Transit Fare Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Application Review:The position will remain open until filled, with a final deadline of August 3, 2026

The next Code Compliance Inspector Academy will start on September 14, 2026

Code Compliance Inspectors, under the direction of the Manager of Field Operations/Code Compliance Supervisors, perform specialized inspections and enforcement of ordinances, regulations and laws governing the transit system. Code Compliance Inspectors are responsible for enforcing all ordinances and laws approved by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Board of Directors. Code Compliance Inspectors are classified as Public Officers under the law with Powers of Arrest. The position is non-sworn and unarmed. Considerable judgment is required in meeting emergency situations, enforcing regulations, and in coordination with other personnel, contractors, and local agencies. Ordinances are enforced by the issuance of citations and arrests are occasionally necessary. Code Compliance Inspectors are required to prepare incident and arrest reports, as well as testify in court when subpoenaed. Officers work varied shifts based on seniority on a 4 day/10 hours per day work week. Some officers may be selected for bike patrol duty. Essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

What Transit Enforcement Code Compliance Inspectors do:

Essential Functions

• Ensures passenger safety on all MTS properties, trolleys, buses, stations, bus stops, transit centers and in paratransit vehicles.
• Assists and provides information to patrons and the public.
• Ensures compliance with all MTS Ordinances, Penal, Public Utility, Health and Safety and Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Codes, as approved by the Board of Directors, for enforcement on all MTS properties, trolleys, buses, stations, bus stops, transit centers and in paratransit vehicles.
• Enforces the fare ordinance by performing unannounced random inspection of fares on board trains and in fare paid zones.
• Enforces other violations including, but not limited to, narcotics and alcohol-related offenses, and quality of life violations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What MTS is Looking For:

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; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire.
• Ability to use 2-way radios to communicate with supervisors and the Operation Control Center and police radios to communicate during routine records checks or in emergency response situations.
• Ability to use a hand-held electronic device to inspect fares; knowledge of or ability to learn the in-house computerized data base program Transit Watch.

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 75 pounds).
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key.
• Must be able to stand on moving light rail vehicles and/or buses for up to 4 hours per day.
• Must be able to physically restrain combative/resistant violators.
• Must have the ability to render aid during emergency response situations, including physically removing injured or unconscious victims in the event of an accident involving any MTS vehicle.
• Must have the ability to run distances of up to 400 yards to respond to emergencies and calls for assistance from passengers or other enforcement personnel.
• Code Compliance Inspectors work a 4-10 plan work-week and may be assigned to work nights and/or weekends as part of their regular schedule.

Experience/Education/Certificates/License(s)

• Possess a high school diploma or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• Familiarity with the California Criminal Justice system is desirable.
• Candidates must complete the POST 832 PC Certified Course in Laws of Arrest prior to hire or within the first year of employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license.

Salary: $25.52 with incremental increases

Benefits

MTS offers competitive benefits including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, paid time off, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

Additionalperksand benefits include:

• Employer-paid holidays (up to 13 per year, including 3 floating holidays)
• Free transit pass for you and your family
• On-site gym and gym membership reimbursement
• Walk, run, and bike event reimbursement
• Employer-paid bereavementleaveand jury duty
• Tuition reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Company-paid training and professional development opportunities
• And much more!

General Information:

• Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check.

DISCLAIMER: The above described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

EEO is The Law - Equal Employer 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, such as hair texture and 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 (cured or rehabilitated cancer), physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision-making, genetic information (including family medical history), military or veteran status, or any other protected class.

MTS encourages veterans, military spouses and people from different backgrounds to apply for open positions for which they are interested. Additionally, MTS employees are encouraged to refer qualified candidates from all backgrounds and age groups. At MTS, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.

What MTS is Looking For:

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; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire; ability to use 2-way radios to communicate with supervisors and the Operation Control Center and police radios to communicate during routine records checks or in emergency response situations; ability to use a hand-held electronic device to inspect fares; knowledge of or ability to learn the in-house computerized data base program Transit Watch.

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 75 pounds).
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key.
• Must be able to stand on moving light rail vehicles and/or buses for up to 4 hours per day.
• Must be able to physically restrain combative/resistant violators.
• Must have the ability to render aid during emergency response situations, including physically removing injured or unconscious victims in the event of an accident involving any MTS vehicle.
• Must have the ability to run distances of up to 400 yards to respond to emergencies and calls for assistance from passengers or other enforcement personnel.
• Code Compliance Inspectors work a 4-10 plan work-week and may be assigned to work nights and/or weekends as part of their regular schedule.

Experience/Education/Certificates/License(s)

• Possess a high school diploma or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• Familiarity with the California Criminal Justice system is desirable.
• Candidates must complete the POST 832 PC Certified Course in Laws of Arrest prior to hire or within the first year of employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license.

General Information:

• Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check.

DISCLAIMER: The above described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.