Demo

Code Enforcement Officer I

City of Salem
Salem, OR Full Time
POSTED ON 12/22/2025 CLOSED ON 12/28/2025

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Code Enforcement Officer I position at City of Salem?

Job Summary

Make an impact:

The Code Enforcement Officer 1 investigates and documents complaints related to tall grass and weeds, unlicensed or inoperable vehicles in the right-of-way, accumulated trash, debris, junk, and household items stored outdoors on private residential and commercial properties. The Code Enforcement Officer 1 also investigates abandoned or improperly parked vehicles in restricted residential parking areas and may provide periodic support in downtown parkades and paid on-street parking spaces.

Learn And Grow

This position is part of a flexibly staffed classification series with Code Enforcement Officer II, offering opportunities for professional growth within the division or department. Employees are encouraged to develop their skills and, after successfully completing the probationary period and serving in the Code Enforcement Officer I role for at least one year, may request reclassification to Code Enforcement Officer II. Advancement is based on demonstrated growth in knowledge, experience, and proficiency.

What You Will Do

The r esponsibilities include providing support to enforcement team members, learning to recognize and document violations of the property maintenance codes as adopted in Salem Revised Code, and training with and assisting Code Enforcement Officer 2 staff on complex municipal code compliance actions in commercial, industrial, and residential districts throughout the city. Additional duties include conducting multi-family and short-term rental inspections, assisting with preparation of warrant affidavits to facilitate City enforced abatements, scheduling abatement assistance for property owners who are unable to complete required work themselves, and conducting field inspections of complaints regarding potential violations of Salem Revised Code. The Code Enforcement Officer 1 will also work with the public to obtain voluntary compliance from responsible parties, conduct follow-up inspections, and monitor progress on active cases. This role includes learning the legal concepts of code enforcement, determining appropriate enforcement actions, and issuing parking citations or civil penalties to encourage compliance from private property owners and managers.

Additional Information On Job Responsibilities

  • Prepare investigation reports, photograph violations, create files, and notices in support of enforcement activities.
  • Serve as a witness in appeals hearings before the Hearings Officers.
  • Present information and participate in meeting with staff, other agencies, interest groups and neighborhood associations in relation to municipal code compliance issues.
  • Respond to public inquiries and explain Salem Revised Code requirements in writing, verbally and via smart phone in messaging applications.
  • Become proficient in the use of and communication utilizing various City, Compliance Services and Salem Police Department radio equipment, software, and programming to create and submit written case and activity reports, follow-up investigations, and photographs via Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Mark43 (Records Management System), and Amanda reporting systems.

What can we offer you for all your hard work?

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
  • Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
  • Competitive pay.
  • Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
  • Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
  • Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
  • Voluntary long-term care.
  • Employee wellness program.
  • Employee assistance program.
  • Employee health clinic.
  • Position schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Equal Pay .

What are the minimum qualifications?

  • Must pass the pre-employment drug test (including marijuana).
  • Must pass the pre-employment background check necessary to obtain CJIS clearance and must be maintained throughout employment.
  • Must have an Oregon Driver's license and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.
  • Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and one (1) year experience working with the public in area that relates to enforcement or a closely related field, or regulatory agency such as zoning, building, land use, housing inspections, nuisance abatement, or regulation compliance, or any combination of experience and training that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and abilities as listed, and ability to perform the essential job functions.
  • Ability to obtain a Vehicle Appraiser Certificate from the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required To Apply)

  • Bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred.

What You Will Bring Along

  • Knowledge of basic construction trades and practices;
  • Knowledge of fundamental code enforcement concepts and legal principles;
  • Knowledge of geographical layout of the City of Salem;
  • Experience using modern office procedures, office and communication equipment, personal computers;
  • Experience planning and organizing tasks efficiently while adapting to changing priorities and interruptions;
  • Knowledge of city ordinances, state statues, and other regulations that provide authority for enforcement actions, with the ability to learn and apply them effectively;
  • Experience appraising motor vehicles accurately and efficiently;
  • Knowledge of courtroom and administrative hearing procedures, and experience testifying effectively to represent the City’s interest;
  • Experience interacting with citizens, businesses, and other agency staff using tact and sound judgment;
  • Experience presenting unfavorable information in a professional courteous manner to individuals who may respond negatively to enforcement;
  • Experience maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information;
  • Experience formulating and defending decisions while working independently;
  • Knowledge of and commitment to respecting, understanding, and valuing individual differences to support a diverse and inclusive workplace.

About Us

Salem is the second largest city in Oregon and the capital city. Centrally located in the Willamette Valley, Salem is 49 square miles in size and extends across to counties, Marion and Polk. The community has well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings with wide diversity and a family-friendly ambiance. The city is home to nearly 180,000 residents. For a full community profile detailing demographics and housing statistics, visit the City of Salem website.

The City of Salem organization has eight primary departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community Planning and Development. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City of Salem employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members and works collaboratively with five labor unions.

Where can I find out more about the position?

Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for Code Enforcement Officer I .

How can I apply?

The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to, and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.

To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application. Make sure that you specify how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification and complete the application.

Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.

You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City through the Job Interest Cards – sign up today!

For more information about employment at the City of Salem, please visit our website at www.cityofsalem.net/jobs .

This announcement is not an implied contract and may be modified or revoked without notice.

Salary.com Estimation for Code Enforcement Officer I in Salem, OR
$46,365 to $64,220
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