Senior Code Enforcement Officer

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 9/4/2026, 9/18/2026, 10/9/2026 (Final).

About the Role

Under general supervision, the Senior Code Enforcement Officer leads, plans, schedules, and oversees the work of staff responsible for ensuring compliance with and enforcement of State and local codes pertaining to nuisance abatement, blight control, substandard housing, zoning, abandoned vehicles, overgrown vegetation, vector infestations, and other hazardous conditions. Ensures completion of tasks in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of leadership, mentoring, training, and conflict resolution
• Team dynamics and team building
• Applicable State and local codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to nuisance abatement; blight control; substandard housing; zoning; abandoned vehicles; overgrown vegetation; and vector infestations
• All departmental code enforcement programs' interrelated codes, policies, procedures, and goals
• Communication, negotiation, and behavioral techniques that foster collaboration and effectively achieve code compliance and related program results
• Public speaking and presentation techniques
• Legally-sound investigative and documentation techniques including collecting and cataloging evidence
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to area of assignment
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Ability to:

• Lead and train technical staff in complex and sensitive work projects
• Plan, coordinate, assign, and review the work of staff for accuracy and completeness
• Compile, assess, and analyze technical information, situations, and complex problems regarding compliance investigations (e.g., case records, development plans, construction drawings, legal descriptions and boundary maps of real property, topographic drawings and maps, field notes, etc.)
• Make recommendations or solutions based on data and information collected
• Develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers; representatives of community organizations, State/local agencies, and associations; supervisors; internal management and staff; and the public
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Read, interpret, and explain applicable codes, ordinances, laws, regulations, policies, and legal requirements
• Understand customers' perspective, concerns, needs, and requests
• Manage multiple cases effectively and meet deadlines when confronted with time constraints or heavy workloads
• Keep accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports
• Carry out written and verbal directions
• Use current technologies, tools, and equipment to achieve program goals
• Read, write, and speak English at the level necessary for satisfactory job performance

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Either:

• Two years of full-time, paid experience employed by the County of Sacramento in the class of Code Enforcement Officer.

Or:

• 2a. One year of full-time, paid experience in the public sector performing difficult, sensitive, and technical zoning enforcement, vehicle abatement, building inspection, environmental health inspection, code enforcement, or related activities; and
• 2b. Successful completion of 60 semester (90 quarter) units from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 18 semester (27 quarter) units in criminal justice; law enforcement; public/business administration; construction; planning; or other closely related field.

Or:

• Three years of full-time, paid experience in the public sector performing difficult, sensitive, and technical zoning enforcement, vehicle abatement, building inspection, environmental health inspection, code enforcement, or related activities.

Note: The word "experience" referenced in the minimum qualifications means full-time paid experience unless the job announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

General Qualifications

• Driver's License: A valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, is required at the time of appointment. Failure to obtain or maintain the appropriate California Driver License may constitute cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Certification: A valid Penal Code (PC) 832, Arrest, Search & Seizure Certification or equivalent is required within twelve (12) months of appointment to the class. Failure to obtain or maintain the appropriate certificate may constitute cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement.

Physical Abilities

Positions in this class require the incumbent to be able to:

• Stoop and crawl in small, low, and/or confined areas
• Climb up and down stairs
• Climb ladders and work at above-the-ground levels
• Lift up to 40 pounds of equipment
• See and discern the full spectrum of colors
• Have sufficient vision to read handwritten and printed materials
• Have sufficient hearing and speech to converse in person, on the telephone, and to make presentations to groups

Individuals who do not meet these requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Working Conditions

Positions in this class may require the incumbent to:

• Work in and around residential, industrial, and rural areas with exposure to aggressive and/or ill animals; and persons exhibiting signs of distress, hostility, anxiety, frustration, or irritation
• Work in and around substandard living areas with exposure to animal or human waste, vermin, dirt, dust, fumes, odors, and other contaminants such as bodily fluids
• Be exposed to electrical current, solvents and/or chemicals, traffic hazards, insect bites or stings
• Work outside in all types of climatic conditions including inclement, very hot, or cold weather
• Work in dangerous, high crime areas of the community
• Work off-shift (nights and weekends)

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months.