Property Maintenance Inspector- (Union-Afscme)

Salary Range: $37.342- $48.002/hourly*

• Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

NATURE OF WORK:

This position involves comprehension and application of Evanston housing codes in a fast paced customer service oriented environment. The inspector must have the ability to enforce adopted International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and other adopted municipal codes with an appropriate and respectful demeanor. Excellent time management skills are essential for success at this position. Inspectors conduct physical inspections of structures, premises and residential buildings, issuing citations for violations, initiating court complaints and providing sworn court testimony regarding violations of any building system or component including but not limited to structural, electrical, plumbing and mechanical. Work involves traveling from City offices by vehicle to locations of any type or condition located within the City for the purpose of inspecting buildings, structures or premises, and to assess the condition of such locations in relation to the code or codes enforced by the City of Evanston. Inspections are performed in locations that include the exterior of any site, as well as the interior of any site that may be below grade, or rooms, halls, stairs, roofs or any other structure or building component that may be located at any level or height of a structure or building. Code violations are noted in a medium prescribed by the Division. In addition to the field work, work in support of inspections is performed in City offices. Legal action is initiated by this position with the need for court or hearing testimony presented under oath. Safety equipment such as protective shoes, are worn as well as other safety equipment as needed, and inspection equipment such as recorders, computers, tape measures, circuit testers, smoke detector testers, as well as other equipment is carried by the inspector on inspections. This position requires compensated on-call availability during the heating season to respond to emergency calls.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

• Obtains permission from owners and tenants to enter dwellings.

• Visually examines all areas to determine compliance with code standards for heating, lighting, ventilating, and plumbing installations.

• Measures dwelling units and rooms to determine compliance with ordinance space requirements, using tape measure.

• Inspects premises for overall cleanliness, adequate disposal of garbage, rubbish and signs of vermin infestation.

• Prepares notice of violation letters advising property owners and tenants of violations found and time allowed for correcting deficiencies.

• Reviews case and notice of violation reports and reinspects dwellings at periodic intervals adhering to Department policy requirements to verify correction of violations by property owners and tenants.

• Explains requirements of housing standards ordinance to property owners, building contractors, and other interested parties.

• Ability and willingness to take legal action on Property Standards cases when warranted by writing citations and giving testimony in court. Presents legal complaints for prosecution and testifies against landlords, property owners in Housing Court.

• Works closely with community/neighborhood groups and organizations on a variety of housing maintenance issues to include violations, problems and resolutions.

• Performs other related duties and assignments as needed or required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED and one year of experience in code enforcement, construction, zoning codes, building maintenance or similar experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, experience and/or professional certification in related fields will be considered.

• Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.

• Must be willing and able to obtain an International Code Council (ICC) Certification for Property Maintenance, as offered by ICC, within one (1) year of employment and maintain it as a condition of employment.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

• Excellent communication and skills including the ability to read, understand and interpret code books, ordinances, maps, construction drawings, construction texts, policies, procedures, journals, newspapers, letters, reports, and legal documents.

• Understanding of general construction principles and practices; existing buildings; familiarity with building codes, housing codes a plus.

• Excellent communication and skills including the ability to write reports and memos with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

• Ability to speak before an audience with poise, voice control, and confidence, using correct English and a well-modulated voice.

• Ability to multitask many variable duties and responsibilities in a fast paced environment.

• Ability to use Google Suite and Microsoft products. The ability to use computer resources such as the internet and GIS for conducting job related research. Ability and willingness to learn and utilize new proprietary software for inspection purposes and the knowledge of how to use and properly care for laptop computers is a must.

• Ability to follow established timelines and use good judgment when working on a Property Standards inspection case file.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Ability to lift medium weight objects, open and close building windows and doors, apply pressure to building components as part of inspection.

• Ability to use and operate inspection tools and equipment.

• Ability to work indoors with possible exposure to human, animal and rodent fecal matter; rodents and pests; inadequate ventilation, lack of light, filth and other unsanitary conditions.

• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

• Ability to perform moderate manual work daily including sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping and climbing.

• Ability to focus on small and distant objects, recognize depth of objects, stand for long periods of time, work outdoors at night with reduced lighting, talk and hear.

• Ability to use machines, tools, equipment, and work aids of those commonly associated with this type of work including but not limited to automobile, flashlight, room thermometer, cellular telephone, code books, tape recorder, personal computer, software, measuring devices, hammer, screw driver, shovel, awl, camera, electrical devices, protection devices.

SUPERVISION:

Work is performed under the general direction of the Property Maintenance Supervisor. The employee uses judgment in determining code violations and the immediacy of the needed repairs. Instruction, verbal and written, is provided. Employees are responsible for completing work according to City work rules and safety regulations. Work is checked and evaluated. Guidance is provided via the strategic plan, City Code, City policies and procedures, applicable state and federal laws and regulations, ensuring that housing code initiatives are met. Work is evaluated on an ongoing basis with respect to progress toward achieving goals, leadership, communication skills, customer service, ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization and the general public.

PUBLIC CONTACT:

The employee has daily contact with other City employees, property owners, agents, tenants, and contractors. Employees will work with other departments in the course of inspections which may include Police, Fire and Health as well as other Departments or Divisions.

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact the Human Resources Department at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).