Salary: $33.68 - $45.47 Hourly
Location : CMSD Headquarters, 290 Paularino Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-03
Department: Administration
Opening Date: 08/18/2026
Description
THIS RECRUITMENT WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine to complex technical and public contact duties related to the District's residential solid waste compliance programs, including the identification, investigation, and enforcement of violations of District codes and regulations; conducts field patrols, investigates complaints, and documents violations involving cart placement, unauthorized waste removal (scavenging), residential cart contamination, and other solid waste requirements; encourages voluntary compliance through education; prepares and issues citations; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff.Exercises no supervision of staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a full journey-level and specialized classification that performs the full range of duties related to inspection, field monitoring, outreach and education, and enforcement activities required to ensure compliance with the District's Operations Code and solid waste requirements. Responsibilities include patrolling residential service areas by District vehicle; conducting inspections and complaint investigations; investigating, identifying, and documenting violations involving cart placement, unauthorized waste removal (scavenging), and other solid waste requirements; contacting residents, property owners, and other responsible parties; providing education; issuing notices and other enforcement documents; and maintaining accurate records and reports of compliance activities. Successful performance of the work requires the frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment; knowledge of the District's solid waste programs, requirements, collection practices, and compliance procedures, and extensive contact with the public, staff, and hauler representatives. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from other District classes by the performance of technical and specialized duties that require application of specialized technical knowledge and skill acquired through specialized training and experience.
Examples of Typical Job Functions
(Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Patrols geographic area in assigned vehicle to proactively and reactively monitor solid waste collection activities, identify and address potential violations of the District's solid waste programs and Operations Code, and document field observations.
- Receives, records, and investigates complaints from the public and staff regarding violations of the District's Operations Code and solid waste requirements; documents violations and other field conditions by obtaining photographs and other pertinent data; researches applicable District requirements, prior complaints, and other relevant information to establish whether a violation has occurred and the appropriate compliance response.
- Initiates contacts in person, by telephone, and in writing, with residents, property owners, and other parties to explain observed violations, provide education, and encourage compliance with the District's codes and regulations.
- Conducts residential solid waste route reviews and vehicle-based or on-site inspections of residential areas to observe cart placement, contamination, service conditions, and compliance with District solid waste requirements; documents observations, notes potential violations, and initiates appropriate follow-up.
- Prepares and issues notices of violation or noncompliance, administrative citations, and other correspondence according to applicable codes and regulations.
- Coordinates and conducts follow-up procedures including the preparation of additional correspondence, site visits, and communication with property owners and residents.
- Contacts and, when appropriate, issues notices or citations to individuals engaged in unauthorized removal of materials (scavenging) from District-serviced carts.
- Maintains files, databases, daily inspection logs and records related to field patrols, route reviews, complaints, citations, service issues, and violations; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
- Coordinates and communicates with the District's solid waste hauler regarding collection-related violations, cart conditions, service issues, contamination, and other matters requiring follow-up.
- Identifies and documents graffiti, damage, or other conditions observed on District-serviced carts and reports such conditions to the appropriate District staff or hauler for follow-up.
- Serves as liaison and educator to the community; provides information and outreach to residents regarding proper waste sorting, recycling, cart placement, contamination prevention, and other District solid waste requirements; and promotes voluntary and cooperative compliance through field contacts and outreach.
- Attends District meetings and provides written and oral reports when requested.
- Prepares monthly report summarizing field patrols, route reviews, compliance activities, citations, scavenger contacts, cart violations, and other solid waste enforcement and inspection activities for presentation to the District Board.
- Participates in recommending and developing policies, procedures, and projects to ensure efficient and effective solid waste compliance and enforcement activities in compliance with District guidelines, standards, goals, and objectives.
- Operates standard office equipment, including job-related computer hardware and software applications.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Knowledge of:
- Principles, practices, methods, and techniques for field inspection and documentation related to code enforcement and compliance activities.
- Principles and practices of residential solid waste collection, recycling, and contamination prevention.
- Methods and procedures used in solid waste and code compliance including citation issuance procedures.
- Practices for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and following up on compliance activities.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations and administrative and program policies.
- Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary for field inspections and investigations, route reviews and code compliance.
- Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
- Principles and procedures of record-keeping, technical report writing, and preparation of correspondence and presentations.
- Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
- English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
- Techniques for effectively representing the District in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations, and with residents, property owners, hauler representatives, contractors, and the public.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, hauler representatives, and District staff.
Ability to:
- Explain District codes, regulations and solid waste requirements to property owners, residents, and others.
- Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Understand and explain occupational hazards and standard safety practices related to field inspections, route reviews, code compliance, and residential solid waste activities.
- Conduct field inspections and route reviews and accurately document observations, violations, service issues, and other conditions.
