Licenses & Standards Inspector

City of Seattle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Licenses & Standards Inspectors to ensure compliance with various business regulations in Seattle. This role offers the opportunity to engage in diverse fieldwork, conducting inspections across the city while promoting social justice and equity. Successful candidates will thrive in a dynamic environment, working closely with local businesses and the community to uphold regulatory standards. If you possess strong analytical and communication skills and are passionate about making a difference, this position is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the well-being of Seattle's diverse communities.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Vacation and sick leave

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life and long-term disability insurance

Qualifications

• Two years of relevant experience in code enforcement or business management.
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections and enforce business and regulatory license codes.
• Educate local business owners about regulatory requirements.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Judgment

Interpersonal Skills

Research Skills

Attention to Detail

Flexibility

Team Orientation

Education

Two years of code interpretation and enforcement experience

Relevant education or training

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access)

Job description

The Consumer Protection Division (CPD) is seeking diverse candidates with strong analytical skills, good judgment, and excellent interpersonal skills for two (2) Licenses & Standards Inspector positions. In this exciting role, you will engage in all aspects of inspector field work, including taxicab, limousine, and Transportation Network Company (TNC) enforcement; weights and measures inspection including gas pumps, scales and scanning systems; regulatory code inspection; business license and tax enforcement; and nightlife activity and noise code compliance.

Work will be performed across Seattle communities and in a multicultural workplace with diverse colleagues and customers, emphasizing communication for cooperation, collaboration, and inclusiveness in support of department goals to promote diversity and social justice. This role involves extensive fieldwork and a varied schedule that will include nights, weekends, and holidays.

ABOUT US

The Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) is often the public's first interaction with the City of Seattle, operating as a customer-focused front door that assists with everything from paying utilities or reporting a pothole to requesting public information or even adopting a new pet.

The 500-plus employees of FAS span across 10 divisions and work behind-the-scenes providing critical functions, like managing 120 City facilities—including police and fire stations—overseeing the City's neighborhood customer service centers and Customer Service Bureau, and making sure minority-owned businesses can equitably compete for City contracts. No matter the need, FAS is here—at your service.

• Conduct inspections and enforce business and regulatory license codes throughout the city of Seattle. Regulated industries include Short Term Rentals, Cannabis, Taxi and Transportation Network Company operators, Pawnshops, Adult Entertainment, Private Property Impound and more.
• Conduct periodic inspections and tests on commercial weighing and measuring devices (fuel dispensers, scales, and taxi meters); check accuracy of price scanning systems at retail stores; inspect packaged goods for accurate net contents declarations, proper method of sale declarations, and complete and accurate product labels.
• Investigate business and commercial activities for violations of business license and tax requirements. Contact and/or visit businesses as needed to ensure compliance. Issue notices, citations, and criminal complaints when needed for violations of the code.
• Communicate with and educate local business owners and the public about regulatory requirements; complete daily work logs and periodic activity reports; develop and present cases to the Law Department and testify as a witness on behalf of the City. Inspectors strive for voluntary compliance through outreach and education, but also issue citations with monetary penalties and license actions, and/or file criminal complaints for code violations.
• Weekend and evening work will be required and may include teamwork with other departments and agencies with visits to nightclubs, bars, adult entertainment establishments, musical festivals, and mobile vending businesses. Weekend and evening work may also include for hire transportation enforcement and special event enforcement. Noise code enforcement may include taking decibel readings using a certified Type II Sound Meter in response to noise complaints.

Minimum Qualifications:

Two (2) years of code interpretation and enforcement or full-time work experience in credit and collections, or other fields directly related to business management and code compliance.

(Or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.)

License, Certification and Other Requirements:

• Current Washington State driver's license.
• Special Police Commission.

The most successful candidates will possess the following:

• A commitment to the City’s RSJI Initiative – to eliminate racial disparities and achieve racial equity in Seattle.
• Experience working in code enforcement, legal analysis, investigation, or a similar role requiring strong research and analytical skills and public interaction.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Experience reading, analyzing, and interpreting complex laws and regulatory policies.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing work conditions and priorities.
• Ability to tactfully and effectively deal with difficult and aggressive persons in industry and the public.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments concurrently and meet frequent deadlines.
• Strong team orientation coupled with the ability to work well independently.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access).

Work Environment

During training and onboarding, this position requires five days per week of onsite work. After successfully completing the training program, this position may be eligible to move to a minimum of three days per week of onsite work. Overtime work may be required based on business needs. Alternative Work Arrangements and hybrid telework schedules for work conducted in a normal office environment may be considered and will be based on operational needs and consistency with City policies.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Inspectors drive special purpose trucks in heavy traffic on downtown city streets and must be able to lift and use test weights and measures weighing up to 50 pounds and push a cart loaded with up to 500 pounds of test weights.
• Required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• Required to walk and drive in all types of weather.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Requires working with the public in potentially hazardous/abusive situations.
• May require working around hazardous/toxic chemicals.
• Depending on the shift and planned duties, the Inspector may work alone, in pairs, or on teams with other Inspectors.
• Required to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The full pay range for this step-progression position is $44.62 - $52.08. per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $42.59 hourly. Current City employees’ starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. You must submit the following items to be considered for this position no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on the scheduled closed date.

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
3. Current resume indicating relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and education.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state “see my resume” or “see my personnel file” are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: This job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Background Check: Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

Pre-Employment Physical: Successful candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment physical.

Driving Record: A current, “FULL” driving abstract from the Department of Licensing is required to be submitted upon offer of employment. Candidates with driving history that does not meet our current safety standards will be disqualified from consideration. Current City of Seattle Employees in a driving position may be required to submit an updated abstract.

Special Commission Eligibility

Employment is contingent on completing and successfully passing the ESoph electronic background process. Applicant Employment is contingent on successfully passing the extensive background check for a Special Police Commission and maintaining the commission through an annual renewal process. For more information on the requirement for the Special Police Commission go to: http://www.seattle.gov/police/jobs/hiring/qualifications.htm.

SPD is interested in the applicant's life story as a complete picture. SPD understands that, at times, people encounter challenges in their lives. During the background investigation process, SPD will learn in detail about those challenges, as well as the lessons learned, and the life changes the applicant has made.

Why work at the City of Seattle?

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Who May Apply:

This position is open to all current City employees that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.