GENERAL PURPOSE
City of Upland is recruiting for Code Enforcement Officer
Under general supervision, Code Enforcement Officer investigates code compliance, resolves complaints, and enforces City codes and ordinances related to property, land use, business licenses, and similar community standards and City requirements; prepares and disseminates notices related to violation and citations to secure compliance; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of the City’s municipal code enforcement and compliance efforts of other codes such as California Building Codes and the Health and Safety Code. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
CURRENT VACANCY:
One full-time position with full benefits in the Upland Police Department. The resulting eligibility list may be used to fill future full and/or part-time vacancies that occur during the life of this eligibility list.
REPORTING SCHEDULE:
Reporting schedule may vary depending on the needs of the Department and the City. Incumbents may be required to work in the evenings, on weekends, and during the holidays.
SALARY:
Listed amounts indicate the first and last steps of the range for the position.
EXAM TYPE:
Open Competitive.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:
Selected applicants will be required to undergo a complete, comprehensive, POST approved Background Investigation, including but not limited to fingerprinting, drug screening, pre-employment medical examination, polygraph examination, and reference checks.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so 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, 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 whether a violation has occurred.
- 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.
- Prepares notices of violation for noncompliance and citations according to applicable codes and regulations; issues letters to property owners notifying them of violations; as appropriate, affixes notice of violation on property to abate fire and public safety hazards and public nuisances.
- 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 and ordinances; prepares non-compliance cases for legal action; presents testimony at nuisance abatement hearings and court appearances.
- 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.
- Meets with various City departments and legal counsel regarding complaints; coordinates activities with other staff and enforcement personnel.
- Provides information to violators, the general public, the business community, and other government agencies regarding codes, laws, and ordinances; responds to questions, complaints, and inquiries.
- 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 terminal.
- Presents testimony and findings at administrative hearings and in court, as required.
- Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:
- Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by college level courses in public relations, psychology, code enforcement, or a related field.
Experience:
- Two (2) years of experience in conducting field inspections, investigations, code or rule enforcement, and/or other related experience.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of, or successful acquisition within six (6) months from appointment, a valid certification per California Penal Code Section 832.
Knowledge of:
- Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation investigation and enforcement.
- Methods and procedures used in code enforcement including citation issuance procedures.
- Methods used to obtain various types of inspection warrants, and principles used to prepare legal documents; operational characteristics of code enforcement equipment and tools.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and codes related to public property use, nuisances, and abatement practices.
- Public health and safety standards; administrative and departmental policies.
- Basic mathematical principles.
- Safe driving principles and practices.
- Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
- City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to:
- Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
- Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
- Perform private property inspections, collect evidence, document inspection cases, and issue notices and citations.
- Understand, interpret, and explain City codes, ordinances, and regulations to property owners, residents, and others.
- Assess situations, deescalate challenging situations, and resolve conflict, while remaining calm.
- Handle the more complex and sensitive investigations and issues involving code enforcement.
- Read and interpret maps, plans, and legal descriptions.
- Operate a cell phone, camera, and tape recorder.
- Operate a motor vehicle safely.
- Operate a variety of tools and field-testing equipment including small hand tools and noise meter.
- Learn occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of code enforcement.
- Establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems.
- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various locations; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 65 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Examination Process:
A competitive review of applicants' experience and qualifications will be conducted. Based on that evaluation, a limited number of applicants whose qualifications best meet the current needs of the City of Upland will be invited to participate in the next step of the examination process. The examination may include a written test or a technical project and will include a qualifications appraisal interview. Qualified candidates will be provided with more details prior to the start of the examination process.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
