Code Compliance Officer I/II/III (Open & Promotional)

The Planning and Building Department is seeking qualified candidates for Code Compliance Officer I/II/III.

Under general supervision, the Code Compliance Officer will perform duties to assure compliance with various land use related codes and ordinances; identify, investigate and cite building code violations; investigate and enforce applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances related to various land use matters, such as zoning violations, weed abatement, public nuisances, property maintenance, and abandoned vehicle abatement; process citizen complaints, perform skilled investigative research, conduct site inspections, issue notices of violation and citations; maintain records of inspections, write letters and reports, draft inspection warrants, may appear in court, and coordinate with County staff regarding possible health, building code, or fire violations. Position requires extensive public contact, particularly when investigating complaints and recommending corrective actions.

Appointments to these positions may be made at the level corresponding to the experience and qualifications of the successful candidates.

IDEAL CANDIDATE
In addition to the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below, the ideal candidate will have:

• At least two to three years of experience interpreting, analyzing and applying local zoning codes and coastal codes
• Effective interpersonal skills, with experience explaining policies and procedures to members of the public and dealing with uncooperative or angry customers
• Experience documenting activities using a permit tracking system
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

SALARY
Code Compliance Officer I: $5,695.73 - $7,117.07 Monthly
Code Compliance Officer II: $6,555.47 - $8,196.93 Monthly
Code Compliance Officer III: $6,922.93 - $8,659.73 Monthly

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, limited term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Investigate alleged code violations in response to public complaints.
• Identify and investigate violations observed while in the field.
• Process cases in accordance with procedures and standards of the Planning and Building Division and in accordance with state and local laws.
• Issue notices of violation and citations.
• Initiate coordination with other County departments and governmental agencies in processing cases.
• Maintain complete and accurate records.
• Prepare various summary reports.
• Interview property owners, neighbors and others to obtain necessary information.
• Negotiate action plans with property owners to abate nuisances.
• Refer to appropriate County officials suspected violations of health, building, fire, or zoning codes and ordinances.
• Present cases to hearing officer in charge of appeals.
• Initiate summary abatement process for cases where voluntary compliance is not obtained.
• Coordinate the summary abatement process including selecting contractors and monitoring their performance.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a class C California driver license or equivalent.
• Possession of POST 832 P.C. Arrest Course certificate either at the time of employment or no later than six months after the date of employment.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of code enforcement and officer safety, such as those obtained through seminars, workshops, or certification courses from CACEO, SCACEO, or equivalent organization or association.
• Local and state laws, ordinances and codes regulating public nuisances, zoning, health and fire safety.
• Safety and fire prevention methods.
• The organization of local government and concepts of public administration.
• Research and statistical methods and sources of data.
• Mathematical principals, tools and practices.
• Techniques, symbols, and language used in planning, drafting, and mapping.
• Modern office equipment, including computer and applicable software.

Skill/Ability to:

• Learn laws, codes and regulations and interpret their application.
• Negotiate and obtain agreements.
• Work independently and as a member of a team.
• Coordinate an enforcement program or public service function.
• Recognize the key importance of interacting with suspected violators, including property owners, and their unique situation in problem resolution and information giving situations.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Work well individually and as a member of a professional and technical team.
• Produce comprehensive, clear and concise reports, memos, letters, and staff reports which are accurately researched, focused on essential information, reflect an appropriate level of analysis, and demonstrate objectivity.
• Explain policy and procedures to the public and staff.
• Type and perform general data entry functions.

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
Code Compliance Officer I: College level coursework in planning, law, public administration, law enforcement, or related field and two years of experience in a position involving public contact which provides the knowledge and skills identified.
Code Compliance Officer II: College level coursework in planning, law, public administration, law enforcement, or related field and two years of code compliance and enforcement experience involving public contact which has included responsibility for interpreting Planning and Land Use regulatory information and making presentations.
Code Compliance Officer III: College level coursework in planning, law, public administration, law enforcement, or related field and three years of code compliance and enforcement experience involving public contact which has included responsibility for interpreting Planning and Land Use regulatory information and making presentations.

Application/Examination

Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, SEIU or AFSCME represented extra-help/term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

The examination will consist of an interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or a screening committee may select those applicants whose education and/or experience appear to best meet the needs of the position based solely on the information provided in the application materials. Because of this screening process, all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in County of San Mateo, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT:Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: February 9, 2021
Screening: February 11, 2021
Panel Interviews: February 24 and/or 25, 2021

The County of San Mateo is a diverse, inclusive workplace, where employees are valued and respected for their different perspectives, experiences, backgrounds and contributions.We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Analyst: Christina Chan (012621) (Code Compliance Officer I/II/III - R004/R005/R007)