Neighborhood Preservation Specialist I
DEFINITION:
Under general supervision assists in the inspection of residential dwellings and commercial buildings to
identify violations and to cite and enforce provisions of the City Municipal Code and California Health
and Safety Code; recommends improvements in neighborhoods with regard to unsafe and substandard
buildings; performs other related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Neighborhood Preservation Specialist I is the entry level class in the Neighborhood Preservation
Specialist series and, initially under closer supervision and within well established procedural guidelines,
is responsible for performing the more routine supporting code enforcement functions. An incumbent
may advance to the next higher classification of Neighborhood Preservation Specialist II upon meeting
the employment standards for that class, recommendation of the Department Head, and approval from the
City Administrator. This classification differs from the next higher classification of Neighborhood
Preservation Specialist II by the lower level of complexity of the work performed and a lesser
independence of operation. Incumbents in this class are expected to learn procedures and practices and to
perform increasingly more complex work over a period of time.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
Receives immediate supervision from the Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator. Incumbents of this
class do not routinely exercise supervision.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)
• Learns to patrol and conduct field inspections of parcels of land, structures, vehicles and stored
materials to ensure compliance with applicable City ordinances and state laws; investigates citizen
complaints and takes appropriate action upon consultation with supervisor; learns to obtain statements
from complainants; learns to re-inspect properties to ensure continued compliance.
• Photographs violations; learns to gather evidence for court proceedings; posts notices relating to
required abatements; cites vehicles and coordinates the removal of abandoned and illegally parked
vehicles; maintains reports on vehicle towing activities.
• Maintains records and reports related to enforcement activities; composes and types correspondence,
reports, forms and specialized documents; enters and retrieves information from automated records
systems; operates communications equipment.
• 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 neighborhood
improvement groups and organizations interested in neighborhood beautification, improvement and
clean up.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations,
state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning,
kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, crawling and making repetitive hand
movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when
inspecting work and operating assigned equipment, and acute hearing is required when providing phone
and face-to-face service. The need to lift, carry, pull and push tools, supplies and other equipment
weighing 25 pounds or more is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works outdoors
in all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold. The position entails working in situations that may
expose the employee to fumes or airborne particles, electrical shock or mechanical hazards. The nature of
the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and
equipment, drive motorized vehicles, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions and often work with
constant interruptions.
QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the
classification)
Education and/or Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and
abilities necessary for a Neighborhood Preservation Specialist I. A typical way of obtaining
the required qualifications is to possess three years of experience working with the public in the
interpretation and application of laws, codes, rules and procedures, and a high school diploma or
equivalent.
License/Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license. Must complete PC
832 Laws of Arrest course within six (6) months of hire.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS’s
necessary to perform essential duties of the position)
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices and methods used in the enforcement of a variety of codes; applicable
federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations including laws, ordinances and codes related
to building construction and zoning; modern office equipment, including a computer and
applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping; occupational hazards and
standard safety procedures.
Ability to:
Understand, interpret and apply statutes, rules, regulations and departmental procedures; follow
written and oral instructions; take and maintain accurate records of work activities; communicate
clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working
relationships.
Skill to:
Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications.