Vendor Enforcement Officer #2604-6522-01

The City of New Haven is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Vendor Enforcement Officer, responsible for ensuring compliance with municipal vending ordinances through field inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions. This role plays a critical part in maintaining fair, safe, and orderly use of public spaces by working directly with vendors, addressing complaints, and upholding regulatory standards across the city. 

This position is responsible for field-based inspection, investigation, and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with the City of New Haven’s vending ordinances. Work involves on-site compliance inspections that arise from vending complaints, including enforcement of the special vending districts, monitoring of existing vendors, and issuing citations to vendors operating without a license to ensure compliance with local ordinances.

This role reports to: Building Official/Issuing Authority; Vendor License Program Coordinator

The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive

• Conducts field inspections of vending activities to ensure compliance with applicable City ordinances and regulations.
• Investigates complaints related to unpermitted or non-compliant vending operations.
• Issues citations and notices of violation in accordance with local ordinances and established procedures.
• Educates vendors and the public regarding applicable laws, licensing requirements, and compliance standards.
• Monitors licensed vendors to ensure continued adherence to regulations and protocols.
• Prepares and maintains accurate and detailed records of inspections, violations, citations, and enforcement actions.
• Prepares written reports, case files, and documentation for administrative or legal proceedings.
• Coordinates with other City departments, concerning zoning, licensing, and public safety, as necessary.
• Performs related work as required.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban studies, public administration, construction management, or a related field.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in code enforcement, construction trades, municipal inspection, regulatory compliance, or a closely related field.
• In lieu of college degree, an additional 4 years of closely related experience may be substituted.

• Considerable knowledge of local vending ordinance and the zoning ordinance as it relates to vending and public space.
• Considerable knowledge of special vending districts and associated rules, regulations, and licensing requirements.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, ordinances, and regulations in field situations.
• Ability to assess violations and determine appropriate corrective actions to achieve compliance.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports and maintain organized enforcement records.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office for creating documents, spreadsheets, and reports.
• Competency in using email clients (e.g., Outlook, Gmail) and calendar applications for scheduling and managing correspondence.
• Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to handle potentially sensitive or confrontational situations with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to deal effectively with the general public, contractors, technicians and other City Staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including vendors, business owners, contractors, and the general public.
• Ability to be versatile, flexible, and be willing to work within changing priorities.
• Commitment to keep all matters confidential and conduct oneself with the highest ethical standards.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively in a diverse community, recognizing and respecting cultural differences, and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, which may include occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Must have and maintain a valid Connecticut driver’s license.

This is a Special Fund, "Non-Tested" position. Funding may be terminated at any time.

This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 884, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Bargaining agreements available to review HERE.

Special Funded employees shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security. Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.
We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.