- Identify and respond to issues and concerns of management, the District Board, a variety of professional groups and committees, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, in person and over the phone.
- Investigate complaints and potential violations; recommend or take appropriate compliance and follow-up actions consistent with established procedures; and mediate resolutions in a timely and tactful manner.
- Effectively represent the District in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various professional and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
- Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
- Effectively manage stressful, sensitive, and potentially confrontational situations while maintaining professionalism, sound judgment, and effective communication.
- Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
- Maintain complete and accurate logs, records, and other documentation of field activities, route reviews, service issues, violations, and compliance actions.
- Make accurate arithmetic and basic statistical computations.
- Work independently in the field, organize assignments, establish priorities, and meet established deadlines.
- Operate a motor vehicle in a safe and lawful manner.
- Operate office equipment and computer applications related to the work.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience performing code enforcement, solid waste compliance, field inspection, regulatory enforcement, or a closely related field involving substantial field work and public contact. College-level coursework or technical training in code compliance, solid waste management, environmental services, public administration, or a related field is desirable. Bilingual Spanish skills are desirable.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment, and satisfactory driving record.
- Ability to obtain a California PC832 (Peace Officer Required Training) Certification is required within the first six (6) months of employment.
Supplemental Information PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect various sites in the District's service area, including traversing uneven terrain; to walk and stand for extended periods while conducting inspections and field patrols; to attend meetings and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and make inspections; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is partially a sedentary office and partially a field operations classification; frequent standing and walking between work areas is required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and partially in the field conducting inspections, patrols, and related duties. Field work may involve exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vehicle traffic, vibration, odors, pests, hazardous physical substances and fumes, and other environmental conditions associated with residential solid waste. Employees may interact with upset or uncooperative members of the public or other representatives while explaining and enforcing District requirements.
CAFETERIA PLAN Full-time employees receive a monthly contribution amount to pay for District-offered medical, dental and vision insurance plans plus other ancillary benefits. The contribution amount is based on the employees' elected medical plan tier.
Employee only - $1,300 Employee + 1 - $1,800 Employee + 2 or more - $2,300
RETIREMENT BENEFIT The District contracts with California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The monthly retirement allowance is determined by age at retirement, years of service credit and final compensation. The basic benefit is 2% of final compensation for each year of credited service upon retirement at age 55, 60, or 62.
WORK SCHEDULE This position works a 9/80 schedule.
MEDICAL The District offers medical insurance through CalPERS. Employees elect the plan and tier of their choice.
DENTAL, VISION, & SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE The District offers dental vision, and supplemental life insurance through Special District Risk Management Authority.
LIFE INSURANCE, ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT (AD&D) INSURANCE the District pays for a Life Insurance/AD&D policy for all full-time employees that provides a $50,000 coverage. Full-time employees are eligible on the first day of the month on or after completing 90 days of continuous employment. Part-time employees are ineligible for this benefit.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE the District pays for a non-work related Disability Insurance plan for all full-time employees that pays up to 60% of an employee's basic monthly earnings not to exceed $5,000 per month following a 90 day waiting period of continuous disability. Full-time employees are eligible on the first day of the month on or after completing 90 days of continuous employment. Part-time employees are ineligible for this benefit.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) The EAP provides confidential counseling, education and referral on work and life challenges 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN (RHS) through MissionSquare. Employees contribute 1% of their base salary and the District matches 1%. Funds can be used to pay healthcare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses in retirement. Employee amount is 100% vested immediately. Vesting in the employer contributed amount occurs at 5 years of service with the District, at which time there is 100% vesting.
BILINGUAL PAY Eligible employees who are certified and designated as "District Translators" shall receive premium pay for the performance of bilingual written and/or oral skills.
WASTEWATER MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEES PREMIUM PAY Employees who are routinely and consistently assigned to repair and maintain sewer systems shall receive a premium pay of 1.5% of their base pay for each California Water Environment Association Collection System Maintenance and/or Electrical Instrumentation Grade Certification level achieved.
WELDER PREMIUM PAY Employees who are routinely and consistently assigned to repair sewer manhole covers by application of welding skills and who possess a current welding certification, shall receive a premium pay of 1.5% of their base pay.
STANDBY PAY For each day on standby duty where an employee is assigned to respond to emergency locations that occur after regular working hours, employee will be paid a flat rate of $75 per day for the Primary Standby Person and $50 a day for the Secondary Standby Person.
SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL PAY A non-exempt Wastewater Maintenance Worker or SCADA Technician/Industrial Electrician employee required to work a shift cleaning sewer lines between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. will be compensated an additional 7% above the employee's base hourly rate of pay for hours worked during that time period.
CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION (CCTV) PAY Employees who successfully pass the Pipeline Assessment & Certification Program from the National Association of Sewer Service Companies, and who routinely televise, view, and analyze CCTV of sewer pipes as part of their regular duties, shall receive a premium pay of 1.5% of their base pay.
