Code Enforcement Officer I

The City of Vista is looking for a personable, resilient and effective individual to join its Code Enforcement team. The primary duties of the current vacant position will include parking enforcement, abandoned vehicle abatement and varied routine code compliance functions involving a narrow area of code enforcement. This position will report to the Code Enforcement Manager. 

Under general supervision, a Code Enforcement Officer I will investigate and inspect the circumstances and conditions involving citizens' or business noncompliance with applicable laws, City ordinances and City directives. The incumbent may conduct routine fire inspection and educational activities.  Officers are expected to define procedures to bring delinquent and offending citizens and businesses into compliance.  Officers prepare reports and perform related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class perform varied routine code compliance functions, involving a narrow area of code enforcement such as inspecting buildings and lots for fire hazards, inspecting businesses for business licenses, monitoring parked automobiles for time limitations, monitoring false burglar alarm reports, performing field inspections of medium and high risk stormwater pollution-generating activities or sites, providing information to the public and issuing citations and/or notices of monies due. Incumbents learn and perform the more routine aspects of code enforcement but work with considerable independence in the field. Positions perform work which has some variation and which allows or requires a limited range of code section applicability relevant to the circumstances. Incumbents receive instructions when tasks are initially assigned but are checked only after the task has been accomplished. Incumbents are expected to refer matters which are not in accordance with standard procedures to the supervisor for instructions.

• Enforces posted parking regulations on City-operated parking facilities, street sweeping, and time-limit parking on streets. 

• Investigates and inspects dwellings, buildings, vacant lots, grasslands, businesses, commercial properties and building construction projects that represent an abridg­ment, offense or violation of a municipal ordinance, a state law or a City directive. 

• Issues citations and directives to offending citizens stating the law or ordinance violated, the specific condition to be remediated, replaced, restored, or cleaned and the deadline for taking the action. 

• Makes periodic surveys or inspections of property and buildings. 

• Identifies owners and mails or delivers citations; arranges for compliance procedures to be executed by the City or by contractor and bills owners for services rendered; patrols designated parking areas. 

• Writes and issues citations to violators for vehicles parked beyond the legal time limit, double parked, illegally parked in red zones, bus zones, loading zones and other restricted parking areas; reports vehicles parked in an unsafe or illegal manner, such as blocking driveways. 

• Inspects construction sites for contractor and subcontractor licenses and permits; receives and takes action on consumer complaints about work performed by construction contractors; monitors reports of false burglar alarms, communicates with business and residents and computes fees for excessive burglar alarm incidents; performs field inspections and investigations of medium and high-risk stormwater pollution-generating activities or sites. 

• Checks stormwater hotline on a regular basis; responds in a timely manner to inquiries or complaints relative to construction activities, sewer spills, illegal discharges at industrial/commercial sites as well as resident complaints; maintains logs.

• Maintains reference volumes of codes, ordinances and standards. 

• Operates calculators and computers.

• Orders materials and supplies.

• Communicates with various departments in the City.

• Maintains a pleasant and positive bearing while communicating with the public.

• May represent the City in routine court enforcement of citations.

• Operates City vehicles.

• Performs related work as required.

LICENSE REQUIRED

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License. 
Possession of a current P.C. 832 Certificate.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. A typical qualifying entrance background is experience performing investigative, code enforcement or other work involving extensive public contact involving enforcement of established standards or requirements. 

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• Municipal ordinances and state laws pertaining to assignment.

•  Record keeping techniques; basic English usage. 

• Basic map reading; basic elements of public relations. 

• Basic arithmetic.

• General office equipment.

• Appropriate safety precautions and procedures. 

ABILlTY TO: 

• Conduct inspections, ascertain facts and apply appropriate codes.

• Enforce codes and regulations with firmness and tact. 

• Keep logs, write simple inspection reports and prepare documentation of inspections.

• Prepare clear reports. 

• Make arithmetical computations. 

• Work in the field without immediate supervision. 

• Read, understand and apply moderately difficult materials. 

• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices. 

• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. 

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Strength: Light Work - Occasional lifting, carrying and/or pushing 40 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Willingness to use personal vehicle in the course of employment may be required. Willingness to comply with rules and regulations governing wearing attire. Incumbent is required to travel within and out of City to attend meetings. Incumbent is required to work outside in the elements.