Senior Code Enforcement Officer

Senior Code Enforcement Officer

Salary

$6,907.46 - $8,396.07 Monthly

Location

Vista City Hall - 200 Civic Center Drive Vista 92084, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-68-O

Department

City Manager

Opening Date

11/10/2026

Closing Date

12/2/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

VCEA

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

CLASS SUMMARY

This position leads, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for performing a variety of technical duties in support of the Citys code enforcement programs. In addition, incumbents coordinate and provide training and lead supervision to code enforcement personnel; and perform related work as required. This position reports to the Code Enforcement Manager.

This position may be assigned shifts that include weekends after the initial training period on a Monday-Friday 9/80 schedule.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (including but not limited to, for illustrative purposes only)

Plans, directs, and participates in the investigation of potential violations and the enforcement of municipal codes, ordinances, standards, and health and safety regulations; documents violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; researches ownership records, prior complaints, municipal codes and ordinances, and state regulations to establish violations; trains staff in proper inspection practices and methods and evaluate field practices; assesses needs for additional educational development; arranges and provides training and education programs for public as necessary; verifies work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications; ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures; oversees and 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; conducts on-site inspections and determines existence and type of code violations; investigates and attempts to correct alleged violations of municipal codes and zoning ordinances; prepares cases for nuisance abatement hearings and court proceedings; testifies in court actions as necessary; establishes positive working relationships with the public and co-workers, representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, City management, and staff; investigates complaints made by the public; works with appropriate City departments to resolve issues; explains priorities, programs, and policies to the public when required; responds to emergency calls from the public and other agencies and takes appropriate action; participates in planning and developing new forms, procedures, policies, and programs pertaining to field services and inspection practices; assists in preparing code amendments and city council reports; demonstrates a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; evaluates assigned work areas; prepares and maintains records; represents the city at professional meetings and conferences; as directed by the Code Enforcement Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates an ability to perform the duties and responsibilities.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

A typical qualifying background is progressively responsible professional journey-level experience performing investigative, code enforcement or other work involving extensive public contact involving enforcement of established standards or requirements.

LICENSE REQUIRED

• Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers License with a satisfactory driving record
• Possession of a P.C. 832 Certificate.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and municipal codes, and ordinances related to residential and commercial properties and buildings; methods and techniques associated with code violation investigation and enforcement, citation issuance procedures; and the acquisition of inspection warrants; departmental rules and regulations including administrative and departmental policies; principles and practices of lead supervision and training; safe work methods and safety practices pertaining to the work; methods and techniques used for record keeping; mathematical calculations; proper English, spelling and grammar usage.

SKILL IN:

Operating office equipment including computers and related software and a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.

ABILITY TO:

Supervise, lead, organize, plan, and review the work of staff; inspect residential housing units and commercial buildings and surrounding properties for safety and habitability; interpret and apply pertinent provisions of codes, ordinances and accepted standards; prepare clear and concise letters and technical reports of inspection activities; prepare and maintain documentation for criminal prosecution and administrative abatement; recognize code violations; work independently and as part of a team; analyze complex issues, and develop and implement appropriate responses; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; work cooperatively with other departments, agencies, citizens and those contacted in the course of work; interact with the public tactfully and in a respectful manner, both in person and over the telephone.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, & ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

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

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively verbally and in a written manner; observe and interpret data and analyze and solve problems. The employee must be able to work indoor office environments/outdoor in the field environments (depending on position). Willingness to comply with rules and regulations governing work attire. The employee may have to move up to 50 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects frequently (depending on position). Vision abilities required by this job include the ability to detect, determine, perceive, identify, estimate, and assess work related objects and/or work products based on position specific designated tasks. The employee may be required to work overtime to complete assignments. Must be able to work a flexible schedule; required to work odd hours; and may be required to work weekend, early morning, evening hours, and holidays. Use of personal vehicle during employment may also be required. Travel required within and out of City to attend meetings.

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, (760) 726-1340.

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.

We welcome and celebrate diversity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace!

• SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Recruitment Closes - Tuesday, December 2nd, 2026

Virtual Oral Board - Week of December 14th

Department Interview - January 2027

• Please note, all dates and/or timeframes are subject to change.

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.

• Actual benefits will depend on date of hire and may differ from the information listed. Part-time employee benefits may be prorated.

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".

• Yes
• No

02

Which best describes your level of education?

• High School
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree

03

How many years of experience do you have performing investigative, code enforcement or other work involving extensive public contact involving enforcement of established standards or requirements?

• 1 year of related experience
• 2-3 years of related experience
• 3-5 years of related experience
• 5 or more years of related experience
• I have no related work experience in these areas but am willing to learn.

04

Do you possess a P.C. 832 certificate? If yes, please attach a copy before you submit your application.

• Yes
• No

05

Describe your training and/or experience assessing, investigating, and enforcing code violations.

06

Describe your experience, if any, performing supervisory or lead role duties.

Required Question

Employer City of Vista

Address 200 Civic Center Drive

Vista, California, 92084

Phone 760-639-6145

Website https://www.vista.gov/