CITY OF GROVER BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. 5
Placement: Consent
Meeting Date: March 9, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Matthew Bronson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Karla Mattocks, Interim Human Resources Officer SUBJECT: Resolution to Amend the Classification and Compensation Plan to Update the Public Works Director/City Engineer and Code Compliance Officer Job Specifications
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Resolution to amend the Classification and Compensation Plan to update the Public Works Director/City Engineer and Code Compliance Officer Job Specifications.
BACKGROUND
The job classification of Public Works Director/City Engineer was last revised in 2005. With the upcoming retirement of the incumbent, staff is proposing a revision to the position job specification to allow the selected candidate to obtain the required Professional Engineering license within eighteen months of appointment, rather than requiring possession of the license at the time of hire. This change was suggested by the executive recruitment firm the City is using as a way to expand the potential applicant pool in a competitive labor market.
A similar change is recommended to the job classification for Code Compliance Officer. The job specifications currently require that the candidate have completed the California Association of Code Enforcement Officer Basic Training course prior to hire. The recommended change would allow the candidate to complete the initial training within one year of appointment. The candidate would then have two years to complete the intermediate and advanced level trainings.
The proposed changes do not eliminate the licensure or training requirement. Rather, these changes establish a clear condition of continued employment that ensures the selected candidate will meet all statutory and professional requirements within a defined timeframe. By broadening the applicant pool while preserving professional standards, these revisions will enhance the City’s ability to attract qualified candidates and ensure continuity of operations during this critical transition period.
Staff Report: Click or tap here to enter text. Page 2
March 9, 2026
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no expected fiscal impact from this action.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council has the following alternatives to consider:
1. Adopt the Resolution to amend the Classification and Compensation Plan to update the Public Works Director/City Engineer and Code Compliance Officer Job Specifications; or
2. Provide staff with additional direction.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
The agenda was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 26-___; Exhibit A – Public Works Director/City Engineer Job Specifications; Exhibit B – Code Compliance Officer Job Specifications
Multi-Year Goals
☐ Public Safety and Community Services ☐ Economic Development and Housing ☐ Community Infrastructure ☐ Financial and Organization Sustainability Council Priorities
☐ Water & Wastewater Infrastructure ☐ Community Engagement RESOLUTION NO. 26-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GROVER BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION
PLAN TO UPDATE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER AND CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER JOB SPECIFICATIONS.
WHEREAS, a pending retirement and resignation in the job classifications of Public Works Director/City Engineer and Code Compliance Officer will require the City to recruit for new hires to fill these positions; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to broaden the applicant pool for the job classifications of Public Works Director/City Engineer and Code Compliance Officer; WHEREAS, the representatives of the Service Employees Internation Union (SEIU) agreed to the updates in the Code Compliance Officer job classification and the Public Works Director/City Engineer job classification is not represented and changes may be made at the discretion of the City to that position; and
WHEREAS, the membership of the aforementioned group has ratified the changes set forth in Exhibit A, and Exhibit B;
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed and approved of the changes set forth therein.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Grover Beach does hereby adopt this Resolution ratifying the above-referenced job classifications.
On motion by Council Member _______, seconded by Council Member _______, and on the following roll-call vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members -
NOES: Council Members -
ABSENT: Council Members -
ABSTAIN: Council Members -
the foregoing Resolution was PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a meeting of the City Council of the City of Grover Beach, California this
_____________________________
KASSI DEE, MAYOR
Attest:
______________________________
WENDI SIMS, CITY CLERK
Attachment 1
FLSA: EXEMPT Exhibit A
CITY OF GROVER BEACH
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR / CITY ENGINEER
DEFINITION:
Under administrative direction, plans, manages, and directs the operations and services of the Public Works Department, which includes public works, engineering, facilities, streets and parks maintenance, and utilities operational services; coordinates activities with other City officials, departments, outside agencies, contractors, organizations, and the public; establishes department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; provides staff assistance to the City Manager and the City Council; performs other related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Public Works Director/City Engineer is the department director class managing the overall operation of the Public Works Department, including public works, engineering, streets, facilities and parks maintenance, and water and wastewater system services. This class is distinguished from the next higher class of City Manager in that the latter manages the overall City operations.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Receives administrative direction from the City Manager. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over management, professional, technical, maintenance, field, and office support personnel.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following) • Directs all Public Works Department activities and services, including public works, engineering, facilities, streets and parks maintenance, and water and wastewater system services; plans, directs, coordinates, and participates in the Department’s work plan; assigns work activities to appropriate department personnel; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; identifies and resolves problems and/or issues; coordinates activities with other City officials, departments, contractors, outside agencies, organizations, and the public.
