Senior Code Enforcement Officer

City of Vista; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Vista is seeking a Code Enforcement Supervisor to lead a team responsible for enforcing municipal codes, ordinances and related health and safety standards. The role includes training staff, inspecting properties, preparing cases for hearings, and coordinating with residents and city departments.

The position reports to the Code Enforcement Manager. Occasional weekend shifts may be required after training, with a Monday-Friday 9/80 schedule.

Qualifications

• Experience in investigative/code enforcement with public contact.
• Ability to train staff and ensure compliance with codes.
• Knowledge of laws and standards related to property and safety.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, lead, organize, plan and review staff work.
• Inspect residential and commercial properties for safety and habitability.
• Prepare cases for nuisance abatement hearings and court proceedings.

Skills

Public safety inspection

Lead supervision

Communication

Tools

Office software

Job description

This position leads, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for performing a variety of technical duties in support of the City's code enforcement programs. In addition, incumbents coordinate and provide training and lead supervision to code enforcement personnel; and perform related work as required. This position reports to the Code Enforcement Manager.

This position may be assigned shifts that include weekends after the initial training period on a Monday-Friday 9/80 schedule.

Plans, directs, and participates in the investigation of potential violations and the enforcement of municipal codes, ordinances, standards, and health and safety regulations; documents violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; researches ownership records, prior complaints, municipal codes and ordinances, and state regulations to establish violations; trains staff in proper inspection practices and methods and evaluate field practices; assesses needs for additional educational development; arranges and provides training and education programs for public as necessary; verifies work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications; ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures; oversees and initiates contacts with residents, business representatives, and other parties to explain the nature of incurred violations and to encourage compliance with municipal codes, ordinances, and community standards; conducts on-site inspections and determines existence and type of code violations; investigates and attempts to correct alleged violations of municipal codes and zoning ordinances; prepares cases for nuisance abatement hearings and court proceedings; testifies in court actions as necessary; establishes positive working relationships with the public and co-workers, representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, City management, and staff; investigates complaints made by the public; works with appropriate City departments to resolve issues; explains priorities, programs, and policies to the public when required; responds to emergency calls from the public and other agencies and takes appropriate action; participates in planning and developing new forms, procedures, policies, and programs pertaining to field services and inspection practices; assists in preparing code amendments and city council reports; demonstrates a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; evaluates assigned work areas; prepares and maintains records; represents the city at professional meetings and conferences; as directed by the Code Enforcement Manager.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

A typical qualifying background is progressively responsible professional journey-level experience performing investigative, code enforcement or other work involving extensive public contact involving enforcement of established standards or requirements.

LICENSE REQUIRED

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record
• Possession of a P.C. 832 Certificate.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and municipal codes, and ordinances related to residential and commercial properties and buildings; methods and techniques associated with code violation investigation and enforcement, citation issuance procedures; and the acquisition of inspection warrants; departmental rules and regulations including administrative and departmental policies; principles and practices of lead supervision and training; safe work methods and safety practices pertaining to the work; methods and techniques used for record keeping; mathematical calculations; proper English, spelling and grammar usage.

SKILL IN:

Operating office equipment including computers and related software and a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.

ABILITY TO:

Supervise, lead, organize, plan, and review the work of staff; inspect residential housing units and commercial buildings and surrounding properties for safety and habitability; interpret and apply pertinent provisions of codes, ordinances and accepted standards; prepare clear and concise letters and technical reports of inspection activities; prepare and maintain documentation for criminal prosecution and administrative abatement; recognize code violations; work independently and as part of a team; analyze complex issues, and develop and implement appropriate responses; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; work cooperatively with other departments, agencies, citizens and those contacted in the course of work; interact with the public tactfully and in a respectful manner, both in person and over the telephone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively verbally and in a written manner; observe and interpret data and analyze and solve problems. The employee must be able to work indoor office environments/outdoor in the field environments (depending on position). Willingness to comply with rules and regulations governing work attire. The employee may have to move up to 50 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects frequently (depending on position). Vision abilities required by this job include the ability to detect, determine, perceive, identify, estimate, and assess work related objects and/or work products based on position specific designated tasks. The employee may be required to work overtime to complete assignments. Must be able to work a flexible schedule; required to work odd hours; and may be required to work weekend, early morning, evening hours, and holidays. Use of personal vehicle during employment may also be required. Travel required within and out of City to attend meetings.

SELECTION PROCESS

Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. Thecitymay also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of Vista is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employer.

We welcome and celebrate diversity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace!

*SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Recruitment Closes - Tuesday, December 2nd, 2026
Virtual Oral Board - Week of December 14th
Department Interview - January 2027

*Please note, all dates and/or timeframes are subject to change.