Advertised job title: Transportation Compliance Inspector
Internal Job Title: Regulatory Inspector
For-Hire Vehicle Administration is responsible for overseeing the safe and compliant operation of for-hire transportation services throughout San Diego County.
We're looking for a Regulatory Inspector to play a critical role in that effort through inspections, investigations, compliance activities, and by building positive relationships with drivers, permit holders, and industry stakeholders.
Why MTS
This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on public safety while supporting the safe and compliant operation of for-hire transportation services throughout San Diego County.
You'll work in a dynamic field environment, engaging with drivers, permit holders, and industry stakeholders while helping ensure transportation providers meet the standards that keep communities moving safely.
What You'll Do
This position combines field enforcement, inspections, investigations, customer service, and stakeholder engagement. You'll:
- Patrol throughout San Diego County in a marked MTS vehicle to enforce laws, regulations, and ordinances governing for-hire transportation services
- Conduct vehicle and driver inspections to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements
- Verify permits, insurance coverage, DMV registrations, and driver credentials
- Issue warnings, administrative violation notices, and citations when necessary
- Investigate passenger complaints and document findings through detailed reports
- Remove unsafe vehicles from service and help ensure public safety standards are maintained
- Build positive working relationships with drivers, permit holders, law enforcement agencies, regulatory partners, and industry stakeholders
- Provide driver safety awareness and compliance training
- Testify in court when required regarding enforcement actions and investigations
- Maintain accurate records and support administrative functions within the For-Hire Vehicle Administration department
What We're Looking For
- Minimum education requirement: High School diploma or GED
Experience in Code Compliance, Law Enforcement, or a related enforcement environment preferred
- Experience conducting inspections, investigations, or compliance activities
- Strong communication, report-writing, and customer service skills
- Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and ordinances
- Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and professionalism
- Valid California Driver License
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills are highly desirable
- Automotive, mechanical, or vehicle service experience is a plus
Compensation
Salary Grade 3*: $49,204 – $69,869 annually
Anticipated hiring range: $50,000 – $55,000 annually
- Final offers are based on experience, internal equity, budget considerations, and market factors.
Benefits & Total Rewards
At MTS, our benefits go beyond salary—supporting your financial security, health, and work/life balance:
- Pension + Retirement: Defined benefit pension (CalPERS), Social Security, and optional 457(b)/401(a) plans
- Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision with MTS covering up to 90% of medical premiums
- Time Off: 18 days of PTO to start + 13 paid holidays
- Insurance: Employer-paid life, AD&D, and disability coverage
- Perks: Free transit passes, wellness reimbursements, and tuition assistance (up to $5,000/year)
- And much more!
Application Deadline
Position will remain open until filled.
EEO is The Law - Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled
MTS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer with an ongoing commitment to treat all people, including customers, co-workers, and the public at large, with dignity and respect. As a public transportation agency, MTS is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities in which we work and live.
MTS supports and promotes an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. MTS recruits, hires, trains, and promotes individuals without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age (40 years or older), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision-making, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other protected class.
MTS encourages veterans, military spouses, and people from different backgrounds to apply. At MTS, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.
For-Hire Vehicle Administration is responsible for overseeing the safe and compliant operation of for-hire transportation services throughout San Diego County.
We're looking for a Regulatory Inspector to play a critical role in that effort through inspections, investigations, compliance activities, and by building positive relationships with drivers, permit holders, and industry stakeholders.
Why MTS
This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on public safety while supporting the safe and compliant operation of for-hire transportation services throughout San Diego County.
You'll work in a dynamic field environment, engaging with drivers, permit holders, and industry stakeholders while helping ensure transportation providers meet the standards that keep communities moving safely.
