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Code Compliance Supervisor
Salary
$49.72 - $60.45 Hourly
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Classified
Job Number
2102-26
Department
Planning & Development Services
Opening Date
03/09/2026
Closing Date
3/23/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position Description
The City of Tacoma's Planning & Development Services Department (PDS) is seeking an experienced and collaborative professional to serve as a Code Compliance Supervisor within the Regulatory Compliance group.
This position supervises a team responsible for investigating and resolving complaints related to nuisance conditions, derelict and substandard buildings, vegetation obstructions, commercial noise, and other violations of the Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC). The Code Compliance Supervisor ensures enforcement activities are conducted fairly, consistently, and in accordance with due-process requirements.
The supervisor provides leadership, technical guidance, and operational oversight to Code Compliance Inspectors conducting complaint-driven investigations throughout the City. The role includes case review and quality control, staff coaching and performance management, coordination of complex enforcement cases, and collaboration with other City departments and external agencies.
Tacoma's Code Compliance program emphasizes education-first enforcement, prioritizing voluntary compliance and clear communication with property owners and community members before escalation to formal enforcement measures. The Code Compliance Supervisor plays a critical role in maintaining consistent enforcement standards, ensuring accurate documentation, and supporting inspectors through complex or high-conflict cases.
This position requires strong leadership, sound regulatory judgment, and the ability to balance problem-solving, community engagement, and enforcement responsibilities while supporting a professional and accountable team environment.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who:
Demonstrates strong knowledge of municipal code enforcement practices, investigative procedures, and administrative enforcement processes.
Has experience supervising field staff and maintaining consistent expectations around case management, documentation, and customer service.
Communicates clearly and professionally with property owners, tenants, contractors, community members, and City staff.
Balances an education-first approach to compliance with appropriate enforcement actions when voluntary compliance is not achieved.
Maintains strong organizational skills and attention to detail when reviewing case records and enforcement documentation.
Demonstrates sound judgment when addressing complex, sensitive, or high-visibility enforcement matters.
Promotes a respectful and collaborative team culture that emphasizes accountability, professionalism, and equitable enforcement practices.
Essential Duties:
Supervise, coach, and provide work direction to Code Compliance Inspectors and assigned staff.
Assign and monitor enforcement cases to ensure equitable workload distribution and timely case resolution.
Oversee investigations of complaints related to nuisance conditions, substandard or derelict structures, vegetation obstructions, noise violations, and other Tacoma Municipal Code violations.
Ensure enforcement activities follow appropriate administrative procedures, including voluntary compliance notices, notices of violation, compliance orders, and penalty processes.
Provide guidance to inspectors on complex or sensitive enforcement cases, including derelict property determinations and escalated enforcement actions.
Conduct quality control reviews of enforcement cases to ensure accurate documentation, including inspection notes, photographs, and code citations.
Ensure staff maintain thorough and defensible records to support enforcement actions and potential appeals.
Assist in preparing documentation and supporting inspectors in hearings before the Hearing Examiner or other legal proceedings when required.
Coordinate enforcement activities with internal City departments, including Planning, Environmental Services, Public Works, Tacoma Fire, and Tacoma Police, as well as external agencies when appropriate.
Ensure inspectors conduct investigations consistent with constitutional requirements, including restrictions on entry onto private property without consent.
Monitor case timelines and program performance to ensure inspections, follow-ups, and enforcement actions occur within established program standards.
Respond to complex inquiries or complaints from property owners, community members, and elected officials regarding enforcement actions.
Promote voluntary compliance through education and constructive engagement with property owners and community stakeholders.
Participate in program improvement initiatives, policy development, and operational planning within the Regulatory Compliance division.
Attend meetings and represent the City as required.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Position requires climbing and crawling.
Work includes indoor and outdoor environment; subject to traveling from site to site and adverse weather conditions.
Incumbents may be exposed to potentially hazardous material and heights and subject to moving around in and through construction sites at various stages of completion.
Qualifications
An equivalent combination of education and experience such as:
Graduation from high school or equivalent
AND
Five years of experience in code enforcement, regulatory compliance, building inspection, planning, housing inspection, or a closely related field
INCLUDING
Two years of lead or supervisory experience.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Washington State driver's license and ICBO certified as a Building Inspector.
Knowledge & Skills
Municipal code enforcement practices and procedures
Property maintenance and nuisance regulations
Investigative techniques and compliance monitoring
Administrative enforcement processes and due-process requirements
Principles of supervision, training, and staff development
Conflict resolution and professional communication practices
Recordkeeping and documentation standards for regulatory enforcement
Ability to:
Supervise and support field inspection staff
Investigate complaints and determine appropriate enforcement actions
Interpret and explain municipal codes and regulations
Communicate effectively with property owners, tenants, and the public
Maintain accurate enforcement records and prepare reports
Analyze complex situations and develop appropriate solutions
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
Application Process
Interested individual should complete the online application and attach a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.
Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at time of application to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.
