Are you an experienced code enforcement officer with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills who is knowledgeable in building and housing laws and regulations, and experienced in field investigation duties? Do you have a passion for public service and a desire to contribute to a dynamic team in a fast-paced work environment and play a vital role in keeping our community safe?
If so, the City of Cupertino has an excellent opportunity for a Code Enforcement Officer to join the Community Development Department. We are looking for a team member who can work independently and is solution driven, thrives in a fast-paced environment, provide exceptional customer service, and can easily pivot on priorities. You will join a collaborative and innovative team that values a great organizational culture, a high functioning environment, flexibility, teamwork, and that prides itself in transparent and accountable public service.
This position performs investigations related to the City’s code compliance program, including violations of the State and local rules and regulations; investigates complaints of public nuisances and quality of life issues and seeks voluntary compliance or issues citations and initiates abatement procedures and performs related work as required.
Class Characteristics
Code Enforcement Officer — This is the full journey-level class responsible for performing the full range of duties related to inspection and compliance activities required to ensure compliance with the City’s codes. Responsibilities include the authority to cite violators and initiate abatement proceedings for compliance. Successful performance of the work requires the frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment, knowledge of departmental and City practices, and extensive staff, public, and organizational contact. Positions at this level receive occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Supervision Received and Exercised
Code Enforcement Officer — Receives technical and functional supervision from assigned supervisory and managerial staff and may receive general supervision from the Building Official and the Director of Community Development. This position exercises no supervision of staff.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Receives, records, responds to, and investigates complaints from the public and staff regarding violations of municipal, building, and zoning codes and ordinances such as noise, graffiti abatement, property maintenance, animal nuisance, parking enforcement, sign enforcement, and traffic control; documents violations; researches ownership records, prior complaints, municipal codes and ordinances, and state regulations to establish whether a violation has occurred.
Performs field inspections and investigations of residential, industrial, and/or commercial properties to determine compliance with applicable codes, laws, specifications, and conditions of approval. Notes possible violations at other property sites during the course of field investigations. Perform inspections during special events and/or special target enforcement areas.
Enforces City field and park use policies by interacting with user groups.
Completes and maintains files, databases, records, reports, activities, documents, correspondence, and surveys related to violations using appropriate document management/tracking system.
Investigates properties, and permit and business license violations such as land use, uses or entitlements, and tree removal. Issues permits as appropriate.
Initiates contact with residents, property owners, business representatives, and other parties to provide education about code requirements, and explain nature of incurred violations and encourage compliance with City codes, ordinances, and community standards.
Confers with City Attorney’s Office, Planning, Building, and other divisions regarding the interpretation of regulations, codes, laws or ordinances, and procedures on compliance cases to assure code conformity.
Issues written warning notices, notices to appear and administrative citations.
Prepares and issues notices of violation or noncompliance, notices and orders, final notices, and misdemeanor and parking citations and other correspondence according to applicable codes and regulations. Issues letters to property owners notifying them of violation. As appropriate, affixes a notice of violation on property to abate safety hazards and nuisances.
Meets, coordinates, and confers with Planning, Building, Public Works, Legal Counsel, and other staff members, as well as other jurisdictions, regarding the interpretation of regulations, codes, laws or ordinances, and procedures on compliance cases to assure code conformity.
Coordinates and conducts follow-up abatement procedures including the preparation of additional correspondence, site visits, and communication. Conducts follow-up investigations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances. Prepares non-compliance cases for legal action. Presents testimony at hearings.
Provides information to responsible parties, the general public, and business, community, and other government agencies regarding codes, laws, and ordinances. Responds to questions, complaints, and inquiries.
Performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities. Provides members of the public with information regarding any available community resources.
Operates and maintains a variety of tools, equipment, and vehicles in the enforcement of State and City codes.
Supports and assists other City staff in investigating code violations and complaints such as environmental program, water waste, tree/foliage, fire damage, nonconforming home occupations, and other public works, planning, and building code violations and complaints.
