Code Enforcement Officer at City of Lake Forest – Lake Forest, California

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.

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The Ideal Candidate

• Builds and maintains positive working relationships through exceptional customer service.
• Independently performs a full range of municipal code enforcement and compliance duties.
• Communicates clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to public service through an engaged and professional 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:
High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent. An Associate’s Degree in a related field is desirable.

Experience:
Two (2) years of code enforcement experience with significant public contact, preferably in a governmental Planning or Building Safety Department, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Certificates

Possession of one of the following, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire:

• CACEO Beginning Level I Certification, or
• POST Certification (Basic Penal Code Section 832 module)

License

Valid California Driver License required.

Pre-Placement Requirements

A conditional offer is contingent upon successful completion of a Live Scan (FBI/DOJ), physical examination, 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.

1. Responds to inquiries and provides technical assistance to property owners and the general public regarding compliance with zoning regulations, property maintenance standards, regulatory practices, and currently active code enforcement cases; assists individuals during field inspections, at the public counter, and through telephone and electronic communications
2. Investigates and responds to public complaints regarding municipal codes and regulations; conducts on-site inspections; and determines the existence and types of potential code violations
3. Documents violations in accordance with procedural guidelines by preparing detailed notes and taking photographs; issues warnings, citations, and notices of violations to individuals and organizations in violation of codes and regulations
4. Recommends corrective action in order to bring about compliance; determines timelines for compliance in accordance with local standards and requirements; assists homeowners and businesses with procedures to obtain compliance
5. Conducts research regarding property ownership and applicable codes; maintains a computer database of evidence and data; maintains accurate case files containing complete records of complaints and inspections; prepares correspondence and summary reports
6. Prepares documentation for legal action and may be required to testify and present evidence in court as necessary
7. Attains compliance from difficult individuals and situations. Responds tactfully, clearly, concisely, and professionally both verbally and in writing.
8. Participates in outreach to new businesses, homeowner’s associations, and community groups in the city.
9. Coordinates enforcement activities with other governmental agencies and City departments.
10. Consults with legal staff concerning enforcement orders; provides assistance to legal staff in preparation of cases for prosecution, including preparing reports, and attends court hearings with the City Attorney as necessary.
11. May be required to work weekends, evenings, or early mornings to ensure compliance with code requirements
12. Performs related duties as required.

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:

• CACEO Beginning Level I Certification. CACEO Level II and III Certifications are desirable.
• POST Certification: possession of Basic P.C.832 module certification or the ability to obtain the certification within six months of hire

Education/Training/Experience:

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.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

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 data, information and documents; interpret policies and procedures; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; and interact with the general public, outside organizations, business representatives, employees, and others encountered in the course of work, including occasionally dealing with conflict situations.

Work Environment

The employee works in both indoor and outdoor environments; work alone; travel from site to site; incumbents may be exposed to noise, dust, inclement weather conditions, potentially hostile people and/or environments, and aggressive and/or ill animals.