Examination Process:
This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their job application and responses to Supplemental Questions #7-11 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. Those who pass with a minimum score of 70% or higher will be placed on an Eligible List for a period of one year, and eligible for interview selection and invitation. The interview process may include a combination of verbal interview and practical skill assessments. Applicants who pass the test will be placed on an Eligible List for potential interview and hiring consideration. The Eligible List established for this position will be used to fill vacancies and provide set-ups for one year.
Appointment is subject to passing a background check. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 17. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
For technical difficulties using the NeoGov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you're passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
The Community
Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.
With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $49.72 - $60.45
Annual Salary: $103,417.60 - $125,736.00
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma (https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits/)
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment @type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process. Your responses will be reviewed by subject matter experts and must stand on their own merit. Do no refer to your resume in lieu of answering the questions. Do you certify that the information you provided is accurate and complete?
Yes
No
02
Select the option that best describes you highest level of education.
Highschool
Associate degree
Bachelor's degree
Graduate degree
Other
03
How many years of professional experience do you have un code enforcement, regulatory compliance, building inspection, planning, housing inspection, or a closely related field?
1-2 years
2-4 years
5-7 years
8+ years
04
How many years of supervisory or lead experience do you have overseeing staff performing regulatory, inspection, or enforcement work?
1-2 years
2+ years
None of the above but willing to learn
05
List any professional certifications you possess that are relevant to regulatory compliance, code enforcement, property maintenance inspection, building inspection, or related fields.
06
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST: Questions 7-11 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to the questions. You must describe when and where you received your experience and/or training and what work was performed. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT refer to your resume in lieu of answering this question, as raters will not have access to your resume or application and this will result in a score of 0 points. Your score on the experience and training test will solely reflect your responses to the questions asked. For questions 7-11, make sure you describe your position, including your roles in the position, key activities, level of responsibility and the number of years' experience in that capacity. Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions 7-11.
Yes
No
07
Describe your experience supervising staff responsible for regulatory enforcement, inspection, or compliance work. In your response, please include: - The size and structure of the team you supervised - Your role in assigning work and managing workloads - Your approach to coaching and developing staff - How you addressed performance issues or accountability concerns
08
Describe a complex code enforcement or regulatory compliance case you were involved in managing or investigating. Please explain: - The nature of the violation - The enforcement steps taken - Any challenges encountered - The final outcome of the case
09
Accurate documentation is critical for enforcement actions and appeals. Describe your approach to ensuring enforcement cases are thoroughly documented. Include your experience with case management systems, inspection notes, photographs, and other forms of evidence used to support enforcement decisions.
10
Supervisors are often responsible for determining when a case should escalate from voluntary compliance to formal enforcement actions such as notices of violation, penalties, or abatement. Describe a situation where you had to decide whether to escalate an enforcement case. In your response, explain: - The factors you considered in making your decision - How you balanced fairness, compliance goals, and legal defensibility - The final outcome of the case
11
Code enforcement work can involve high-conflict situations with property owners, tenants, or community members who strongly disagree with enforcement actions. Describe a situation where you had to support or defend the work of a member of your team in a contentious situation. In your response, explain: - The nature of the conflict - How you ensured your staff member was supported - How you communicated with the involved parties - What the final resolution was
12
Code enforcement work often involves complex interactions with property owners, tenants, or community members who may be frustrated or resistant to enforcement actions. Describe a challenging situation you handled involving a difficult property owner, complainant, or stakeholder. What steps did you take to resolve the situation while maintaining professionalism and enforcing applicable regulations?
13
Supervisors must ensure enforcement actions follow due-process requirements and applicable legal standards. Describe your understanding of due process in regulatory enforcement and how you ensure staff follow appropriate procedures when issuing notices or escalating enforcement actions.
14
Describe a time when you had to manage competing priorities, high workloads, or backlog within a regulatory or inspection program. What strategies did you use to prioritize work and maintain program effectiveness?
15
Effective code enforcement programs often rely on coordination between multiple departments and external agencies. Describe your experience collaborating with other departments or agencies to resolve complex enforcement issues.
16
Describe a situation where you had to review or correct work completed by a member of your team. How did you address the issue while maintaining accountability and supporting professional development?
17
Code enforcement supervisors must balance education-focused compliance with enforcement actions. Describe how you approach situations where voluntary compliance has not been achieved and escalation to formal enforcement is required.
18
Code Compliance Inspectors frequently receive complaints that may be incomplete, misleading, or outside the jurisdiction of the program. Describe your approach to evaluating a new complaint or enforcement case. In your response, explain: - How you determine whether the complaint falls within your jurisdiction - How you verify facts before taking enforcement action - How you decide whether education, voluntary compliance, or enforcement is the appropriate response Provide a specific example from your experience.
19
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
Job Interest Card notification
Internet search
Professional organization
Community organization
Military organization
Union job posting
City of Tacoma employee
Online job board posting
Word of mouth
Other
20
Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.
Required Question
Employer
City of Tacoma
Address
Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764
Phone
253-591-5400
Website
http://www.tacoma.gov
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