Senior Code Compliance Officer

the city of poway is seeking an experienced and highly skilled senior code compliance officer to lead and perform complex field inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities related to municipal codes, zoning, building, environmental regulations, nuisance abatement, and public safety standards. This position coordinates multi-departmental compliance efforts, manages challenging cases, prepares and presents detailed reports, and conducts follow-up abatement procedures including legal case preparation and hearing testimony.

The ideal candidate demonstrates advanced knowledge of code investigation methods, land-use regulations, budget and program administration, legal documentation, and customer service best practices; excels in communication, problem-solving, training, and can independently interpret and apply laws, make sound decisions, and maintain accurate records while coordinating programs such as weed abatement, defensible space, responsible beverage service, encampment and vehicle removal, and emergency response.

This role requires strong judgment, professionalism, and the ability to foster positive working relationships with residents, businesses, partner agencies, and city personnel. If you are a motivated professional who values public service, enjoys meaningful community impact, and seeks a leadership role where your expertise can strengthen safety, compliance, and quality of life for residents - we encourage you to apply today!

under general direction, plans, schedules, assigns, and reviews the work of code compliance staff; performs a variety of routine to complex duties related to the city’s code compliance program, including the identification, investigation, and correction of violations of the city’s municipal, building, and zoning codes, and of state and city health and safety codes and ordinances; investigates citizen complaints of public nuisances and quality of life issues and seeks voluntary compliance or issues citations and initiates abatement procedures;

coordinates, monitors, and provides technical input for assigned code compliance and related projects and programs; provides responsible technical assistance to the city planner; and performs related work as required.

receives general supervision from the city planner or assigned supervisor. Exercises direct and general supervision over assigned 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, and investigates complaints from the public and staff regarding violations of municipal codes, standards, and health and safety regulations; documents violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; researches ownership records, development plans, prior complaints, municipal codes, and state regulations to establish whether a violation has occurred.
• collaborates and initiates contact with residents, business representatives, and other parties to explain the nature of incurred violations and compliance with municipal codes, ordinances, and community standards; initiates abatement of dangerous properties and vector control issues of vacant properties; provides confirmation to public by telephone and in person regarding code regulations.
• prepares courtesy notices, notices of violation and citations 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 fire and public safety hazards and public nuisances.
• plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of assigned staff in the inspection and code compliance activities of the city; communicates status of cases to appropriate personnel, working cooperatively to schedule inspections and investigations in accordance with established and special operational priorities; instructs staff in work procedures.
• participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities for essential services and…