Elevator Inspector (Buildings Safety Engineering and Environmental Department)

City of Detroit; Coleman (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Detroit seeks an Elevator Inspector in the Buildings Safety Engineering and Environmental Department to inspect elevators and related devices, ensure compliance with the 2019 Detroit Elevator Code, and support licensing and plan review processes.

The role requires strong knowledge of elevator construction, coding requirements, and reporting, with monitoring of safety standards and inspections in a city-wide environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; two years of advanced elevator engineering training or apprenticeship.
• Eight years of experience in construction and maintenance of elevators and elevating devices.
• One year of advanced training in engineering college (preferred).
• Experience in inspection and/or supervisory phases (preferred).
• Valid State of Michigan Operator License; City of Detroit Elevator Journeyman License.

Responsibilities

• Inspect freight and passenger elevators and other elevating devices for compliance with codes and city ordinances.
• Witness and report on acceptance tests.
• Inspect new elevator installations for compliance with plans and specs.
• Check safety appliances and investigate working conditions.
• Prepare daily activity reports and investigation of complaints.

Skills

Elevator construction knowledge

Engineering principles

Dexterity

Observation skills

Inspection skills

Communication skills

PC literacy

Reading plans

Public safety awareness

Interpersonal skills

Report writing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years elevator engineering training

Michigan Elevator Journeyman License

Tools

Elevator related testing equipment

Job description

ELEVATOR INSPECTOR

BUILDINGS SAFETY ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT

The Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) mission is to provide for the safety, health, and welfare of the general public as it pertains to buildings and their environs in an efficient, cost-effective, user-friendly, and professional manner. BSEED enforces construction, property maintenance, environmental compliance, and zoning codes, which preserve and enhance property values and promote quality of life to make Detroit a preferred place to reside and conduct business.

The Elevator Inspection Team of the Construction Division of Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental is responsible for, but not limited to the examination and licensing of elevator journeypersons and contractors, inspections of elevators, escalators, and dumbwaiters, wheelchair devices, complaint investigations, and reporting of elevator accidents. The team also approves the registration of elevator licenses and handles elevator code questions.

To all elevator contractors and journeymen licensed by the City of Detroit Buildings, Safety, and Environmental Elevator Division:

As of October 1st, 2019, the Elevator Division has introduced the new 2019 City of Detroit Elevator Code - Article IX, which in accordance with Section 3(k) of the Michigan Home Rule City Act, being MCL 117.3(k) has officially adopted, with Exceptions/Additions, the following Code Requirements.

Under general supervision, inspects freight and passenger elevators and other elevating devices to assure compliance with pertinent codes and city ordinances, approves plans, specifications, and accepted standards and methods of work; and examines plans for compliance with pertinent codes, laws, and ordinances for the approval of applications for permits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(may perform other duties as assigned)

• Inspects elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and other elevating devices and their auxiliaries.
• Witnesses and reports on acceptance tests.
• Makes inspections of new elevator installations for compliance with approved plans and specifications.
• Checks safety appliances and investigates their working conditions.
• Inspects existing elevators and other elevating devices periodically and reports adverse conditions found.
• Investigates complaints of violations of codes and prepares notices of violations.
• Appears in court as a witness.
• Investigates and reports on accidents.
• Prepares daily activities reports.

Qualifications (required):

• High school graduation or GED and two (2) years of advanced training in engineering principles and their practical application to the field of elevators, which training may have been secured by the completion of a reputable apprenticeship in elevator repair and new installations.
• Eight (8) years of experience in the field of construction and maintenance of elevators and other elevating devices and their auxiliaries.

Qualifications (preferred):

• One (1) year of advanced training in an engineering college.
• Experience in the inspection and/or supervisory phases of the work.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:

• Valid State of Michigan Operator License required. Employees in this class will be required to provide their own automobile for transportation on a reimbursed mileage basis.
• Employees in this class must hold a City of Detroit Elevator Journeyman License.

Evaluation Plan

• Interview:70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience &Personal Qualifications:30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P:100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD: 01-10-2026

Bargaining Unit: 1600 AFSCME - Council 25

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of materials, operations, constructions, and trade practices related to elevator construction.
• Knowledge of elementary mechanical and electrical engineering principles governing the operation of elevators.
• Skill in physical and mechanical dexterity.
• Skill in observation.
• Skill in performing inspections.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with tact and diplomacy.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and common office software.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications for compliance with all related codes, ordinances, and laws.
• Ability to detect potential hazards to public safety.
• Ability to interact with tact and courtesy in contacts with workers, supervisors, contractors, owners, and the general public.
• Ability to prepare and write adequate inspection reports.

Physical Demands

• Work involves the ability to climb ladders, enter narrow openings and crawl spaces, and move along narrow, exposed platforms and beams.

Work Environment

• Work involves the ability to work atop elevator cars and in elevator pits beneath elevator cars while the car may be in operation.

The above statements reflect the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Essential duties may vary from position to position.