Code Compliance Inspector

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System • San Diego, CA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Code Compliance Inspectors work under the direction of the Manager of Field Operations and Code Compliance Supervisors to conduct specialized inspections and enforce ordinances, regulations, and laws governing the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). They enforce ordinances and laws approved by the MTS Board of Directors. Inspectors are classified as public officers with powers of arrest; the position is non-sworn and unarmed. The work requires judgment in emergency situations, enforcement, and coordination with MTS personnel, contractors, and local agencies. Enforcement may include issuing citations and, occasionally, making arrests. Inspectors prepare incident and arrest reports and testify in court when subpoenaed. Officers work varied shifts based on seniority on a four-day, 10-hours-per-day schedule. Some may be selected for bike patrol duty.

The position focuses on passenger safety and compliance across MTS properties and services, including trolleys, buses, stations, bus stops, transit centers, and paratransit vehicles. Inspectors assist patrons and the public, inspect fares, enforce fare and other ordinances, and address offenses such as narcotics- and alcohol-related violations and quality-of-life violations. Schedules may include nights and weekends.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, a valid California driver's license, and must complete the POST 832 PC Certified Course in Laws of Arrest before hire or within the first year of employment. Familiarity with the California criminal justice system is desirable. Candidates must satisfactorily pass applicable examinations, including a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check. The position pays $25.52 with incremental increases. The next Code Compliance Inspector Academy is scheduled to start February 1, 2027; the application deadline is November 30, 2026, or until the position is filled.

Requirements

• High school diploma or high school equivalency certificate.
• Complete the POST 832 PC Certified Course in Laws of Arrest before hire or within the first year of employment.
• Possess and maintain a valid California driver's license.
• Pass applicable examinations, including a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply MTS policies, regulations, and union labor contracts.
• Ability to write clear, concise, grammatically correct letters, memoranda, and reports.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to coordinate and initiate actions, delegate responsibilities, and prioritize work to meet deadlines without detailed instructions.
• Skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to learn other software.
• Ability to use two-way radios, police radios, and a handheld electronic fare-inspection device; ability to learn the Transit Watch database program.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and use a computer and 10-key.
• Ability to walk, stoop, sit, bend, reach overhead, and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to stand on moving light rail vehicles or buses for up to four hours per day, physically restrain combative or resistant violators, render aid and physically remove injured or unconscious victims, and run up to 400 yards in response to emergencies or calls for assistance.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with the California criminal justice system.
• Selection for bike patrol duty may be available to some officers.

Responsibilities

• Ensure passenger safety on MTS properties, vehicles, stations, stops, transit centers, and in paratransit vehicles.
• Assist patrons and members of the public and provide information.
• Enforce MTS ordinances and applicable Penal, Public Utility, Health and Safety, and Department of Motor Vehicle codes approved for enforcement by the MTS Board of Directors.
• Conduct unannounced random fare inspections on trains and in fare-paid zones.
• Enforce violations including narcotics- and alcohol-related offenses and quality-of-life violations.
• Issue citations and make arrests when necessary.
• Prepare incident and arrest reports and testify in court when subpoenaed.
• Coordinate with other personnel, contractors, and local agencies, and exercise judgment in emergency situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and family.
• Paid time off.
• Retirement plans.
• Wellness programs.
• Employer-paid holidays, up to 13 per year, including three floating holidays.
• Free transit pass for the employee and family.
• On-site gym and gym membership reimbursement.
• Reimbursement for walk, run, and bike events.
• Employer-paid bereavement leave and jury duty.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
• Company-paid training and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED