Community Conservation Representative

~ The City of Lakewood is located in southern Los Angeles County, about 23 miles southeast of Los Angeles. ~ 

Position Overview  

The City of Lakewood is seeking responsible and knowledgeable candidates for a Code Enforcement Officer position (official title: Community Conservation Representative) in the Community Development Department. Under general supervision, performs a variety of activities including municipal code enforcement, citizen complaint investigation, coordination with outside agencies to provide additional services, and related work as required. 

Responsibilities 

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following activities: 

• Investigate and initiate procedures to eliminate and correct violations of the municipal code.
• Receive and investigate citizen complaints of code violations and suggest or enforce peaceful and equitable means to resolve the problems.
• Investigate and arrange for removal of abandoned personal property, in accordance with City codes and State laws.
• Coordinate with outside agencies to resolve complaints and problems.
• Attend meetings and participate in discussions of codes and State laws regarding safety services.
• Prepare written reports of activities and make recommendations for effective solutions to problems.
• Maintain accurate and legible field notes and document actions on a daily basis using the City's centralized computerized service request system.
• Organize and prepare documentation for office conferences before a City hearing officer, City Attorney, or City Prosecutor.
• Organize and prepare documentation for securing inspection and abatement warrants.
• Testify in court on cases, as necessary.
• Conduct surveys and prepare reports on issues related to code enforcement.
• Prepare and present staff reports to the Planning and Environment Commission and/or Building Rehabilitation Board on code enforcement cases.
• Perform other related duties. 

Qualifications 

Education & Experience: 

• Associate's degree (or higher) in criminal justice, business administration, public administration, or related field from an accredited college or institution and two years of experience performing code enforcement or similar public contact work of an investigative or inspection nature for a public or private agency. 

OR 

• Three years of experience performing code enforcement or similar public contact work of an investigative or inspection nature for a public or private agency and education equivalent to an Associate's degree in criminal justice, business administration, public administration, or related field from an accredited college or institution, e.g. 48 semester units.

Special Requirements: 

• Possession of a valid class "C" California driver's license with a good driving record and a PC 832 certification (or equivalent) is required.
• Intermediate level certification through the California Association of Code Enforcement Officials (CACEO) is highly desirable. 

Knowledge of: 

• Procedures for the inspection, investigation and enforcement of local and state codes and regulations;
• Applicable state, county, and local codes and ordinances; the techniques used in effective interpersonal communication; customer services skills and techniques;
• Operations and activities of municipal government; and
• Windows-based word processing (MS Word) and spreadsheet software (MS Excel) and on-line services such as Dataquick. 

Skills & Abilities: 

• Read, comprehend, interpret, explain and apply ordinances, codes and regulations; work effectively and independently in the field;
• Conduct inspections;
• Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact and utilizing effective customer service skills;
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action; conduct investigations;
• Communicate effectively with an often difficult public;
• Use good judgment under pressure;
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions; Prepare clear and concise written reports and make oral presentations;
• Present oral reports on cases to the Planning and Environment Commission and/or Building Rehabilitation Board and testify on cases in court;
• Enter, update and retrieve data from the City's computerized service request system;
• Take clear pictures using digital cameras and upload photos to PC and electronic case files;
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and
• Operate a motor vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices. 

Physical and Mental Demands: 

• Ability to see and hear within normal ranges;
• Manual dexterity to operate personal computers, digital cameras, telephones, calculators, and other office equipment;
• Ability to drive, sit and walk;
• Walk on slippery/uneven surfaces; crouch, reach, bend and twist to enter and exit motor vehicles frequently;
• Work around moving vehicles; and
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs without assistance. 

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Here!" and search for the position title and then follow applicaiton instructions found at this link.