• Directs the Public Works Department's operations, including water, wastewater, parks, storm drains, and streets operations and services.
• Prepares and/or reviews contracts, agreements, resolutions, ordinances, and bid documents for assigned operations; coordinates or directs staff in the coordination of outside vendors for various contractservices.
• Prepares and presents reports and other information to the City Council and other governmental and non-governmental bodies.
Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a class. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.
City of Grover Beach
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR / CITY ENGINEER
• Develops, implements, and maintains Departmental goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures for improving organizational performance, enhancing services, and meeting goals; ensures that goals are achieved. • Administers and oversees the management of a variety of public works, engineering, streets and parks maintenance and utilities projects, agreements, contracts, and contractors; ensures compliance with performance and cost agreements; evaluates cost effectiveness of agreements; provides contract oversight for solid waste disposal.
• In conjunction with the consulting City Engineer for water and sewer, administers and oversees the management of a variety of design, construction, and maintenance contracts and contractors; ensures compliance with performance and cost agreements; evaluates the cost effectiveness of agreements. • Manages the selection, training, and evaluation of programs for all Public Works personnel; provides and/or coordinates staff training; identifies and resolves staff deficiencies; provides corrective personnel actions as required; reviews the work of Department personnel to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations. • Works with various federal, state, regional, county, city, and special district agencies on City public works, streets, parks, engineering, and utilities related matters; develops recommendations for policies, laws, ordinances, resolutions, and programs related to public works activities. • Prepares, manages, and coordinates the development of the Public Works budget; prepares forecasts of necessary funds for staffing, materials, and supplies; presents, justifies, and supports programs, operations, and activities; monitors and approves expenditures; discusses and resolves budget issues with appropriate staff; implements adjustments as necessary. • Coordinates and manages the development and implementation of the City’s five year Capital Improvement Program; serves as a member of the development services review team. • Develops technical and policy recommendations to the City Manager. • Works closely with Planning staff; reviews development applications and projects for compliance with City standards and codes.
• Serves as a resource for Department personnel, City staff, other organizations, and the public; coordinates pertinent information, resources, and work teams necessary to support a positive and productive environment.
• Attends and participates in professional and community meetings; responds to and resolves sensitive and complex community and organizational inquiries, issues, and complaints; establishes and maintains a customer service orientation within the Department. • May serve as Acting City Manager in his or her absence. • Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
City of Grover Beach
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR / CITY ENGINEER
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven, and slippery surfaces, kneeling, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. The position also requires both near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents. Hearing sufficient to provide telephone and personal service is required. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles. The ability to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the class.) Education and/or Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary for a Public Works Director. Typically, a Public Works Director would possess the equivalent of five years of increasingly responsible experience in public works, engineering and/or utilities, including three years in a supervisory or management capacity, and a bachelor’s degree in civil or traffic engineering, public or business administration, or a related field.
License/Certificate:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license prior to appointment.
Mandatory: Must obtain California registration as a Professional Civil Engineer within eighteen months of hire.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.) Knowledge of:
Modern principles, practices, and techniques of repair, maintenance and operation of municipal facilities, parks facilities and streets maintenance and grant writing and administration; contract negotiation and administration; technological advances in public works, utilities and engineering; principles and practices of program and budget development, administration, and evaluation; methods and techniques of supervision, training, and motivation; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment; modern office practices, methods, and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; occupational hazards, and standard safety practices.
City of Grover Beach
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR / CITY ENGINEER
Ability to:
Plan, direct, manage, and coordinate the work of the Public Works Department; develop and administer sound departmental goals, objectives, policies, and methods for evaluating achievement and performance levels; communicate effectively with internal and external constituents; provide professional and technical advice regarding program activities to the City Manager and the City Council; represent the interests of the City with a variety of boards, committees, commissions, outside agencies, and the public; read and interpret maps, sketches, plans, drawings, specifications, and technical manuals; develop and administer a budget; negotiate and oversee consultant contracts; coordinate, develop, and conduct training programs for assigned staff; attend evening meetings as required; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Skill to:
Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications.
