CODE ENFORCEMENT INSPECTOR

City of Wilmington; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Wilmington is seeking a Code Enforcement Inspector to inspect and enforce city housing, building, zoning, and sanitation codes. You will report to the Code Enforcement Supervisor and conduct field inspections across properties to determine compliance with city rules and regulations.

The role involves preparing detailed inspection reports, evaluating violations, and assisting the public and homeowners with guidance to achieve compliance.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in a related field or apprenticeship with construction experience.
• Knowledge of residential construction, building codes, and city codes.
• Skills in reading blueprints and construction specifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform field inspections of buildings, lots, and structures to ensure compliance with city codes.
• Enforce housing, building, zoning, and sanitation codes; issue citations when needed.
• Respond to emergencies in collaboration with police and fire services and assess hazards.

Skills

Blueprints reading

Inspection

Records & reports

Education

Associate degree or higher

Job description

CODE ENFORCEMENT INSPECTOR

• Type: Open Competitive

The Department of Human Resources is currently recruiting for the following position(s).

The Department of Licenses and Inspections protects the life, health and safety of all citizens of Wilmington by monitoring all buildings through code enforcement and abatement of code violations. Codes are enforced for the purpose of improving and ensuring city code compliance, safety considerations, sanitation issues, abatement of nuisances, and overall well being of the City housing community. Visible examples of this department activities include Code Enforcement, Rental Inspections, and Housing Inspections. This ensures the accomplishment of the City objectives in an effective and efficient manner. The Code Enforcement Inspector reports to the Code Enforcement Supervisor. Additional responsibilities include:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position serves as a front line support for code administration and nuisance abatement to the city within the Licenses and Inspections department. Conducts physical inspections of buildings structures, vacant lots, yards, etc within the scope of the functions of the department as defined by city code, policies, and standard procedures to determine compliance with the statutes, ordinances, and regulations and report findings.

Enforces the City’s housing, building, zoning, and sanitation codes for inspection of dwellings and other buildings, issuing citations where appropriate.

Responds when required to police and fire emergency calls, acting as a subject matter expert where a hazard or dangerous condition occurs, e.g., car into building, fire and water damage to the building structure, electric hazards, smoke exposure hazards, abused children/animals in poor living conditions, mold, dead or decomposed body creating odors or bugs, hoarding, open structure with squatters, HAZMAT issues, and weather-related emergencies.

As an expert level professional, the code enforcement inspector ascertains the fitness of buildings and other facilities, which are inspected, and determines compliance with or violation of applicable City codes.

May be assigned to conduct field inspections for plumbing, heating, or air conditioning work and consult with homeowners, contractors, landlords, and tenants to provide advice and technical assistance to achieve compliance with City codes.

Evaluate the degree of the violation and documents by preparing a comprehensive written inspection report through Salesforce.

Investigates complaints assigned, follows up with complaints, and investigates in a diligent manner to achieve compliance, or in case of non-compliance, initiates prosecution of violators.

Maintain and preserve good public relations when interacting with the public, conducting inspections, supervising crews during snow removal, etc.

Extensive understanding of the legal appeals processes for the Licenses and Inspections Appeal Board, as inspectors present cases on behalf of the city to the board.

Assists office staff in a backup or support capacity whenever necessary.

Performs all related work as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Education: Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university in a related field or apprenticeship program with experience in construction; or any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Knowledge: Knowledge of the principles and mechanics of residential construction and building infrastructure. Knowledge of City codes pertaining to the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Thorough knowledge of the operations of the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Good knowledge of the geography and layout of the city. Good knowledge of record keeping and office practices.

• Skills: Skilled in the reading of various blueprints and construction specifications

• Abilities: Ability to accurately discern, appraise, and record all deficiencies of the city codes. Ability to maintain the goodwill of the municipality in dealing with the public. Ability to utilize electronic equipment to perform duties. Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and tactful manner. Able to ascertain desired facts through field inspections and investigations. Able to perform simple arithmetic calculations.

• Licenses: Must obtain and maintain International Code Council Property Maintenance Certification (IPMC) within one year of employment (no grace period will be permitted). Required to drive the city’s vehicle while conducting city business. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

CANDIDATE EVALUATION

Evaluation for this position includes a review of the application materials, certification of qualified applicants, and a panel interview.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

All selected applicants must pass a criminal background investigation and pre employment physical.

