Senior Code Compliance Officer

City of Poway, CA; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Poway is seeking an experienced Senior Code Compliance Officer to lead complex field inspections, investigations, and enforcement of municipal codes, zoning, building, and health and safety regulations. The role supervises staff, coordinates with multiple departments, prepares detailed reports, and guides abatement and legal actions.

You will manage weed abatement, defensible space, encampment and vehicle removal programs, and public safety compliance while maintaining records,

Qualifications

• Five years enforcing municipal, zoning, and/or building codes with a public agency
• Supervisory experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Investigates complaints and enforces municipal codes, zoning, and health and safety regulations.
• Coordinates field inspections and prepares reports for compliance actions.
• Issues notices, citations, and abatement orders as needed.
• Coordinates weed abatement and defensible space programs; conducts follow-up inspections.
• Trains staff, manages budget and program administration, and coordinates with multiple departments.

Skills

Code enforcement

Investigations

Public safety compliance

Staff supervision

Education

High school + college coursework in planning/zoning/inspection/law enforcement

Bachelor’s degree in criminology/public administration/planning

Job description

The City of Poway is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Code Compliance Officer to lead and perform complex field inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities related to municipal codes, zoning, building, environmental regulations, nuisance abatement, and public safety standards. This position coordinates multi-departmental compliance efforts, manages challenging cases, prepares and presents detailed reports, and conducts follow-up abatement procedures including legal case preparation and hearing testimony. The ideal candidate demonstrates advanced knowledge of code investigation methods, land-use regulations, budget and program administration, legal documentation, and customer service best practices; excels in communication, problem-solving, training, and can independently interpret and apply laws, make sound decisions, and maintain accurate records while coordinating programs such as weed abatement, defensible space, responsible beverage service, encampment and vehicle removal, and emergency response. This role requires strong judgment, professionalism, and the ability to foster positive working relationships with residents, businesses, partner agencies, and City personnel. If you are a motivated professional who values public service, enjoys meaningful community impact, and seeks a leadership role where your expertise can strengthen safety, compliance, and quality of life for residents - we encourage you to apply today!

Under general direction, plans, schedules, assigns, and reviews the work of code compliance staff; performs a variety of routine to complex duties related to the City’s code compliance program, including the identification, investigation, and correction of violations of the City’s municipal, building, and zoning codes, and of State and City Health and Safety Codes and Ordinances; investigates citizen complaints of public nuisances and quality of life issues and seeks voluntary compliance or issues citations and initiates abatement procedures; coordinates, monitors, and provides technical input for assigned code compliance and related projects and programs; provides responsible technical assistance to the City Planner; and performs related work as required.