What You'll Do
This position combines field enforcement, inspections, investigations, customer service, and stakeholder engagement. You'll:
- Patrol throughout San Diego County in a marked MTS vehicle to enforce laws, regulations, and ordinances governing for-hire transportation services
- Conduct vehicle and driver inspections to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements
- Verify permits, insurance coverage, DMV registrations, and driver credentials
- Issue warnings, administrative violation notices, and citations when necessary
- Investigate passenger complaints and document findings through detailed reports
- Remove unsafe vehicles from service and help ensure public safety standards are maintained
- Build positive working relationships with drivers, permit holders, law enforcement agencies, regulatory partners, and industry stakeholders
- Provide driver safety awareness and compliance training
- Testify in court when required regarding enforcement actions and investigations
- Maintain accurate records and support administrative functions within the For-Hire Vehicle Administration department
What We're Looking For
- Minimum education requirement: High School diploma or GED
Experience in Code Compliance, Law Enforcement, or a related enforcement environment preferred
- Experience conducting inspections, investigations, or compliance activities
- Strong communication, report-writing, and customer service skills
- Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and ordinances
- Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and professionalism
- Valid California Driver License
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills are highly desirable
- Automotive, mechanical, or vehicle service experience is a plus
Compensation
Salary Grade 3*: $49,204 – $69,869 annually
Anticipated hiring range: $50,000 – $55,000 annually
- Final offers are based on experience, internal equity, budget considerations, and market factors.
Benefits & Total Rewards
At MTS, our benefits go beyond salary—supporting your financial security, health, and work/life balance:
- Pension + Retirement: Defined benefit pension (CalPERS), Social Security, and optional 457(b)/401(a) plans
- Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision with MTS covering up to 90% of medical premiums
- Time Off: 18 days of PTO to start + 13 paid holidays
- Insurance: Employer-paid life, AD&D, and disability coverage
- Perks: Free transit passes, wellness reimbursements, and tuition assistance (up to $5,000/year)
- And much more!
Application Deadline
Position will remain open until filled.
EEO is The Law - Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled
MTS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer with an ongoing commitment to treat all people, including customers, co-workers, and the public at large, with dignity and respect. As a public transportation agency, MTS is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities in which we work and live.
MTS supports and promotes an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. MTS recruits, hires, trains, and promotes individuals without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age (40 years or older), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision-making, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other protected class.
MTS encourages veterans, military spouses, and people from different backgrounds to apply. At MTS, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.
Requirements:
The Regulatory Inspector performs specialized inspections and enforces ordinances, regulations and laws governing for-hire vehicles, including but not limited to, taxicabs, jitneys, charter, low-speed vehicles, sightseeing vehicles, non-emergency medical vehicles, sedans, vans, minibuses, and buses. Essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:
Essential Functions
- Enforces policies, regulations, ordinances and laws passed by the State of California and MTS Board of Directors governing vehicles for hire, including but not limited to, taxicabs, jitneys, charter, low-speed vehicles, sightseeing vehicles, non-emergency medical vehicles, sedans, vans, minibuses, and buses.
- Performs specialized inspections and determines a vehicle's fitness for operation.
- Gains vehicle permit holders' compliance with respect to vehicle and regulatory requirements.
- Issues administrative violation notices and citations as a public officer.
- Prepares comprehensive written reports on all violations and citations and testifies in court when subpoenaed.
- Ensures that for-hire vehicles are in compliance with applicable local, state and federal safety standards and regulations.
Duties May Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following:
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts; ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel; ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions; skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; ability to complete a variety of inspections, administrative tasks and enforcement activities for the Taxicab Administration department in a timely, accurate manner with minimal supervision; ability to interact in a professional and friendly manner the general public and MTS employees; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire; ability to communicate effectively with individuals from various backgrounds; ability to operate independently, but also function well as part of a team; ability to exercise good judgment in making routine decisions; bilingual skills (English/Spanish) are highly encouraged.
Physical Requirements
The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 15 pounds). Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key. Work will at times require more than 8 hours per day or an irregular work week to perform the essential duties of the position. Duties will be performed primarily in the field and at the MTS inspection facility. Travel to external locations and agencies may be required.
Experience/Education/Certificates/License(s)
Possess a high school or GED. Prior experience in Code Compliance or Law Enforcement is required. Journey-level mechanic experience and bilingual skills in English and Spanish are preferred, but not required. A combination of relevant education and experience may be acceptable. Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license and be bondable with no previous criminal record. Must be able to pass within three (3) months of hire, or have previously passed, an 832 PC POST Certified Course in Laws of Arrest.
GENERAL:
Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check.
