Business License Inspector

Business License Inspector

Salary

$72,910.80 - $85,501.20 Annually

Location

Compton, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

25-26:66

Department

Public Safety

Opening Date

07/14/2026

Closing Date

8/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under direction of License Collector, to issue licenses and collect fees for business and individuals operating business activities within the City; to investigate and report violations of license ordinances.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Inspect businesses to verify proper licenses and permits.
• Enforce City business license and tax regulations.
• Document photos of any project being worked on.
• Investigate complaints, unlicensed businesses, and code violations.
• Issue notices, citations, and collect delinquent license fees or taxes.
• Assist business owners with applications, renewals, and compliance questions.
• Maintain records, prepare reports, and update databases.
• Perform follow ups with delinquent accounts.
• Coordinate with other departments and provide customer service.
• Conduct field inspections, audits, and follow-up visits.
• Represent the City in hearings or court when needed.
• Build positive relationships with the business community.
• Patrols city while doing inspections in city Vehicle.
• Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience:

High School diploma and four years of training dealing with customer service in related field: or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Valid Californian Driver's License- Clean driving record
• PC832-Certification must be obtained within 6 months of appointment

Required Knowledge of / Ability to:

• Laws, ordinances, rules and regulations affecting business license enforcement.
• Functions, operations and objectives of municipal government.
• Basic principles of organization and analysis.
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping and reporting.
• Principles and practices involved in developing and implementing community-based programs.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Report writing methods and techniques.
• Computers and software applications.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively.
• Prepare written reports and analysis.

Language:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rule, operating maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups or employee organizations.

Math Skills:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Ability to calculate percentage and decimal points.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense and understating to carry out instruction furnished in written, oral or, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problem solving involving several concrete variables in standardize situations.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands 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 regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works in inside environmental conditions and occasionally works with a video display terminal for prolonged periods. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts.

All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered.

Please note: Only the first 50 applications received that best meet the qualifications and needs of the hiring department will be invited to continue in the hiring process.

EXAMINATION

The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.

Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and interview process.

Phase one (1) is a written examination (weighted 50%) which will measure all or portions of the above knowledge, and skills. Phase two (2) is an oral examination (weighted 50%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. The oral examination may include graded simulation exercises, writing exercises, and oral presentations. A passing score for each phase is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via mail or e-mail.

The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.

GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS

The City of Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of services.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.

ELIGIBLE LISTS

Recruitment may be conducted on an (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).

PLEASE NOTE:

All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.

Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill any one (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department managers recommendation for employment is subject to the City Managers approval.

EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDURE

A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).

EXAMINATION RECORDS

All examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

In all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.

FRINGE BENEFITS

The Citys comprehensive fringe benefits program includes: retirement (Public Employees Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.

Why Work for the City of Compton?

We are proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and career growth, including:

• CalPERS Retirement- Secure pension through the California Public Employees' Retirement System
• Lifetime Medical Coverage for Retirees- Fully funded by the City after 5 years of service with CalPers
• CalPERS Health Benefits Program- Choice of 10 health plans, with City-paid premiums for employees and eligible dependents (up to the annual Kaiser family rate)
• Employer-Paid Vision and Dental Insurance- For both employees and eligible dependents
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance- Offered through UNUM
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)- For healthcare and dependent care expenses through American Fidelity
• Employee-Sponsored Supplemental Benefits- Optional coverage such as life, disability, and accident insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off- Vacation, sick leave, and 16* paid holidays per year
• 4/10 Flexible Work Schedule- Most Administrative roles based at City Hall enjoy a 4-day workweek, with Fridays off*
• Educational Reimbursement- Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for tuition and books
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Confidential services for personal and professional support
• Professional Development Opportunities- Ongoing training and career growth resources
• Total number of holidays are subject to change based on the fiscal year.
• City Hall is closed on Fridays. Please contact HR to confirm if the position youre interested in follows a 4/10 schedule.

01

What is the highest level of education you possess? Please note that if you possess an Associates degree or higher in a related field, proof must be attached to your application for validation.

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associates Degree in a related field
• Bachelors Degree in a related field
• Masters Degree in a related field
• None of the above

02

How many years of experience do you possess in dealing with customer service in a related field?

• Less than one (1) year
• One (1) year
• Two (2) to three (3) years
• Four (4) years or more

03

Do you possess a valid California Drivers License with a clean driving record? Please attach proof of your license to your application for validation.

• Yes
• No

04

Elaborate on your previous and/or current work experience in which you dealt with customer service in a related field. Please be sure to include in your response the position title, agency name, and dates in which you acquired this experience. A complete and detailed answer is required as part of your application.

05

Do you understand that you must obtain the PC832-Certification within 6 months of appointment? Please note this is required as part of the job specification of this position.

• Yes
• No

06

Are you a current, permanent employee at the City of Compton (this excludes individuals who are currently on probation)?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have any relatives employed by the City of Compton? If you have any relatives that work for the City of Compton, please indicate their name. If you do not, please type in N/A.

08

This brings you to the end of your application. Before submitting your application, please make sure you have done the following: 1. Read the entire job description and understand the position you are applying for. 2. Read the Minimum Qualifications and clearly state your relevant experience and education on your application; including any licenses and/or certificates if applicable. (Note: resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of a completed application.) 3. Attach any proof of education, licenses and/or certificates if applicable. 4. Completed all sections of the application and answered all questions thoroughly.

• I certify that I have read this notice and understand the instructions provided.

Required Question

Employer City of Compton

Address 205 South Willowbrook Ave

Compton, California, 90220

Phone 310-605-5535

Website https://www.comptoncity.org