Inspector I

City of Dubuque, IA; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Dubuque is seeking an Inspector to conduct field inspections of rental properties and related structures to ensure compliance with property maintenance and related codes. The role requires preparing reports, investigating violations, and advising property owners, contractors, and the public on applicable codes.

Under supervision, the inspector will interpret codes, issue notices, initiate enforcement actions, and may provide testimony in administrative or court proceedings.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of residential construction, maintenance and repair methods.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to read construction plans and drawings.
• Proficiency with common software tools (word processing, spreadsheets).
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections.
• Investigate and enforce property maintenance and construction regulations.
• Maintain records in permit tracking system.
• Advise owners, contractors and the public on codes and corrections.
• Interpret and apply codes and ordinances.
• Issue notices and initiate enforcement actions.
• Prepare correspondence and reports.
• Provide testimony in administrative or court proceedings.

Skills

Building knowledge

Customer service

Technical drawing

Computers & software

Critical thinking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or higher in Construction related field

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Deputy Code Official, Inspectors conduct field inspections of rental properties and properties for code enforcement, prepare reports, perform investigations, and initiate enforcement actions. Inspectors consult and collaborate with other City departments and staff, the public, and other organizations to achieve and verify compliance with the City's adopted codes, as well as applicable state, local, and federal regulations. The ideal candidate desires to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Work in this class involves field inspections of rental properties to ensure compliance with adopted property maintenance, and related codes. This position must have the ability to exercise independent judgment. Work is reviewed through reports, results achieved, and adherence to established standards.

JOB DUTIES

• Conduct field inspections.
• Investigate and enforce city, state and federal property maintenance and construction regulations and violations.
• Maintain records of current activities in permit tracking system.
• Advise property owners, contractors and citizens on ordinances, codes and necessary corrections.
• Interpret and apply applicable codes and ordinances.
• Issue notices.
• Initiate code enforcement actions.
• Prepare correspondence.
• Participate in code compliance enforcement actions, including coordination with legal counsel, case preparation, and providing testimony in administrative or court proceedings.
• Testify in court on violation cases.
• Provide staff support for meetings of the Building Code Advisory and Appeals Board.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Building and Construction - Knowledge of residential construction, maintenance and repair means, methods and materials. Ability to read construction plans and documents. Knowledge of zoning regulations, codes, policies and ordinances.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and practices for delivering high-quality customer service, including assessing customer needs, communicating technical information clearly, responding to inquiries in a professional and respectful manner, resolving concerns effectively, and maintaining positive working relationships with contractors, property owners, design professionals, and the public. Ability to provide consistent, solution-oriented service while balancing customer needs with applicable codes, policies, and regulations..
• Design - General knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals involved in production of technical plans, blueprints, and drawings.
• Technology- Knowledge of personal computers, word-processing, and spreadsheet software.
• Critical Thinking and Complex Problem Solving - Ability to notice a problem, think about the pros and cons of possible solutions and deciding on the best solution.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and one of the following:
  • Training or experience in some or all of the following: new construction, housing rehabilitation, housing code enforcement, lead paint certification and housing-related health and sanitation code enforcement; or
  • Two (2) years of documented experience as a property maintenance inspector; or
  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's degree or higher in Construction Management, Construction Technology, or Building Technology; or
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the requirements as defined above.
• Possession of a valid Iowa Driver's License
• Must possess, or be able to obtain within one (1) year of appointment, the following International Code Council (ICC) certifications:
  • Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector (Exam 64)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two (2) years of documented experience in a construction related field

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of their place of employment as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two years of appointment.

FLSA STATUS

Non Exempt

SUPERVISORY STATUS

None

PHYSICAL

• Operates office equipment.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Subject to recall at various times including holidays and after hours.
• May remain in a stationary position for an hour or more.
• The ability to identify and avoid unsafe working conditions to maintain personal safety at all times.
• Ability to utilize appropriate safety equipment including eye protection, hearing protection, and respirators.
• Ability to test to the necessary fit testing standards for the appropriate level of respiratory protection for the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• General work is conducted in the field, some office work.
• Ability to work outdoors.
• May work in areas that are somewhat uncomfortable due to dirt, dust, fumes, noise, lighting, or temperature variation.
• Travels to various locations, ability to operate a variety of department vehicles.
• Ability to navigate various terrain including construction sites and function in a variety of weather conditions common in Iowa.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.