Code Enforcement Officer

Salary : $60,444.80 - $80,995.20 Annually

Location : City of Westminster, CA

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 2024-27

Department : Police

Opening Date : 05 / 08 / 2024

Closing Date : 6 / 8 / 2024 5 : 00 PM Pacific

Description

DEFINITION

• Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine to complex technical and public contact duties related to the Police Department's code enforcement program, including the identification, investigation, and correction of violations of the City's municipal, building, zoning, signage, abatement, and public nuisance codes;
• investigates citizen complaints of public nuisances and quality of life issues and seeks voluntary compliance or issues citations and initiates abatement procedures;

and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Code Enforcement Manager. Exercises no supervision of staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full journey-level class in the Code Enforcement series that performs the full range of duties related to inspection and compliance activities required to ensure compliance with the City's municipal, building, zoning, signage, abatement, and public nuisance codes.

Responsibilities include the authority to cite violators and initiate court proceedings for compliance. Successful performance of the work requires the frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment, knowledge of departmental and City activities, and extensive staff, public, and organizational contact.

Positions at this level 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.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Code Enforcement Officer in that the latter performs lead duties over lower level staff and acts in the absence of the Code Enforcement Manager.

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

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.

• Conducts inspections and investigations to enforce municipal and regulatory codes and ensure compliance with code enforcement programs.
• Receives, records, and investigates complaints from the public and staff regarding violations of municipal, building, and zoning codes, ordinances, housing standards, and health and safety regulations, noise standards, signage, business licenses, and environmental ordinances such as water conservation and National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) violations.
• 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.
• Inspects properties for compliance with state housing law maintenance requirements, including, but not limited to, minimum light, ventilation, and occupancy requirements;

fire and life safety components; and plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems; reviews conditions of onsite drainage, weatherproofing, garage, weed and rubbish control, and rodent and insect infestation.

• Conducts sound tests of mechanical and construction equipment, ambient noise levels, and amplified music for compliance with municipal noise regulations.
• 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;

initiates abatement of dangerous properties and vector control issues of vacant properties; provides confirmation to the public by telephone and in person regarding code regulations.

Prepares and issues notices of violation or noncompliance, final notices, and 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.

• 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 hearings.

• 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 regarding codes, laws, and ordinances;

responds to questions, complaints, and inquiries.

Meets with City planning, building, engineering, police, and public works staff and legal counsel regarding complaints;

coordinates activities with other code compliance personnel and departments; serves as a liaison with other departments and agencies and follows up on inspections and identifies potential problems.

• Performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities; creates, updates, and conducts various presentations.
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to citations and violations; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of :

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation investigation and compliance.
• Methods and procedures used in code compliance including citation issuance procedures, methods used to obtain various types of inspection warrants, and principles used to prepare legal documents.
• Practices for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and carrying through on court procedures.
• Basic requirements of zoning and related codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Legal descriptions and boundary maps of real property and legal terminology as used in code compliance.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of code compliance.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Techniques for dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including safe driving rules and practices.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to :

• Explain codes and regulations to property owners, residents, and others.
• Analyze, interpret, apply, and enforce applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies.
• Understand and explain occupational hazards and standard safety practices related to code compliance.
• Identify and respond to issues and concerns of management, City government, a variety of professional groups, commissions, and committees, and the general public.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
• Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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 :

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of experience in code enforcement, law enforcement, or related municipal experience involving public contact.

Licenses and Certifications :

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
• Possession of a California PC832 certificate or ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect various City sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other access points;
• and to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen;

and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. 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.

Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and partially in the field and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Classification requires successful completion of a pre-hire physical and detailed police background investigation.

Please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for Westminster Municipal Employees' Association (WMEA) members for additional details :

SALARY INCREASES : Contractual salary increases are authorized as follows :

• 3% for July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021
• 3% for July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022
• 4% for July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022

RETIREMENT BENEFITS : The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). The City's contract provides for the following retirement tiers :

Tier 2 (hired on or after July 28, 2011 and a current CalPERS member) : 2.0% @ age 60 formula; employees contribute 7.0% of salary towards retirement costs.

Tier 3 / PEPRA (hired on or after January 1, 2013 and not a CalPERS member) : 2.0% @ age 62 formula; employees contribute one-half of normal cost, which is 5.75% of salary.

