Job Description

Under direction, supervises, coordinates, directs, evaluates and participates in the City's code enforcement activities, including investigating conditions, initiating procedures and providing educational programs to abate violations involving zoning ordinances, building codes, housing codes, public nuisances, property maintenance, abandoned vehicles, animals, license regulations and other issues relating to the health, safety and welfare of the community for public and private residential, commercial and industrial property; assists with the research, development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure timely and accurate completion of work assignments in compliance with local and state regulations and codes; serves as a technical resource for assigned staff; performs other related duties as required.Class CharacteristicsThis class oversees day-to-day code enforcement activities, including complex inspections, citing violators and initiating court proceedings for compliance as it relates to abandoned vehicles, property maintenance, weed abatement, business and occupancy inspections, and signage. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Building Official in that the latter administers the City's building and safety and code enforcement functions. This is a non-exempt position assigned to the Professional Mid-Management Association.Supervision ReceivedReceives direction from the Building Official, Community Development Director and/or other assigned staff.Supervision ExercisedResponsibilitiesExercises direct and indirect supervision over assigned technical and support staff.Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties that are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:Supervises, plans, and schedules the work of staff responsible for providing code enforcement services.Plans, directs, and participates in the investigation of potential violations and the enforcement of municipal codes, ordinances, standards, and health and safety regulations involving illegal uses of private property or public right-of-way; 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.Maintains own caseload apart from cases handled by other Code Enforcement Officers.Assures that assigned areas of responsibility are consistent with local, State, and Federal regulations; stays current on related policies, regulations and trends.Participates in the development of policies and procedures; develops and recommends programs and projects to higher-level personnel.Participates in the selection and training of Code Enforcement personnel; assumes responsibility for motivating and evaluating assigned personnel; provides necessary training; initiates discipline procedures as is appropriate.Directs, 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.Researches and evaluates new legislation relative to the assigned area of responsibility.Answers questions and provides information to staff and the public; investigates complaints and recommends corrective action as necessary to resolve code violations and complaints.Participates in preparing and administrating the department’s budget; monitors and controls expenses; prepares budget objectives and performance measures for the code enforcement program.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.Responds to public inquiries and complaints in a courteous manner; provides information to violators, the general public, business community, and other government agencies regarding codes, laws, and ordinances; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner; refers complaints to other City departments for action as necessary.Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, documents, records and materials pertaining to City employees, officials, agents and others.Represents the City at professional meetings and conferences.Performs the full range of Code Enforcement Officer duties.Perform related duties as assigned.Training and ExperienceGraduation from high school or equivalent, and two (2) years of college-level course work in public administration, law enforcement or related field is required, AND five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in community preservation, housing inspections, or code enforcement is required, including lead or supervisory responsibility in the most recent two years is highly desirable.License RequirementPossession of a valid California Class C Driver's License, proof of insurance, and a satisfactory driving record is required at appointment and throughout employment in this position. Possession of a Penal Code (P.C.) 832 certification is required. Possession of certification as a Certified Code Enforcement Officer (CCEO) issued by the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) is required. Completion of supervisory training through CACEO or a similar organization is highly desirable.Knowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesKnowledge of: Operations, services and activities of a municipal code enforcement program; Principles, practices, methods and techniques of code enforcement; Principles and practices of supervision, training, discipline, and performance evaluations; Pertinent local, state and federal laws, codes, ordinances and rules; including but not limited to International Property Maintenance Code, California Building, California Residential Code, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Codes; Courtroom, citation, warrant, and abatement procedures; English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation; Basic budgeting methods and practices; Common word processing, spreadsheet and database management software applications; Safe driving principles and practices.Skill and Ability to: Prepare comprehensive case documentation required for code enforcement purposes; Prepare correspondence related to code violations; Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing; Use sound independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines; Interpret and explain pertinent code enforcement and related department policies and procedures; Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations; Make oral presentations; Work the hours required to perform the duties of the job which may include working evening hours and weekends; Perform the physical aspects of field inspections; Manage sensitive and confidential issues; determine and implement appropriate courses of action in stressful situations; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful and firm manner; Ability to fluently speak, read, and write Spanish is highly desirable.California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice SystemAn incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of South Gate. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.Physical Demands and Work EnvironmentThe physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit and talk or hear and may stand and drive for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, push and pull drawers open and closed. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderately loud when outdoors. Incumbents are occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, traffic, dust, gas, fumes and chemicals.Working ConditionsThis role requires a flexible schedule for evenings, weekends, and rotational shifts, depending on the City's Code Enforcement needs. Please note that these shifts are a regular part of the job and are necessary to meet the community demands.Recruitment ProcessApplication Packets Must Include: A fully completed online employment application which:Covers at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience). Responses to the supplemental questionnaire. Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the application or selection process must advise Human Resources and make such a request during the application process. Every effort will be made to provide a reasonable accommodation where requested. Selection Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.Application Review: The first phase will be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidate's application. This phase is for qualifying purposes only. There is no weight assigned to this phase. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to the next phase.Written Examination: If a written exam is given, a minimum of 70% must be obtained on the written exam in order to be eligible to continue to the next phase of the selection process which will consist of an oral appraisal interview. Oral Appraisal Interview: A minimum of 70% must be obtained to pass the oral appraisal interview. Employment Eligibility List: The Employment Eligibility List will be established after completion of the examination process. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 12 months, but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's Civil Service rules and regulations. Pre-employment ProcessThe City supports a Drug-Free Workplace. All potential employees are required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening). New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.Hiring of Relatives: Relatives of existing employees by blood or marriage will not be eligible for employment with the City if potential supervision, safety, security, or morale problems exist; or if potential conflicts of interest exist. Relatives include an employee's parents, children, spouse, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and step relationships.The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.Equal Opportunity EmployerThe City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability (mental or physical), medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy), sexual orientation (including homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality), or military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.The City of South GateThe City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 79th largest city in California with a population of approximately 97,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

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