Closing Date: Friday, September 12th, 2025, at 9:00 PM (PST) OR When 100 Applications Are Received

Position: Specialist I - Community Preservation

Department: Community Development

Annual Salary: $69,326.40 - $88,480.32

Exempt - Not Eligible for Overtime

Benefits-eligible & 401(a) payment equals 5% of base salary.

General Summary: 

Under general supervision, inspects residential and commercial properties and businesses to determine compliance with applicable federal, state and local codes, laws and regulations relating to maintenance of properties and structures and business licensing; initiates legal action to gain compliance; performs other related duties as required.

Note: Level is determined by scope of work, span of control, and impact to the organization.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Performs the full array of residential and commercial property and business inspections, and other sites to identify potential code violations.
• Determines existence and type of code violations; compiles, analyzes and evaluates findings of investigations and inspections; initiates appropriate enforcement actions.
• Coordinates with property owners or their representatives and other regulatory agencies to facilitate compliance and corrective actions.
• Performs follow-up inspections and investigation as required; ensures compliance with all applicable municipal codes and regulations; issues citations for non-compliance.
• Interprets, applies and explains applicable municipal codes, zoning regulations, building codes, vehicle codes, state housing, health and safety codes, and other related laws, codes and regulations.
• Advises property owners on the requirements for compliance; explains processes and procedures for obtaining compliance or appropriate permits, including re-inspection on applicable permits and notices until compliance is attained.
• Maintains clear, concise and comprehensive records and reports related to enforcement activities; maintains daily log of contacts or inspections for code enforcement cases; enters and retrieves information from records systems.
• Enforces regulations pertaining to temporary signs, inoperable or abandoned vehicles, rehabilitation of substandard housing, and illegal construction and conversions.
• Photographs violations: gathers evidence and prepares cases for court proceedings;  produces  photographs  and  records  of  violations  for
• evidence; works with manager to file criminal complaints, represents the City in court regarding non-compliance if required.
• Provides front counter support by responding to public inquiries in person, by phone, and in writing regarding code enforcement issues.
• Receives, processes, and investigates complaints from the public or other agencies.
• Prepares and processes incoming and outgoing mail and correspondence.
• Prepares a variety of reports and correspondence, including notices of violation, follow-up letters, and case documentation.
• Attends internal and external meetings, training seminars, and professional development activities as assigned.
• Responds to questions and concerns from the public, departmental staff and other agencies; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints; cooperates with other agencies.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, City management and staff, and the public.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

The duties listed above are not intended to be all-inclusive.  An employee may also perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor.  This position is considered exempt.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year of experience in municipal government and/or the code enforcement field.
• Ability to obtain and possess California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) certification within the first six (6) month probation period.

Core Competencies:

• Problem Solving – Analytically and logically evaluating information
• Learning Agility – Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to work
• Handling Stress – Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics – Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Safety Focus – Showing Vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Customer Focus – Attending to the Needs and expectations of customers
• Informing – Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Teamwork – Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity – Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Allocating Resources – Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness

Guiding Principles

1. Put people first.
2. Be visionary.
3. Be an ambassador for Lancaster.
4. Be Fiscally Responsible.
5. Be Creative.
6. Always Improving.
7. Be Adaptable and Resilient.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Ascend/Descend stairs/ladders/balance (moderate)
• Position self to bend or twist (frequent)
• To move, transport, position items up to 25 lbs. (frequent)
• Exposed to outdoor weather conditions (infrequent)
• Operate Equipment (none)
• Stationary or squatting position (frequent)

Environmental Factors:

• Work under time pressure (moderate to frequent)
• Interruptions (frequent)

Essential Cognitive Functions:

• Analyze (continuous)
• Computations (frequent)
• Generate Written Work Product (moderate)
• Independent Problem Solving (continuous)
• Interruptions (frequent)
• Maintain Positive Public Relations (continuous)
• Organize (frequent)

Disaster Service Worker:

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100-3109, all public employees are declared disaster service workers subject to disaster service activities as may be assigned to them in the event of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man-made disaster.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

The City of Lancaster will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the City of Lancaster is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting www.dfeh.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.