About the Department

Under administrative direction, the Code Enforcement Manager plans, develops, and organizes the work of the Code Enforcement Division of the City Manger’s Office; supervises and trains assigned staff; prepares a variety of operational, statistical, and activity reports; and performs related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

The Code Enforcement Manager is an at-will management position that works under the direction of the Assistant City Manager and provides direction to Code Enforcement Officers and administrative support staff. The incumbent is responsible for the formulation and development of unit goals and objectives and directing day-to-day activities. Duties and responsibilities are carried out with considerable independence within the framework of established policies, procedures and guidelines. Work and results are reviewed through inspection and analysis of records, reports and assignments.

Position Duties

Participates in the selection and training of personnel; establishes work priorities and routines and assigns work to code compliance personnel; manages, organizes, and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching and training for performance improvement and development; takes disciplinary action to address performance deficiencies in accordance with City personnel rules, policies and labor contract provisions; prepares and monitors division budget; authorizes the purchase of materials and monitors work activities and expenditures to control costs; manages, schedules, and inspects the work of personnel engaged in the inspection and compliance of a wide variety of City ordinances, codes and regulations pertaining to short term rentals, zoning, property maintenance, public nuisances, sign codes, parking enforcement, abandoned vehicle, sanitation and health, noise, smoking and animal control, false security alarms, solicitors, business licenses and permits, and graffiti abatement; conducts the more difficult and/or complex compliance inspection assignments; issues citations for violations; prepares and files complaints and appears as the City’s representative and witness in the prosecution of violations; confers with the City Attorney regarding code compliance issues; meets and confers with other divisions, departments, and agencies regarding code compliance issues. Researches and makes recommendations for the amendment of current codes and the adoption of new codes; drafts ordinances, resolutions, and codes; instructs and provides for the training of staff in work methods and relevant safety precautions; provides technical assistance to staff in resolving difficult problems encountered; prepares and maintains a variety of reports and records; responds to questions and complaints from the public.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

A typical combination would be graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or closely related field and Six (6) years of increasingly responsible code enforcement and/or compliance experience with at least one (1) year of supervisory experience.

LICENSE REQUIRED:
A valid Class C California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.

Possession of a P.C. 832 Certificate is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Methods and procedures used in code compliance including citation issuance procedures, methods used to obtain various types of inspection warrants, and principles used to prepare legal documents; pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations including administrative and departmental policies; safe work methods and safety practices pertaining to the work; city organization, operations, policies, and objectives; principles and practices of organization, administration, and personnel management; principles of supervision and delegation; record keeping techniques; budgeting methods and practices; safe driving principles and practices; principles and practices used in dealing with the public tactfully; personal computer operation and software applications.

SKILL IN:
The operations of modern office equipment including computer equipment and the safe operation of a motor vehicle.

ABILITY TO:
Select, train, supervise, and evaluate the work of staff; independently perform the most difficult code compliance work; read and interpret data, maps, plans, and legal descriptions; maintain work records and compile operating, budget, and program or activity reports; respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and timely manner; interpret, explain, and fairly apply applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations; 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; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; develop, analyze, monitor, and control division budget; plan, establish, and evaluate the attainment of departmental goals and objectives.

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively verbally and in a written manner; observe and interpret data, and analyze and solve problems. The employee must be able to work indoor office environments/outdoor in the field environments (depending on position) The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud. The employee may have to move up to 50 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects frequently (depending on position). Vision abilities required by this job include the ability to detect, determine, perceive, identify, estimate, and assess work related objects and/or work products based on position specific designated tasks. The employee may be required to work overtime to complete assignments. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Use of personal vehicle during employment may also be required.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
A City application form and supplemental questionnaire must be submitted and received by the closing date. Application materials may be obtained by applying online at www.vista.gov/jobs. Please call (760) 726-1340 for questions.

SELECTION PROCESS:
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.

NOTE: The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of Vista is an Equal Opportunity employer. Veterans welcome!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Recruitment Closes -Sunday, May 10th, 2026
Virtual Interview Panel - Week of May 18th
Please note, all dates are subject to change.