Rev. 09/2009
Approved & Adopted:
Signature: Date:
Human Resources Coordinator
Signature: Date:
City Manager
FLSA: EXEMPT Exhibit B
CITY OF GROVER BEACH
CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER
DEFINITION:
Perform technical field and office work related to the identification, investigation and enforcement of violations of the City’s municipal, building, zoning, commercial cannabis, and signage code for residential, commercial and industrial uses; investigate community complaints of code violations; act as a community liaison in educating the public about code requirements and the benefits to the community; prepare correspondence and staff reports; and perform related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Code Compliance Officer is a single level position performing the full scope of duties in the prevention, detection, investigation, and enforcement of violations of statutes or ordinances regulating health and safety, building and land use, with the goal of enhancing the community and the health and welfare of its citizens; providing information to businesses and the general public in code enforcement operations; and performing related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
Receives general supervision from the Community Development Director. Individuals in this class do not routinely exercise supervision.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following) • Manage the code enforcement caseload and receive, record, and investigate complaints from the public and staff regarding violations of municipal codes, building, zoning, signage, and property maintenance codes; documents violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; research ownership records, prior complaints, municipal codes and ordinances, and state regulations to establish whether a violation has occurred.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, implement, and facilitate enforcement of the City’s commercial cannabis ordinances and permitting process related to manufacturing, distribution, transportation, testing labs, cultivation and dispensaries uses compliance/enforcement and mitigation activities. • Initiate contact with residents, business representatives and other parties to explain the nature of incurred violations and to encourage compliance with code regulations; communicate with the public by telephone, in writing and in person regarding code regulations.
Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities that are associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a class.
In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of individuals within the position.
City of Grover Beach
CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER
• Prepare staff reports related to code enforcement activities and services; may present information to the City Council and various commissions, committees and boards; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
• Issue infraction or misdemeanor citations as necessary if corrective actions are not taken. • Monitor compliance activities and conducts follow-up and final inspections. • Prepare required documentation for legal actions and conducts follow-up once legal actions have been initiated.
• Maintain records of inspections and related code compliance files. • Confer with other agencies and City departments on disposition of a variety of complaints and code violations.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires both near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Hearing sufficient to provide telephone and personal service is required. The ability to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)
Education and/or Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Code Compliance Officer. Typically, a Code Compliance Officer would have two years of college level course work construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field and three years of experience interpreting and enforcing laws and regulations with a government agency.
License/Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license prior to appointment; Completion of California Association of Code Enforcement Officer Basic course; Completion of California Association of Code Enforcement Officer Basic course within one year of hire; Certification of California Penal Code 832 course or ability to obtain within one year of hire; Certified as a Property Maintenance Inspector by the International Code Council, or the ability to obtain certification within one year of hire; and
City of Grover Beach
CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Completion of California Association of Code Enforcement Officer Intermediate and Advanced courses or designated as a Certified Code Enforcement Officer by the California Association of Code Enforcement Officer or ability to obtain within two years of hire.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.) Knowledge of:
Basic principles, methods, techniques, and practices of building inspection and zoning investigation; Basic provisions of State and City laws and codes relating to property development; ; public relations techniques and procedures;; legal procedures involved in the enforcement of building codes and ordinances;; current trends in the code compliance field; basic criminal and penal codes, City of Grover Beach Ordinances, and relevant Federal/State Marijuana laws, including Proposition 215, Proposition 64 and Assembly Bill 420; California Occupational Safety and Health Act; state and Federal Housing Laws;; methods of conducting office and field investigations; modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Ability to:
Read and understand site plans, construction plans, maps, drawings, specifications, legal descriptions, contract documents, criminal code, penal code, graphs, and building and use permits; evaluate impact of current trends in code compliance field on departmental operations and make recommendations on policy and procedure improvements; identify technical problems, determine alternative solutions and act on best alternative; explain technical terms and concepts verbally and in writing including reporting, documenting and drafting ordinances; use patience, tact, courtesy and self-restraint in dealing with professionals in building construction, law enforcement and the general public; observe safe work practices; determine violations per zoning ordinances, ordinance codes, building code, and maintain files on cannabis violations and business licenses; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Skill to:
Operate standard office equipment, including a computer and experience with Microsoft Office.
Adopted:
Approved & Adopted:
Signature: ______________________________________ Date:
____________________
City of Grover Beach
CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Human Resources Officer
Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ____________________ City Manager