Code Compliance Specialist

Code Compliance Specialist

Salary

$81,576.00 - $114,792.00 Annually

Location

City of Santa Cruz, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

27-015

Department

Community Development

Opening Date

09/24/2026

Closing Date

10/15/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

Effective the pay period that begins on September 26, 2026, the salary for all bargaining unit members shall be increased by an additional four percent (4.0%). This job posting has been updated to reflect this increase.

Join our team as a Code Compliance Specialist and make a meaningful difference in the safety, quality, and livability of our community. Working under general direction, you'll combine fieldwork, investigation, problem-solving, and public service to ensure properties meet building, zoning, fire, housing, health, and safety requirements. You'll interact with property owners, residents, City staff, and partner agencies, helping people understand regulations and find practical paths toward compliance. This is an opportunity to do work that is visible, varied, and directly connected to the well-being of the community.

We're looking for a professional, resourceful, and community-focused individual who enjoys working with people and tackling challenging issues. You'll conduct inspections and investigations, evaluate evidence, prepare reports and case documentation, interpret and apply municipal codes and regulations, provide guidance on permitting and compliance requirements, coordinate with other agencies, and take appropriate enforcement action when needed. If you're a strong communicator who enjoys learning, solving problems, and turning complex requirements into clear solutions, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to build your career while serving the community.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular, Full Time, Part Time, Limited Term, and Temporary Code Compliance Specialist vacancies during the life of the list. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Recruitment #27-015

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 10/15/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:

• Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.

• Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Week of 10/19 and 10/26/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 11/06/26.

• Week of 11/09 and/or 11/16/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exam.

Basic Function

Under general direction, effectively administers a code enforcement program whereby, in coordination with other staff and agencies, deficiencies in compliance of properties with applicable building, zoning, fire, housing and health and safety codes are identified, through investigations, field inspections and analysis, in order to induce corrective actions by property owners and to enforce code compliance in accordance with established laws, policies and procedures. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The focus of this position is the implementation of the aforementioned laws, codes and regulations. In addition to technical knowledge of codes, the incumbent must possess strong communication, administration, computer and recordkeeping skills.

Typical Duties

(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)

• Performs building and site inspections, applying acceptable inspection procedures.
• Compiles, analyzes and evaluates findings of investigation and inspection.
• Coordinates investigations and inspections with other regulatory or law enforcement agencies.
• Prepares clear, concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence, ordinances, guidelines and other required documents. Maintains accurate and legible field notes to document findings.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with property owners, tenants, the general public, officials and personnel from City departments and other agencies.
• Conducts code enforcement program/activities in accordance with established City procedures and guidelines.
• Reads, correctly interprets, and applies and uses building and housing codes, municipal codes, the zoning ordinance, relocation law and regulations, CDBG administrative requirements, and other laws, regulations and policies as required.
• Advises property owners of proper compliance procedures, such as how to obtain a building permit and how to determine what other planning permits may be necessary.
• Inputs, accesses and analyzes data using a computer.
• Gathers and evaluates facts and evidence and draws logical conclusions.
• Makes presentations to staff, community groups, advisory bodies and others.
• Issues citations for non-compliance.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires: some prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level or moderately inclined and uneven or slippery surfaces; reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crawling or crouching in confined spaces; grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment, and observing subtle and often fine details common to construction plans as well as general reading, writing and other communications. May lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works in all weather conditions, including wet, heat and cold. The position entails working in situations that may expose the employee to fumes or airborne particles, electrical shock or mechanical hazards and emergency situations. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to climb ladders and drive motorized vehicles. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a major in planning, urban studies, political science, police science, construction technology or a closely related field; and

• One (1) year of experience related to building codes, housing codes and/or zoning enforcement.

OR

• High school diploma or tested equivalent; and

• Certification as an International Code Council (ICC) building inspector or property maintenance and housing inspector with two (2) years of experience related to building codes, housing codes and/or zoning enforcement.

OR

• High school diploma or tested equivalent; and

• Three (3) years of experience related to building codes, housing codes and/or zoning enforcement.

Knowledge:

• Federal, state and municipal laws, regulations and procedures relating to building codes, housing codes, and zoning ordinances.

• Principles, methods and techniques used in investigations and enforcement work including appropriate legal requirements and constraints.

Abilities:

• Communicate effectively and make public presentations.

• Prepare clear, concise written reports and correspondence.

• Research and compile data and maintain accurate records of findings.

