Resource Protection Specialist III

Salary : $90,625.60 - $115,648.00 Annually

Location : All Locations - San Luis Obispo County, CA

Job Type : Permanent - Hourly

Job Number : 1125PM-001710-01

Department : Planning & Building

Division : Planning & Building Administration

Opening Date : 11 / 10 / 2025

Closing Date : 11 / 24 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

About the Position

The Department of Planning & Building is actively recruiting for a Resource Protection Specialist III to join our team.

The Resource Protection Specialist (RPS) position with the Code Enforcement Unit is expected to investigate alleged violations of the County code and permits relating to land use and building code regulations and ordinances. Additionally, an RPS is expected to obtain compliance through methods provided in the County Code; prepare reports identifying code and permit violations and make recommendations for compliance; issue notices of violation and criminal citation complaints when necessary; prepare and issue administrative search warrants; evaluate approved projects for compliance with conditions of approval. RPS staff work closely with the public to develop a clearly understandable and workable enforcement solution; coordinate enforcement efforts with other Federal, State and local agencies involved, including but not limited to, the Environmental Health Department, Sheriff's Department, CHP, District Attorney, County Counsel, Department of Fish and Game, Department of Forestry, Department of Consumer Affairs and other law enforcement regulatory agencies. RPS staff frequently encounter difficult and often hostile individuals and situations and must make follow-up inspections concerning recommendations for compliance. RPS staff routinely make case presentations to the County Hearing Officer; research and analyze building and land use permit records, land use regulatory documents and health and safety ordinances; recommends changes as necessary; prepares and maintains a variety of reports and records.

This is a lead worker / field supervisory level in the Resource Protection Specialist series. Incumbent under direction, works independently conducting evaluations of alleged violations; understands and has complete mastery of all aspects of job; assists in the supervision and training of subordinate staff; assists in compilation of division workload statistics and monitoring of staff workload assignments; assists in division policy formulation and administration.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.

to view the full job description for Resource Protection Specialist III.

The Ideal Candidate

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes :

Resource Protection Specialist I : Either A : completion of two years of schooling from an accredited college in natural resource management, city and regional planning, environmental studies, criminal justice, police science or related field; OR B : two years performing code enforcement related work consisting of the evaluation or inspection of violations of laws, codes or ordinances in a public agency; OR C : three years of experience in technical planning work, natural resource management (if non-enforcement related work), or performing building inspection activities in a public agency.

Resource Protection Specialist II : The above, plus one year of experience in a public agency in the investigation and enforcement of building, planning or zoning ordinances, environmental protection laws, or related regulations.

Resource Protection Specialist III : The above, plus a minimum of two years of experience as a Zoning Investigator II, Resource Protection Specialist II, or equivalent experience in a public agency in the investigation and enforcement of building, planning or zoning ordinances, environmental protection laws or related regulations.

Licenses and Certificates

A valid CALIFORNIA driver license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Completion of P.O.S.T. approved Penal Code 832 Level III reserve training will be required prior to completion of the probationary period.

Physical / Psychological Exam

Candidate's physical, emotional and mental health will be evaluated and must be free from any condition, which might adversely affect the performance of the duties of this position.

This class specification generally describes the duties and responsibilities characteristic of the position(s) within this class. The duties of a particular position within a multi-position class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class. Accordingly, the essential functions of a particular position (whether it be a multi-position class or a single-position class) will be identified and used by medical examiners and hiring authorities in the selection process. If you have any questions regarding the duties or the working conditions of the position, please contact the Personnel Department at (805) 781-5959.

How to Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. To apply for this position, click "apply" at the top of this page. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process. The job includes duties and responsibilities that require frequent, regular attendance at our San Luis Obispo County office.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

Veteran's Preference Points

If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.

Make a Difference

Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.

Compensation and Benefits

Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.

For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated .

Some benefits include :

• Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
• Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
• Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
• Free visits to the employee health clinic
• Mental Health resources / benefits including Headspace
• Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
• A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
• Optional deferred compensation plan
• Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Paid personal, sick and vacation days
• 12 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education and Wellness Allowance
• Post Employment Health Plan
• Family Friendly workplace policies
• Flexible work schedule options
• Rideshare commuter benefits
• Pet Insurance

The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through : childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.

Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates :

The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.

Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions :

The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.

To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria),

Learning and Development

The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.

Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include :

Student Loan Forgiveness

Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.

Homebuyer assistance program

Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by to get a loan for the down payment.