Code Enforcement Officer

Code Enforcement Officer

The City of Lake Forest - "Remember the past, challenge the future!" If you are interested in being a change-maker and behind-the-scenes expert in the growth of the City of Lake Forest, we have the job for you! Come contribute to our vibrant community and join our dedicated team! The City of Lake Forest is currently recruiting to fill one (1) full-time Code Enforcement Officer position within the Community Development Department. This recruitment will also establish as eligibility list to be used for any future vacancies over the next 12-month period. This position offers consideration for potential advancement based on performance, experience, subject to tenure, job performance, and operational considerations. If keeping things orderly and in compliance is something that comes naturally to you, we want you to join our team as a Code Enforcement Officer! As a Code Enforcement Officer, you will investigate complaints and violations of zoning, monitor and enforce a variety of codes and ordinances in support of City departments including those related to, land use, planning, public nuisances, abandoned vehicles, and other issues relating to health, safety, and welfare of the community; and serves as a resource and provides information on City regulations to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public, and other City departments and divisions. The ideal candidate :

Facilities and maintains positive working relationships through providing exceptional service.

Has the ability to independently perform a full range of municipal code enforcement and compliance duties.

Possesses excellent communications skills and can do so in a concise and clear manner.

Feels passionate about public service and demonstrates this quality through an active, engaged work ethic.

Minimum qualifications :

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be :

Education : A high school or G.E.D. equivalent. An Associate's Degree in a related field is desirable.

Experience : Two (2) years of work experience involving code enforcement and considerable public contact, preferably in a governmental Planning or Building Safety department involving code enforcement responsibilities or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

License or Certificate : Possession of one of the following certifications or the ability to obtain the certification within six months of hire :

• CACEO Beginning Level Certification,
• POST Certification : possession of Basic P.C.832 module certification or the ability to obtain the certification within six months of hire

Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License necessary to operate assigned vehicle(s).

This is a continuous recruitment with a first review on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply and submit necessary documents as soon as possible. Cover letters and resumes are encouraged as a supplement but not required. Contact with applicants will primarily occur via email. Please ensure that your application indicates a valid email address which you check on a regular basis. Applicants receiving a conditional offer of employment must successfully complete the pre-placement process for this position before a final offer will be extended. Pre-placement assessments for this position include an Livescan (FBI / DOJ fingerprint review), physical and DMV record review.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class :

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and / or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties :

Knowledge of : Operations, services, and activities of a municipal code enforcement program; principles, practices, and methods used in the enforcement of a variety of codes; procedures involved in the enforcement of codes and regulations including methods and techniques of conducting and documenting field investigations; applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws and regulations related to building, zoning, housing, and nuisance violations; legal actions applicable to code enforcement compliance; public relations and conflict resolution methods and techniques; record keeping practices; business letter writing and basic report preparation techniques; modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications; occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.

Ability to : Independently perform a full range of municipal code enforcement and compliance duties; interpret and apply applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations related to zoning, nuisance abatement, and health and safety issues; inspect and identify violations of applicable codes and ordinances; enforce pertinent codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations with impartiality and efficiency; operate personal computer to access information and utilize common business applications; read and interpret legislation, zoning and subdivision law as related to zoning enforcement; learn the appropriate manner and the necessary skill to deal with the various segments of the public in explaining zoning requirements and procedures; recognize conditions that constitute a zoning violation; read blueprints and landscaping plans; respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and firm manner; investigate complaints and mediate resolutions in a timely and tactful manner; prepare accurate and detailed documentation of investigation findings; maintain complex logs, records, and files; research, compile, and collect data; prepare clear and concise technical reports; work independently in the absence of supervision; follow written and oral instructions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licenses / Certificates / Special Requirements : Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License necessary to operate assigned vehicle(s).

Possession of one of the following certifications or the ability to obtain the certification within six months of hire :

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent and two years of work experience involving code enforcement and considerable public contact, preferably in a governmental Planning or Building Safety department involving code enforcement responsibilities or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

The physical and mental demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to work in a field environment; to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb unusual heights on ladders; to lift, carry, push, and / or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Specific hearing abilities required by this job include hearing in the normal audio range with or without correction. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands While performing the duties of this class, the employee must be able to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret