HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10e - Revise Class Spec for Senior Code Services Officer
DATE: November 16, 2021
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director
By: Phil Wray, Deputy Director of Development Services/City Engineer
Kenneth Fields, Building Official
SUBJECT: REVISE THE EXISTING CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION FOR
SENIOR CODE SERVICES OFFICER
Recommendation: Approve
SUMMARY
Based on a thorough review of the Senior Code Services Officer classification
specification, it is recommended that the City Council approve the proposed
modifications to allow for greater flexibility when considering the most qualified
candidates for the position.
BACKGROUND
Like all City Departments, the Development Services Department is consistently
evaluating ways to improve its staffing model and provide attractive positions for
employees. This is especially true of positions that require specific certifications and/or
training such as code officers, engineers, and planners. A recent departure of the
Senior Code Services Officer prompted a review of the classification specification for
the position. As a result, changes are proposed to allow for greater flexibility when
considering potential candidates for the position.
DISCUSSION
Under the current requirements for the Senior Code Services Officer position, a
bachelor’s degree and five years of experience is required to be considered for the
position. This static qualification eliminates those who do not meet the exact
requirements, and as such, provides difficulty when recruiting or promoting otherwise
qualified candidates. The proposed revision would update the education and experience
language to “Any combination of education and experience that provides the required
knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job duties is qualifying.” The
education for the position will still maintain the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an
accredited college as well as five years of municipal code enforcement experience. The
Revise the Existing Classification Specification for
Senior Code Services Officer
November 16, 2021
Page 2 of 2
current degree and experience requirements will be used as an example to consider the
requisite abilities of the candidates.
The second change proposed would allow for one year to obtain the required Code
Enforcement Officer certification. This one-year grace period is consistent with the lower
level Code Services Officer, which allows for one year to obtain Intermediate level Code
Enforcement Officer certification. It is also in line with other classifications in the
department that require such certificates, including Building Inspector, Plans Examiner,
and Building Official.
The recommended changes have been discussed with the Arcadia City Employees
Association, and they have agreed to the proposed changes. In addition, the proposed
modifications to the Senior Code Services Officer classification were presented to the
Human Resources Commission on November 4, 2021. The Human Resources
Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed changes.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action does not constitute a project under Section 15061(b)(3) of the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and it can be seen with certainty that it
will have no impact on the environment. As such, this matter is exempt under CEQA.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed changes to the existing class specification have no fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine that this action does not constitute a
project and is therefore, exempt under, the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”); and approve the revised classification specification for Senior Code Services
Officer.
Attachment: Revised classification specification for Senior Code Services Officer
CITY OF ARCADIA
SENIOR CODE SERVICES OFFICER
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, to coordinate complex code services issues, to enforce municipal
codes and State and Federal laws and regulations related to municipal land use, zoning,
nuisances, public safety, property maintenance, sanitation and health, building, and
abatement; and to provide assistance to homeowners, tenants, and the business community.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level staff and volunteers.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Receive, record, and investigate complaints from the public and staff regarding violations of
municipal codes, ordinances, standards, and health and safety regulations; document
violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; research ownership records,
prior complaints, municipal codes and ordinances, and State regulations to establish whether
a violation has occurred.
Initiate contacts with residents, business representatives, and other parties to explain the
nature of incurred violations and to encourage compliance with municipal codes, zoning and
land use ordinances, and community standards.
Prepare notices of violation or noncompliance and citations according to applicable codes
and regulations; issue letters to property owners notifying them of violation.
Coordinate and conduct follow-up abatement procedures including the preparation of
additional correspondence, site visits, and communication with property owners and
attorneys; conduct follow-up investigations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and
ordinances; prepare non-compliance cases for legal action and administrative hearings;
present testimony at hearings in court.
Meet with planning, building, engineering, fire, police, and legal counsel staff and
regulatory agencies regarding complaints; coordinate activities with other staff and
enforcement personnel.
City of Arcadia
Senior Code Services Officer (Continued) Page 2 of 45
Provide information to violators, the general public, business community, and other
government agencies regarding codes, laws, and ordinances; respond to questions,
complaints, and inquiries.
Maintain files and records related to citations and violations; prepare a variety of written
reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
Administer graffiti removal program and monitor contracts.
Enforce a variety of occupancy, public nuisance, zoning, and land use regulations.
Respond to complaints of alleged violations; review criminal complaints and arrest warrants
and records.
Investigate suspected violations of health, safety, zoning, public nuisance, or other code
violations and take follow-up actions as necessary to ensure compliance.
Make presentations to citizen groups addressing commercial and association compliance
issues.
Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets.
Conduct surveys and perform research and statistical analyses on various code enforcement
matters; draft code amendments as needed.
Serve as a liaison to the City Attorney; assist the City Attorney with trial preparation and
courtroom testimony for code services related cases.
Coordinate the code services volunteer program; prepare schedules and provide volunteer
training.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
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Senior Code Services Officer (Continued) Page 3 of 45
Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of code
enforcement.
Principles and practices used in dealing with the public.
Principles of record keeping, case management, and reporting.
Basic mathematical principles.
English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Skill to:
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Ability to:
Apply principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation investigation
and enforcement.
Apply methods and procedures used in code enforcement including citation issuance
procedures, criminal, civil, and administrative remedies, methods used to obtain
various types of inspection warrants, nuisance abatement procedures, and principles
used to prepare legal documents.
Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining
to assigned programs and functions.
Read and interpret maps, plans, and legal descriptions.
Maintain and update records, logs, and reports.
Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful and timely
manner.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
City of Arcadia
Senior Code Services Officer (Continued) Page 4 of 45
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with
those contacted in the course of work.
Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination of education and experience that provides the required
knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position is
qualifying. The incumbent will possess the most desirable combination of training,
skills, and experience, as demonstrated in his/her past and current employment
history. A typical example includes:
Experience:
Five years of municipal code enforcement experience with increasing
responsibilities in investigation, enforcement, or public contact.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
with major course work in planning, zoning, inspection, law enforcement,
public administration, or related field.
License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Valid Penal Code 832 Powers of Arrest certificate through the Peace Officers
Standard Training (POST) issued by the State of California.
Full Possession of, or obtain within one year of date of hire, designation as a
Certified Code Enforcement Officer (CCEO) Certification from the California
Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO).
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, stoop, squat, and lift 25 lbs.; exposure to outdoors;
ability to travel to different sites and locations.
Effective Date: December, 2004
Revised: November 2021September, 2014