Code Enforcement Officer I
Salary
$60,362.12 - $73,371.48 Annually
Location
Vista City Hall - 200 Civic Center Drive Vista 92084, CA
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
26-51-O
Department
Code Enforcement
Opening Date
07/14/2026
Closing Date
7/26/2026 5:30 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
VCEA
Position
The City of Vista is looking for a personable, resilient and effective individual to join its Code Enforcement team. The primary duties of the current vacant position will include parking enforcement, abandoned vehicle abatement and varied routine code compliance functions involving a narrow area of code enforcement. This position will report to the Code Enforcement Manager.
Under general supervision, a Code Enforcement Officer I will investigate and inspect the circumstances and conditions involving citizens or business noncompliance with applicable laws, City ordinances and City directives. The incumbent may conduct routine fire inspection and educational activities. Officers are expected to define procedures to bring delinquent and offending citizens and businesses into compliance. Officers prepare reports and perform related work as required.
Please Note: Initial anticipated work schedule is Tuesday - Saturday, 8 hour shifts.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Positions in this class perform varied routine code compliance functions, involving a narrow area of code enforcement such as inspecting buildings and lots for fire hazards, inspecting businesses for business licenses, monitoring parked automobiles for time limitations, monitoring false burglar alarm reports, performing field inspections of medium and high risk stormwater pollution-generating activities or sites, providing information to the public and issuing citations and/or notices of monies due. Incumbents learn and perform the more routine aspects of code enforcement but work with considerable independence in the field. Positions perform work which has some variation and which allows or requires a limited range of code section applicability relevant to the circumstances. Incumbents receive instructions when tasks are initially assigned but are checked only after the task has been accomplished. Incumbents are expected to refer matters which are not in accordance with standard procedures to the supervisor for instructions.
Examples of Essential Functions
Enforces posted parking regulations on City-operated parking facilities, street sweeping, and time-limit parking on streets.
Investigates and inspects dwellings, buildings, vacant lots, grasslands, businesses, commercial properties and building construction projects that represent an abridgment, offense or violation of a municipal ordinance, a state law or a City directive.
Issues citations and directives to offending citizens stating the law or ordinance violated, the specific condition to be remediated, replaced, restored, or cleaned and the deadline for taking the action.
Makes periodic surveys or inspections of property and buildings.
Identifies owners and mails or delivers citations; arranges for compliance procedures to be executed by the City or by contractor and bills owners for services rendered; patrols designated parking areas.
Writes and issues citations to violators for vehicles parked beyond the legal time limit, double parked, illegally parked in red zones, bus zones, loading zones and other restricted parking areas; reports vehicles parked in an unsafe or illegal manner, such as blocking driveways.
Inspects construction sites for contractor and subcontractor licenses and permits; receives and takes action on consumer complaints about work performed by construction contractors; monitors reports of false burglar alarms, communicates with business and residents and computes fees for excessive burglar alarm incidents; performs field inspections and investigations of medium and high-risk stormwater pollution-generating activities or sites.
Checks stormwater hotline on a regular basis; responds in a timely manner to inquiries or complaints relative to construction activities, sewer spills, illegal discharges at industrial/commercial sites as well as resident complaints; maintains logs.
Maintains reference volumes of codes, ordinances and standards.
Operates calculators and computers.
Orders materials and supplies.
Communicates with various departments in the City.
Maintains a pleasant and positive bearing while communicating with the public.
May represent the City in routine court enforcement of citations.
Operates City vehicles.
Performs related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications
LICENSE REQUIRED
Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers License.
Possession of a current P.C. 832 Certificate.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. A typical qualifying entrance background is experience performing investigative, code enforcement or other work involving extensive public contact involving enforcement of established standards or requirements.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Municipal ordinances and state laws pertaining to assignment.
Record keeping techniques; basic English usage.
Basic map reading; basic elements of public relations.
Basic arithmetic.
General office equipment.
Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
ABILlTY TO:
Conduct inspections, ascertain facts and apply appropriate codes.
Enforce codes and regulations with firmness and tact.
Keep logs, write simple inspection reports and prepare documentation of inspections.
Prepare clear reports.
Make arithmetical computations.
Work in the field without immediate supervision.
Read, understand and apply moderately difficult materials.
Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Other Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Strength: Light Work - Occasional lifting, carrying and/or pushing 40 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Willingness to use personal vehicle in the course of employment may be required. Willingness to comply with rules and regulations governing wearing attire. Incumbent is required to travel within and out of City to attend meetings. Incumbent is required to work outside in the elements.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
A City application form and supplemental questionnaire MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.vista.gov. All other employment inquiries can be directed to the City of Vista, Human Resources Office, 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista, CA 92084. Telephone: (760) 643-5381.
SELECTION PROCESS :
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicants skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Vista is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employer. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply!
Recruitment Closes: Sunday, July 26th, 2026
Initial Interviews: Week of August 10th
Department Interviews: Week of August 24th
VACATION
85 Hrs. - 1-5 years of continuous service
125 Hrs. - 6-10 years
160 Hrs. - 11-15 years
180 Hrs. - 16-20 years
200 Hrs. - 20+ years
SICK LEAVE
Full time employees receive 96 hours per year.
HOLIDAYS
Full time employees working the 9/80 flex schedule receive 99 hours of holiday leave per fiscal year to cover scheduled holidays as wells as one floating holiday
INSURANCE
Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance programs. A portion of the employees and dependents premiums are paid by the City.
WELLNESS PROGRAMMING
The City offers comprehensive wellness programming to its employees including onsite wellness facilities and onsite wellness sessions.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
The Citys Tuition Reimbursement Plan can assist employees in paying the cost of books and tuition for pre-approved classes which relate to their job.
RETIREMENT
Depending on eligibility, based on CalPERS criteria, new employees will be provided the 3% @ 60 Plan or newly established 2% @ 62 Plan. Employees currently contribute the entire employee contribution amount of 8%.
The City does not participate in Social Security, but employees must be enrolled in the Medicare portion.
01
ATTENTION APPLICANTS: Copying and pasting duplicate answers and stating "See resume" and/or "see previous answer" are not acceptable to the questions below. By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate and understand that the statements made in this supplemental questionnaire will be considered part of and subject to the terms of my employment application for this position. Please acknowledge your understanding by selecting "Yes".
02
Do you possess a current PC 832 certificate? Please attach a copy.
03
If you possess a current PC 832, explain the duties you performed. If not, please type "NONE" in the space provided below.
04
Describe your experience enforcing established standards and requirements.
05
Please describe the types of logs you have kept, and/or reports you have written and for what purpose they were used.
06
Describe your experience, if any, related to parking enforcement and abandoned vehicle abatement.
Required Question
Employer City of Vista
Address 200 Civic Center Drive
Vista, California, 92084
Phone 760-639-6145
Website https://www.vista.gov/