Code Compliance Inspector

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) • San Diego, CA

8h

About The Position

Code Compliance Inspectors perform specialized inspections and enforce ordinances, regulations, and laws governing the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), under the direction of the Manager of Field Operations and Code Compliance Supervisors. They are classified as Public Officers with powers of arrest, but the position is non-sworn and unarmed. Inspectors use judgment in emergency situations and when coordinating with personnel, contractors, and local agencies. Enforcement may involve issuing citations; arrests are occasionally necessary. Inspectors prepare incident and arrest reports and testify in court when subpoenaed. Work is on a 4-day, 10-hour schedule, with varied shifts based on seniority; nights and weekends may be part of the regular schedule. Some inspectors may be selected for bike patrol duty.

The position supports passenger safety and ordinance compliance across MTS properties and services, including trolleys, buses, stations, bus stops, transit centers, and paratransit vehicles. Inspectors assist patrons and the public, conduct random fare inspections, and enforce fare rules and other applicable laws and ordinances. Candidates must pass applicable examinations, including a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check. The role remains open until filled, with a final application deadline of November 30, 2026. The next Code Compliance Inspector Academy is scheduled to start February 1, 2027.

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, or learn MTS policies and regulations.
• Ability to write clear, concise, grammatically correct letters, memoranda, and reports.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person-to-person or small-group situations using tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to coordinate and initiate actions to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities appropriately.
• Ability to establish priorities and complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions.
• Skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to learn and use other software used or acquired by MTS.
• Ability to use two-way radios to communicate with supervisors and the Operation Control Center, and police radios for records checks and emergency response.
• Ability to use a handheld electronic device for fare inspection and learn the Transit Watch database program.
• Ability to walk, stoop, sit, bend, reach overhead, and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and perform manual-dexterity tasks, including computer and 10-key use.
• Ability to stand on moving light rail vehicles and/or buses for up to four hours per day.
• Ability to physically restrain combative or resistant violators.
• Ability to render aid during emergencies, including physically removing injured or unconscious victims from an MTS vehicle accident.
• Ability to run up to 400 yards to respond to emergencies or calls for assistance.
• Availability to work varied shifts, including nights and/or weekends as part of the regular schedule.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with the California Criminal Justice system is desirable.
• Selection for bike patrol duty may be available to some officers.

Responsibilities

• Ensure passenger safety on MTS properties and in trolleys, buses, stations, bus stops, transit centers, and 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 and enforce the fare ordinance.
• Enforce other 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, including during 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.
• Walk, run, and bike event reimbursement.
• 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
• Education Level: High school or GED