INSURANCE BENEFITS : The City's cafeteria benefits plan provides $1,600 per month toward the purchase of health, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as additional voluntary products.

Unused cafeteria plan dollars may be received by the employee as taxable income. Employees who participate in the CalPERS health insurance program and are enrolled in the Family level of coverage shall receive an additional City contribution of $200.

00 per month (total of $1,800 per month) .

A pre-tax flexible spending account is also available for health care and dependent care expenses. The City also provides a City-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) plan.

VACATION : Employees earn 120 hours of paid vacation during their first year of service. An additional eight (8) hours is earned for each additional year of service up to five (5) years.

Additional benefits apply after 20 years of service.

HOLIDAYS : Employees receive 77 hours of paid holiday for official holiday closures (8.5 recognized holidays) each year, and an additional 27 hours of floating holiday time annually to be used at the employee's discretion.

HOLIDAY FURLOUGH : City offices are closed between Christmas and New Year's Day. Employees may use accumulated leave banks or elect leave without pay during the furlough.

SICK LEAVE : Employees earn 96 hours of paid sick leave per year.

WORK SCHEDULE : Maintenance and Water Employees within the Public Works Department work a 4 / 10 schedule. Other employees work a 9 / 80 schedule, 9 hours per day Monday - Thursday, with every other Friday off.

Employees work an 8-hour day on the working Friday. Depending on the Department, Division, and work assignment, actual work week and hours may vary.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE : Employees may receive an additional 10% of base pay for an A.A. degree (with a minimum of 24 college units directly related to the job) or 10% of base pay for a Bachelor's degree (B.A. / B.S.).

SPECIAL CERTIFICATION PAY : Employees who hold the following certifications shall receive additional pay for possessing one of the following certifications, provided the employee is required to perform services covered by the certification :

• ICBO or ICC Certificates - 5.0%
• Water Distribution (D) or Water Treatment (T) Certification Grades 2 through 5 from the California Public Health Drinking Water Program :
• Grade 2 (either D2 or T2) - 7.0%
• Grade 3 (either D3 or T3) - 8.0%
• Grade 4 (either D4 or T4) - 9.0%
• Grade 5 (either D5 or T5) - 10.0%
• Play Ground Safety Inspector - 5.0%
• Pest Control Advisor License - 5.0%
• Qualified Applicator Certificate - In order to be eligible for 5.0% certification pay, employees must pass all three (3) of the following California Department of Pesticide Regulation examinations :
• QAC - Laws, Regulations and Basic Principles
• QAC-B Landscape Maintenance
• QAC-C Right of Way
• ASE - Master Mechanic - 5.0%
• American Payroll Association (APA) Effective Payroll Administration and Management Certification - 2.5%

LONGEVITY PAY : As an incentive for continuous service, employees are entitled to longevity pay at completion of the following service intervals :

• 21 years of service 2.0% longevity pay
• 22 years of service 4.0% longevity pay
• 23 years of service 6.0% longevity pay
• 24 years of service 8.0% longevity pay
• 25 years of service 10.0% longevity pay

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT : Tuition reimbursement up to $1,000 per fiscal year for approved courses is available.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION : All candidates for full-time employment must undergo a comprehensive background investigation with the City which includes, but is not limited to, the following :

• Interview of candidate and review of application & Personal History Statement (PHS)
• Document verifications, to include :
• Driver's License verification
• Social Security Card verification
• Birth Certificate
• H.S. Diploma
• College Degree
• Work- Related Certificates (if required)
• Proof of Auto Insurance
• Contact of personal references; personal contact and / or mailing of reference questionnaires
• Current and past employment verifications from last five (5) years. Review of personnel records where the employer allows
• Live Scan (Federal & State criminal record check)
• DMV Records check
• State and Local Records checks
• Megan's Law check
• Internet search for potentially negative or adverse materials regarding the applicant
• Financial checks if job requires the handling of finances or money
• Drug test and physical examination
• If selected, are you willing and able to undergo a thorough background investigation, including but not limited to review of : legal documents;
• federal, state, and local law enforcement checks; drivers license and DMV record; high school diploma; college transcripts;

proof of automobile insurance; employment verifications; and personal and professional reference checks?

Do you have at least one (1) year of experience in code enforcement, law enforcement, or related municipal experience involving public contact?

Do you possess a valid P.O.S.T. PC-832 certificate?

Required Question