• Physical Requirements Extended walking is required while conducting inspections. Occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Requires hand and eye coordination to operate testing instruments, computers, and office equipment. Occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear.
• Vision Requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Working Conditions Considerable field work driving to and from inspection sites. Occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions, high or precarious places, and environments with fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, electrical risks, and vibration. Noise levels are typically moderate.
• Location and Schedule Must be available for standby as needed. Work hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm based on business needs. May be called in for emergencies. Reports to the Licenses and Inspections department at the City County Building, 800 N French Street, 3rd Floor, Wilmington DE 19801.

TOTAL COMPENSATION

Compensation encompasses both salary administration and a comprehensive benefit package:

• Salary Administration New employees are hired at the starting salary up to the median salary step four based on qualifications and internal equity within the classification. Merit increases are given after a satisfactory performance review.
• Open Competitive This position is open to all applicants who meet the qualifications both internally and externally.
• The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• City code provides a preference for eligible current city employees, veterans, and current city residents.
• The City of Wilmington is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA and the Delaware Persons with Disabilities Employment Protections Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided when requested without causing undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed please contact Human Resources at 302 576 2466.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• Open Competitive This position is open to all applicants who meet the qualifications both internally and externally.
• The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• City code provides a preference for eligible current city employees, veterans, and current city residents.
• The City of Wilmington is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA and the Delaware Persons with Disabilities Employment Protections Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided when requested without causing undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed please contact Human Resources at 302 576 2466.

BENEFITS

• Open Competitive This position is open to all applicants who meet the qualifications both internally and externally.
• The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• City code provides a preference for eligible current city employees, veterans, and current city residents.
• The City of Wilmington is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA and the Delaware Persons with Disabilities Employment Protections Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided when requested without causing undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed please contact Human Resources at 302 576 2466.

THE CITY OF WILMINGTON COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The City of Wilmington is committed to providing a robust healthcare portfolio to meet the needs of our employees and their families and is pleased to offer coverage on your first day of employment. Helping you understand the benefits we offer is important to us. Please refer to our Employee Benefits website to view all healthcare plans, vendor information, resources, and benefit rates.

Medical Insurance: Highmark BCBS of Delaware. City of Wilmington offers 2 medical plans, PPO II (Preferred Provider Organization) and an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization).

Dental Insurance: MetLife. City of Wilmington offers three dental plans, Dental Plan 1, 2, and 3.

Vision Plan: Unum (Powered by EyeMed). City of Wilmington offers two vision plans, Basic Vision coverage which is available if you enroll in medical insurance. Basic Vision Coverage which is no cost, and the Buy-Up Vision coverage is available at an additional cost.

Additional Benefits: The City of Wilmington also offers other valuable benefits such as Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability. Employer Provided HRA’s, Flexible Spending Accounts (medical reimbursement and dependent care), additional whole and term life insurances, short term disability and critical care insurance are also available at an additional cost to the employee.

Opt-Out Cash Back Incentive Program: Employees who choose to enroll in medical or dental coverage other than the City’s and can provide proof of this medical coverage may be eligible to receive additional income.

Wellness: We enjoy staying healthy together! Therefore, we have an engaging calendar of wellness events throughout the year for employees, retirees and their families. To learn more, check out our Employee Perks page.

Sick Leave: Accumulates at the rate of one day for each completed month of service, beginning after the first full month of employment.

Vacation: At least eight (8) hours* of vacation per month after the completion of the first six (6) months* of continuous employment until the next January 1. Each January 1 thereafter, employee will be credited with at least ninety-six (96) hours* of vacation for the calendar year, until the completion of five (5) years of continuous service.

Holiday: Eligible employees receive holiday pay from date of hire, View City Holidays

Life Insurance: The City agrees to provide term life insurance for each eligible employee for a maximum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) at no cost.

Pension: Eligible employees are able to participate in the State Pension Plan you will contribute 6% of your bi-weekly base pay.

Deferred Compensation Plan: Optional employee contributory plan available.

Live Near Your Work Program: Homebuyer Assistance program to provide up to $4,000 in homebuyers assistance for newly hired employees, first time homebuyers, and those employees choosing to purchase a residence in one of the City’s unique and culture-blended neighborhoods.

Tuition Reimbursement: The City encourages employee self-development and continuing education and provides a reimbursement program for eligible employees annually for qualified college or certification courses taken that year.

Teleworking/Remote Work*: Eligible employees qualify for a hybrid schedule upon approval through the city’s teleworking policy. The City is committed to increasing employee productivity and improving talent recruitment by providing employees with work alternatives that enable eligible employees to meet their work and family needs.

PSLF Program Eligible Employer: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click PSLF Loan Forgiveness.

*Benefits for employees under collective bargaining agreements or appointed positions may vary.