaining to assigned duties; facilitate appropriate corrective action from property owners regarding violations; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; implement, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to:

Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications. Prior to hiring, candidates will be required to submit proof of U.S. Citizenship or employment authorization if not a U.S. Citizen. Employees in this classification are required to become members of the Whittier City Employee's Associates (WCEA) or pay a service fee.

Medical:

Applicants will be required as a prerequisite to employment to successfully pass a physical examination, including a drug screen, the cost of which will be paid by the City.

Selection/Exam Process:

Based on a review of the applications received, the candidates appearing to be most qualified and meeting the City's particular needs will be invited in writing to the exam process. A candidate must achieve a passing score on each exam to proceed to the next exam.

Due to the anticipated large volume of applicants for this position and our limited resources, we will only be able to invite the top candidates to participate in the panel oral interview process.

Oral Interview: 100% (Date to be determined) The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of Whittier is an Equal Opportunity Employer