What are the responsibilities and job description for the Code Enforcement Inspector I position at County of Sonoma (CA)?
Do you have a passion for code compliance, investigative work, and the patience and empathy for the greater good?
Do you thrive working in a fast-paced environment and have the ability to shift gears quickly?
Multiple positions currently available!
Starting salary up to $46.21/hour ($96,445/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*
This recruitment is currently being conducted to fill:
- One full-time permanent position at either the Code Enforcement Inspector I or II level
- One Time Limited full-time position at either the Code Enforcement Inspector I or II level that is currently funded through April 30th, 2028
Please note: If you are also interested in applying for the Code Enforcement Inspector II position, you will need to apply to the separate, concurrent recruitment being conducted at that level.
Code Enforcement Inspectors
As a Code Enforcement Inspector I with County of Sonoma, you will be responsible for preparing detailed and complex reports, providing correspondence involving code violations, and preparing and maintaining case files regarding enforcement functions. Code Enforcement Inspectors calculate and impose civil penalties and; review permits and submitted plans, to resolve violations. This position works independently resolving complaints, with a partner when working on investigations, and with a team for warrant services.
Code Enforcement Inspector I's interpret and explain county codes, ordinances, and abatement regulations, issue notices of violations, prepare written reports and, stipulated administrative abatement orders, and record abatement liens. In addition, you will:
- Research and analyze county records, property history, files, and maps
- Present complex enforcement cases at administrative hearings, and attend abatement and other public hearings
- Interpret and explain county codes, ordinances, and abatement regulations
- Conduct field investigations
- Research file data and identify code violations
- Resolve complaints and offer solutions to property owners with violations
- Facilitate permit process coordination
- Investigate complaints related to cannabis compliance, construction projects without permits, substandard housing, dangerous buildings, grading and drainage violations, zoning and land use violations, installation and repair of sewage disposal systems, failing sewage disposal systems, and water well installations
Working Conditions
This position requires a valid class C driver's license, wearing logo polos, vests, jackets, hats, and at times, ballistic armor vests which are provided by the department. Working in various weather conditions, hours may vary, and include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidates will have the natural ability to stay composed in frustrating and challenging situations, that require strong inter-personal skills, and a solution driven mindset. They will also possess many of the following:
- A background in general construction, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or law enforcement
- The ability to identify hazardous conditions and potentially hostile encounters
- Experience with cannabis cultivation, production, or distribution
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and writing skills to ensure violations are resolved within county code compliance
- The ability to work well with a diverse customer base across cultural differences and socio-economic backgrounds
- Knowledge of warrants and investigative report writing
- Experience with court procedure, direct examination and cross examination is beneficial, but not required
- Basic (English/Spanish) bilingual skills are desirable, but not required
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
- Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
- Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
- Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Code Enforcement Officer II (Starting salary up to $57.28/hour)
- Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
- County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee family health plan options
- Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities
- Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
- Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
- Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
- Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.
This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.In accordance with California Health and Safety Code, Section 18949.25-18949.31, possession of Code Enforcement Certification from an approved and accredited organization is required within two years of appointment.
- Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
- You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
- You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
- Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: CA
HR Technician: RR
Salary : $79,331 - $96,446