Support and assist other City staff with minor permit applications as they relate to code enforcement cases, including research, writing staff reports, and preparing case files for use permits, miscellaneous zoning permits, sign permits, tree removal permits, encroachment permits, business licenses, and similar matters of minor complexity.
When assigned to positions in the Sheriff’s Office, utilizes radio or other electronic device to contact Sheriff’s Office Dispatch center to request information regarding vehicle license plates for illegally parked vehicles. May also be required to assist the Sheriff’s Office with various non-enforcement type of duties to include, but not limited to, traffic control, animal complaints, massage parlor inspections, lost and found property, and other duties as requested.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, standards, and procedures relevant to code enforcement.
Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation research, investigation, and compliance.
Methods and procedures used in code compliance including citation issuance procedures.
Safe and efficient work practices related to field inspection and enforcement duties.
Practices for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and carrying through on compliance procedures.
Basic requirements of zoning and building related codes, ordinances, and regulations.
Legal descriptions and boundary maps of real property and legal terminology as used in code compliance.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of code compliance. General officer safety practices.
Research and report writing methods, techniques, and procedures. Proper case management and documentation practices.
Principles and procedures of record-keeping and preparation of correspondence and presentations.
Safe work practices, including safe driving rules and practices.
Microsoft Office: Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software applications.
Permitting/Inspection/Code Enforcement software and other job-related computer programs.
Modern office practices, methods, and radio and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Ability to:
Read, interpret, explain, and enforce codes, ordinances, policies and regulations, identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, City staff, and other stakeholders.
Investigate and document violations, determine and implement an appropriate course of action including, but not limited to issuing warnings and/or citations.
Apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local codes, ordinances, policies and regulations.
Be thorough during complaint intake. Inspect, investigate and enforce codes and ordinances.
Deescalate tense situations, gather appropriate details or information, and know when to seek help from teammates.
Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
Effectively represent the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
Prepare and present clear, concise and comprehensive verbal and written reports, correspondences, and other written materials.
Maintain accurate logs, records, and written and/or electronic records of work performed.
Safely and effectively use and operate tools, equipment, and vehicles required for the work. Be cost conscious and responsible with assigned equipment.
Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Operate modern office equipment including computer and radio equipment and Permitting/Inspection/Code Enforcement software applications programs.
Twist and reach office equipment.
Intermittently stand, walk, bend, kneel and squat while conducting inspections, use telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means.
Use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means, and lift or carry weight of 30 pounds or less.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of quality customer service.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
Education and Experience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Code Enforcement Officer - Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by some college-level coursework or technical training in code compliance and two (2) years of increasingly responsible municipal code compliance experience.
Licenses and Certifications
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment. When assigned to positions working directly with the Sheriff’s Office, Livescan and Department of Justice (DOJ) training will be required and provided.
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; and to inspect various City sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points. Must operate a motor vehicle. Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and make inspections. Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. This is partially an office and partially a field operations classification. Standing for prolonged periods of time and frequent walking between work areas is required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 30 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.
Environmental Elements
Employees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and partially in the field and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Working Conditions
May be required to work various shifts on emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Application and Selection Process
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your City of Cupertino employment application to Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m., February 13, 2025. Applications must be filled out completely. Failure to complete the supplemental application will disqualify the applicant from the recruitment process. Failure to list work experience or stating “See Resume” in the work experience section of the application will be considered an incomplete application and subject to rejection. Resumes may be attached separately. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City’s employment page at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cupertino , or application materials may be submitted to: Human Resources, 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014. Late applications will not be accepted.
Applications will be screened according to the qualifications outlined in this job announcement. Applicants possessing the most desirable qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which may include a written examination and/or panel interview. An eligible list will be established as a result of this process and will remain in effect for 3 months from the date established and may be extended up to one year.
Additional Information
The City of Cupertino is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religion, color, sex (including gender and pregnancy), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, age, medical condition, genetic characteristics, and physical or mental disability. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Cupertino Human Resources upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.
The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