• Interpret and evaluate issues and make appropriate recommendations for action.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, staff and City advisory bodies.

• Effectively handle adversarial situations.

• Work independently and meet established deadlines.

• Perform periodic evening, late evening or early morning inspections.

The position responsible for Community Development Block Grant programs:

Knowledge:

• Laws and regulations relating to relocation and housing funding programs.

Abilities:

• Maintain records and compile periodic progress reports in compliance with the requirements of the program funding source, such as the Community Development Block Grant Program.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C drivers license.

• Possession and continued maintenance of PC832 certification within one year of appointment.

• Possession and continued maintenance of ICC certification as a Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector within one year of appointment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• The ability to communicate effectively in Spanish.

• Rules of evidence and court procedures.

• Certification as an ICC Building Inspector, ICC Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector, CACEO Code Enforcement Officer.

Career Ladder

• Code Compliance Manager
• Code Compliance Supervisor
• Code Compliance Specialist
• Planning and Community Development Technician

SALARY - This classification belongs to the Service bargaining unit. The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website. See the CITY OF SANTA CRUZ SERVICE EMPLOYEE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING on the City website for details on pay rates and practices.

UNION REPRESENTATION - This classification belongs to the Service Employees bargaining unit. All employees within this unit are represented by the Service Employees International Union.

APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted, to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period (unless specified as 12-month by Service Employees MOU) which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

LEAVE

Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.

Sick - 12 days/year

Holidays - up to 11 days/year

Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time

INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)

Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage (pro-rated for part-time).

Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.

Life - City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.

Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.

RETIREMENT

All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 9.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Accident Protection Insurance

Bilingual Pay if required by position

Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

Direct Deposit

Discount Bus Pass Program

Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care

Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)

In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month (if not participating in City offered Medical Plan)

Shift Differential

Supplemental Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

The information included in this listing is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Leaves and most Insurance contributions are pro-rated for part-time benefited employees.

01

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."

• I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

If you possess a Bachelors degree or above from an accredited college or university with a major in planning, urban studies, political science, police science, construction technology or a closely related field, please indicate your field of study and the name of the accredited college or university from which you graduated. If you do not possess this degree, please write "N/A."

04

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California drivers license. Please select your current license status:

• I have a valid California drivers license.
• I have a valid drivers license issued by another state. I understand that I will be required to obtain a California drivers license prior to appointment, as a condition of employment, if selected for this position.
• I do not currently possess a valid drivers license. I understand that I do not meet the requirement for this position and that this response will eliminate my application from consideration.

05

Please select the option that best describes how many years of experience related to building codes, housing codes, and/or zoning enforcement you have. The experience selected here must be reflected in the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.

• Less than one year.
• At least 1 year, but less than 2 years.
• At least 2 years, but less than 3 years.
• At least 3 years, but less than 4 years.
• At least 4 years, but less than 5 years.
• 5 or more years.

06

Please describe your work experience related to building codes, housing codes and/or zoning enforcement. Please be thorough with your response, indicating where you got this experience, duties performed, and the duration of each role. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

07

Please describe your knowledge of principles, methods and techniques used in investigations and enforcement work, including appropriate legal requirements and constraints, relating to building codes, housing codes, and zoning ordinances. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this knowledge, please answer "N/A."

08

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector ICC certification within one year of appointment.

• I currently possess this certification and have attached proof to my application.
• I do not currently possess this certification but understand and accept this requirement.
• I do not accept this requirement and understand that my application will be disqualified from this recruitment.

09

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a PC832 certification within one year of appointment.

• I currently possess this certification and have attached proof to my application.
• I do not currently possess this certification but understand and accept this requirement.
• I do not accept this requirement and understand that my application will be disqualified from this recruitment.

10

Desirable Qualification: Ability to speak Spanish. I possess this bilingual ability:

• Yes, I speak Spanish
• No, not applicable.

11

Desirable Qualification: Please detail your knowledge and/or experience with the rules of evidence and court procedures. Please be thorough with your response as answers to this question may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. If you do not possess this knowledge or experience, please write "N/A."

12

Desirable qualification: If you possess certification as an ICC Building Inspector or CACEO Code Enforcement Officer, please indicate the type of certificate you possess, along with the license number and expiration date. If you wish, you may attach a copy of your certificate to this application. If you do not possess either certificate, please write "N/A."

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Cruz

Address 809 Center St.

Room 6

Santa Cruz, California, 95060

Phone 831-420-5040

Website http://www.cityofsantacruz.com