Receives general supervision from the City Planner or assigned supervisor. Exercises direct and general supervision over assigned staff.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Receives, records, and investigates complaints from the public and staff regarding violations of municipal codes, standards, and health and safety regulations; documents violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; researches ownership records, development plans, prior complaints, municipal codes, and state regulations to establish whether a violation has occurred.
• Collaborates and initiates contact with residents, business representatives, and other parties to explain the nature of incurred violations and compliance with municipal codes, ordinances, and community standards; initiates abatement of dangerous properties and vector control issues of vacant properties; provides confirmation to public by telephone and in person regarding code regulations.
• Prepares courtesy notices, notices of violation and citations according to applicable codes and regulations; issues letters to property owners notifying them of violation; as appropriate, affixes a notice of violation on property to abate fire and public safety hazards and public nuisances.
• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of assigned staff in the inspection and code compliance activities of the City; communicates status of cases to appropriate personnel, working cooperatively to schedule inspections and investigations in accordance with established and special operational priorities; instructs staff in work procedures.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities for essential services and programs.
• Monitors operations and activities of the code compliance work unit and identifies resource needs and costs.
• Determines and recommends equipment, materials, and staffing needs for assigned operations, projects, and programs; participates in the annual budget preparation; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications, as required; maintains a variety of records and prepares routine reports of work performance.
• Inspects and verifies work in progress and completed work of assigned employees and contractors for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Performs the most complex code compliance duties and provides technical assistance to other code compliance staff.
• Provides staff assistance to the City Planner or assigned supervisor; prepares or directs the preparation and presentation of staff reports and other necessary correspondence; supervises the preparation and maintenance of related reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of activities.
• Troubleshoots complex cases and compliance problems; corrects or directs the correction of such problems.
• Evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; may assist in selection and promotion.
• Trains staff in work and safety procedures and in the operation and use of equipment and supplies; implements procedures and standards.
• Meets with City planning, building, engineering, fire, sheriff, public works staff, and legal counsel regarding complaints; coordinates activities with other staff and code compliance personnel.
• Coordinates and conducts follow-up abatement procedures including the preparation of additional correspondence, site visits, and communication with property owners and attorneys; conducts follow-up investigations to ensure compliance with applicable codes; prepares non-compliance cases for legal action; presents testimony at nuisance abatement hearings.
• Coordinates and enforces the City’s weed abatement program and Wildfire Defensible Space program, including identification of properties in violation, notification to property owners, and follow-up inspections and recordkeeping.
• Makes drive-by or on-site inspections of residential, industrial, and/or commercial areas; notes possible violations at other property sites during the course of field investigations.
• Provides information to violators, the general public, business community, and other government agencies; responds to questions, complaints, and inquiries.
• Coordinates and enforces the City’s Responsible Beverage Service Program, including reviewing application for Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licenses, and maintaining records of all licenses issued in the City, inspecting businesses for the posting of required signage, and certification records of employees; explain ABC regulations and answer questions regarding the program requirements.
• Prepares staff reports related to code compliance activities and services; may present information to the City Council and various commissions, committees, and boards; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
• Coordinates the removal of encampments and abandoned vehicles, as needed.
• Maintains files and records related to citations and violations; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Inputs and retrieves a variety of information using a computer.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates inquiries; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Responds to emergency situations as necessary.
• Maintains attendance and punctuality that is observant of scheduled hours on a regular basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Any combination of the following education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification.

Experience

Five years of enforcing municipal, zoning, and/or building codes with a public agency, or similar public contact of an investigatory or inspection nature. Supervisory experience is preferred.

Education/Training

Equivalent to completion of the 12th grade supplemented by two years of college‑level coursework (i.e., minimum completed California units = 60 semester/90 quarter) from an accredited educational institution in planning, zoning, inspection, or law enforcement, or related field. A bachelor’s degree in criminology, political science, public administration, planning, or a related field is preferred.

Equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade supplemented by two years of college‑level coursework (i.e., minimum completed California units = 60 semester/90 quarter) from an accredited educational institution in planning, zoning, inspection, or law enforcement, or related field.

Licenses and Certifications

• A valid class C driver’s license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a California PC 832 certification within six months of appointment.
• Certified Code Enforcement Officer (CCEO) desirable.

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in the field and in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to operate a motor vehicle, drive on surface streets, and make inspections; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light physical work; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking uneven terrain and landscapes when performing inspections. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Environmental Elements

Employees partly work in the office and partly in the field and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

A completed NeoGov application, including supplemental questions, must be submitted through NeoGov for consideration by the application deadline. Application materials will not be accepted separate from NeoGov or after the deadline.

AFULLY COMPLETED APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS ARE REQUIRED AND PART OF THE REVIEW AND QUALIFYING PROCESS. QUESTIONS MUST BE ANSWERED COMPLETELY; REFERENCING YOUR RESUME IN LIEU OF ANSWERING A QUESTION WILL BE CAUSE FOR DISQUALIFICATION.

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of relevant training, education, experience and writing skills as presented in the application, cover letter and resume. The process may include interviews and/or performance tests. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligibility list established, which will be in effect for a period of up to six months. A background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting and a verification of a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles are required. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. The City of Poway participates in E-Verify. All employees are required by law to sign a loyalty oath to the United States and the State of California Constitution at time of hire.