Code Compliance Inspector

Application review for this position will remain open until filled, with a final deadline of August 3, 2026. The next Code Compliance Inspector Academy will start on September 14, 2026.

About the role

Code Compliance Inspectors, under the direction of the Manager of Field Operations/Code Compliance Supervisors, perform specialized inspections and enforcement of ordinances, regulations, and laws governing the transit system. They are responsible for enforcing all ordinances and laws approved by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Board of Directors. Code Compliance Inspectors are classified as Public Officers under the law with Powers of Arrest. The position is non-sworn and unarmed. Considerable judgment is required in meeting emergency situations, enforcing regulations, and coordinating with other personnel, contractors, and local agencies. Ordinances are enforced by the issuance of citations, and arrests are occasionally necessary. Inspectors prepare incident and arrest reports and may be required to testify in court when subpoenaed.

Officers work varied shifts based on seniority on a 4-day/10-hours-per-day workweek. Some officers may be selected for bike patrol duty.

Responsibilities

• Ensures passenger safety on all MTS properties, trolleys, buses, stations, bus stops, transit centers, and in paratransit vehicles.
• Assists and provides information to patrons and the public.
• Ensures compliance with all MTS Ordinances, Penal, Public Utility, Health and Safety, and Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Codes, as approved by the Board of Directors, for enforcement on all MTS properties, trolleys, buses, stations, bus stops, transit centers, and in paratransit vehicles.
• Enforces the fare ordinance by performing unannounced random inspection of fares on board trains and in fare-paid zones.
• Enforces other violations including, but not limited to, narcotics and alcohol-related offenses, and quality of life violations.
• Prepares incident and arrest reports, and testifies in court when subpoenaed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Possess a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• Familiarity with the California Criminal Justice system is desirable.
• Complete the POST 832 PC Certified Course in Laws of Arrest prior to hire or within the first year of employment.
• Possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license.
• Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.

Skills

• Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply MTS policies, regulations, and union labor contracts.
• Ability to write letters, memoranda, and reports using clear, concise, and grammatically correct English.
• Ability to speak clearly, distinctly, and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel.
• Ability to establish and maintain priorities to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions.
• Skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire.
• Ability to use 2-way radios to communicate with supervisors and the Operation Control Center, and police radios to communicate during routine records checks or in emergency response situations.
• Ability to use a hand-held electronic device to inspect fares; knowledge of or ability to learn the in-house computerized database program Transit Watch.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, stoop, sit, bend, reach for overhead files, and perform occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 75 pounds).
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key.
• Ability to stand on moving light rail vehicles and/or buses for up to 4 hours per day.
• Ability to physically restrain combative/resistant violators.
• Ability to render aid during emergency response situations, including physically removing injured or unconscious victims in the event of an accident involving any MTS vehicle.
• Ability to run distances of up to 400 yards to respond to emergencies and calls for assistance from passengers or other enforcement personnel.

Schedule

Code Compliance Inspectors work a 4-day/10-hours-per-day workweek and may be assigned to work nights and/or weekends as part of their regular schedule.