MANHOLE ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATION PAY Employees who are routinely and consistently assigned to repair and maintain sewer systems shall receive a premium pay of 1.5% of their base pay for successfully passing the Manhole Assessment & Certification Program (PACP) from the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO.)
COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PAY Employees who are required to maintain a Commercial Driver's License, Class "C" or who maintain a Class "A" for the performance of their assigned job duties, will receive an annual pay of $520.
OPTIONAL BENEFITS DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457B) This voluntary 457 Plan through Empower provides employees with the opportunity to invest a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis. The plan includes a hardship loan option.
TECHNOLOGY LOAN PROGRAM The District will assist with the purchase of technology equipment and software for personal use by granting an interest free loan in the amount of $200 - $2,000. . Employees are eligible after six months of service.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM Full-time employees, who have completed six months of service, are eligible for tuition reimbursement for a maximum of $5,000 per year for educational courses in order to foster personal development in job-related areas as well as career advancement.
SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE The District offers optional Short-Term Disability Insurance; Hospital Insurance; Cancer Insurance; Specialized Health Event and Accident Insurance through AFLAC.
WELLNESS PROGRAM REIMBURSEMENT The District encourages employees to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle through physical fitness. Employees will be reimbursed up to $25 per month for eligible Wellness Program items.
REWARDING IDEAS PROGRAM The Rewarding Ideas program is an employee suggestion program that encourages employees to generate ideas for organizational improvements. Monetary rewards range from $100 to $1,000.
LEAVES SICK LEAVE Full-time employees accrue sick leave at the rate of 3.70 hours per pay period. Part-time employees who work 30 or more days in a year are entitled to 40 hours of paid sick leave.
VACATION Full-time employees accrue 92 to 284 vacation hours annually based on years of service. Employees may use vacation after six months of continuous service.
HOLIDAYS The District observes the following 12 holidays: New Year's Day; Labor Day; Martin Luther King Day; Thanksgiving (Wednesday - Friday);President's Day; Veteran's Day; Memorial Day; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; Fourth of July. Employees also receive two floating holidays to be used incrementally by the end of the fiscal year.
COMPENSATORY (COMP) TIME Comp time is used like vacation and may also be used like sick leave. Comp time is accrued by converting overtime hours to Comp time off hours.
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE Exempt full-time employees receive 40 hours of Administrative Leave each fiscal year.
CALIFORNIA FAMILY RIGHTS ACT (CFRA) LEAVE Provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to care for their own serious health condition or a family member with a serious health condition, or to bond with a new child.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE Full-time employees are entitled to up to 5 working days per incident for the death of an immediate family member.
This is a general outline of employee compensation and fringe benefits. For a complete explanation of benefits, benefit eligibility and restrictions, please refer to the Employee Handbook or Benefit Plan Documents.
01
Please indicate the highest level of education that you have completed.
- High School Diploma or GED
- Some college
- Associate degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- None of the above
02
Have you completed college-level coursework or technical training in any of the following areas? (Please select all that applies.)
- Code compliance
- Solid waste management
- Environmental services
- Public administration
- Other related field
- None of the above
03
How many years of increasingly responsible experience performing code enforcement, solid waste compliance, field inspection, regulatory enforcement, or a closely related field involving substantial field work and public contact do you have?
- None
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year to less than 2 years
- 2 years to less than 3 years
- 3 years to less than 4 years
- 4 years to less than 5 years
- 5 years or more
04
Do you have any experience working for the Costa Mesa Sanitary District?
- No, I have never worked for the District.
- Yes, I have less than 1 year of experience working for the District.
- Yes, I have 1 year to less than 2 years of experience working for the District.
- Yes, I have 2 or more years of experience working for the District.
05
Do you have experience preparing or issuing notices of violation, citations, or other enforcement documentation?
06
Have you worked in a position that required you to interpret and apply municipal codes, ordinances, state laws, regulations, or policies?
07
Describe your experience performing code enforcement, solid waste compliance, field inspections, regulatory enforcement, or related compliance activities. If none, type "N/A"
08
How many years of professional experience do you have involving substantial and regular public contact?
- None
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year to less than 2 years
- 2 years to less than 3 years
- 3 years to less than 4 years
- 4 years to less than 5 years
- 5 years or more
09
Do you possess or have the ability to obtain a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record?
10
Do you possess or have the ability to obtain a California PC832 (Peace Officer Required Training) Certification as is required within the first six (6) months of employment?
11
Please describe your experience preparing written and oral reports and correspondence. If none, type "N/A".
12
How would you rate your experience level with MS Office applications such as Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint?
- No experience
- Beginner level
- Intermediate level
- Advanced level
Required Question