The City of Modesto is hiring a Solid Waste Code Enforcement Officer to help keep our community clean, safe, and sustainable! In this role, you’ll enforce municipal codes, conduct inspections, and educate the public on solid waste and recycling practices.

Qualifications:

At least one year of experience in code enforcement, inspection, or public education.
High school diploma or GED plus relevant college coursework in public administration, criminal justice, or environmental science.
Background in environmental management or enforcement preferred.

If you’re passionate about community service, code enforcement, and environmental stewardship, we want to hear from you! Apply today and help keep Modesto beautiful!

Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:

3% COLA effective 7/1/2026

2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree

5% Education Incentive - Master's Degree

The Solid Waste Code Enforcement Officer is responsible to plan, organize, and implement the City's Solid Waste Enforcement Programs; develop and submit grant applications, and administer grant-funded collection and abatement programs; implement public education programs; and to investigate and enforce applicable ordinances, regulations, and codes related to solid waste and hazardous materials.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the words "SEE RESUME."

Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.

Tentative Testing Schedule

In-person Written Exam

December 18, 2025

The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

Receive, investigate, and respond to complaints of violations of state and local laws, ordinances, or codes related to solid waste and recycling regulations; maintain accurate records regarding enforcement actions to substantiate violations.

Prepare cost estimates, requisition supplies and materials, and purchase program related equipment.

Conduct business workshops; promote the safe handling and disposal of Solid Waste.

Issue citations for violations of state and local solid waste and environmental protection codes.

Prepare and present cases during administrative hearings or criminal proceedings, as required.

Prepare a variety of written reports, memos, and correspondence related to enforcement activities.

Assist in developing and monitoring of the Solid Waste division budget.

Patrol in a City vehicle to investigate and mitigate alleged complaints of violations.

Provide lead direction and training to administrative support staff and other hourly field staff, as necessary.

Analyze, evaluate, and interpret state and local codes regarding Solid Waste; explain and educate members of the public on enforcement procedures related to solid waste.

Represent the City in public meetings, at City Council meetings, and in neighborhood forums.

Write and submit applications for grant funding to various federal and state agencies, as available; administer grant budgets.

Prepare grant related reports for the California Department of Resource and Recycling (CAL RECYCLE) or other granting agency as required by the agreement; act as the City’s liaison with the granting agency.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

When assigned to the Used Oil Recycling Program:

Essential Functions:

Maintain existing and recruit new certified oil collection centers.

Manage the used oil collection center located at the City-County Airport.

Manage the residential curbside oil collection program performed with the City’s residential collection companies.

Develop and implement comprehensive, multi-media advertising programs for the promotion of used oil recycling.

Develop and implement comprehensive public education programs on used oil recycling and the purchase of re-refined oil; make presentations to community groups and schools and provide information at community events; conduct business workshops.

Coordinate pollution prevention programs with the Environmental Compliance Division.

Test and identify household chemical waste and arrange for the transportation to the appropriate disposal site.

When assigned to the Waste Tire Program:

Monitor and inspect tire dealerships and tire haulers tire transportation/disposal for compliance with state regulations.

Maintain evidence (Chain of Custody) for cases involving violations of state codes.

Act as the Agent of CAL RECYCLE in enforcing the states regulations.

Provide training in tire enforcement procedures for other Tire Enforcement Program staff as assigned by CAL RECYCLE.

Develop and implement tire handling, transportation, and recycling information programs for businesses.

Coordinate the tire enforcement program with Stanislaus County to address issues in unincorporated areas.

Marginal Functions:

May assist in the researching and rewriting of ordinances, as necessary.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Procedures and methods to perform the full range of assigned duties safely and efficiently.

Written and oral communication techniques and methodologies.

Principles, practices, methods and techniques of evidence collection and preservation and writing incident reports.

General principles and practices of program planning and implementation.

Principles and practices of budget preparation; expense monitoring and tracking; procurement of materials and supplies.

Safe and efficient work practices related to solid waste and recycling code enforcement activities.

Procedures and techniques for working with the public in a tactful but firm manner.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

Become knowledgeable about environmental issues and concerns related to solid, hazardous, and recoverable waste collection and disposal.

Maintain a budget.

Interpret architectural drawings or blueprints.

Coordinate and integrate solid waste and environmental code enforcement programs with other agencies.

Analyze data and make appropriate recommendations.

Identify and implement resolutions to operational and administrative problems.

Seek out applicable grant programs on behalf of the City.

Perform research related to enforcement activities.

Use sound judgment in decision making.

Prepare written and oral reports; speak to community groups, news media, and the general public.

Maintain detailed reports and research code enforcement activities.

Enforce various codes, ordinances, laws and regulations.

Work effectively and efficiently under stressful situations and with minimum supervision.

Execute conflict resolution skills.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Experience and Training Guidelines

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

Experience:

One year of experience involving the application of municipal codes in an enforcement, inspection, and/or public education capacity. Experience related to environmental management, environmental planning, or environmental enforcement field, with public contact is desirable.

Training:

High School diploma or GED equivalency, supplemented by college level coursework in public administration, business administration, criminal justice, environmental science, biological science, physical science, or a related field. Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from and accredited college with major course work in any of the above or other related field is desirable.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

Possession of a POST approved Penal Code 832 Certificate is required by the end of probationary period.

When assigned to the Used Oil Recycling Program, possession of Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations certification is required within one year of appointment.

Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting.Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds.Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and coworker contact; occasional working alone.Environmental: frequent exposure to noise, weather conditions, irate people and vicious dogs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in both, an office and field environment subject to typical office noise, environment and regular travel from site-to-site. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work.

City of Modesto

New Jobs

Solid Waste Code Enforcement Officer