Neighborhood Improvement Specialist II (Code Inspector) Full-Time

Town of Riverdale Park; Riverdale Park (MD); On-site; USD 58,885 - 60,362; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive health-care benefits

Retirement plan

Leave package

$2,080 per year for bilingual skills

Job summary

The Town of Riverdale Park is seeking a Neighborhood Improvement Specialist II. This role includes inspecting properties, engaging with the community, and enforcing the town's community standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience. Competitive health-care benefits, a solid leave package, and a retirement plan are offered. The starting salary ranges from $58,885 to $60,362 based on qualifications, with additional pay for bilingual skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in community engagement, planning, code or law enforcement.
• Familiarity with building development/construction or municipal operations is preferred.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize requests and projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections and enforce community standards.
• Engage with residents and stakeholders to encourage neighborhood improvement.
• Negotiate improvement plans and manage an active caseload.

Skills

Community engagement

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Knowledge of local regulations

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, architecture, or public administration

Job description

The Position

Under general supervision, this intermediate position involves inspections, community engagement, problem-solving, and enforcement of the Town's community standards. The community standards, commonly referred to as codes, apply to all residential and commercial properties, establish minimum requirements for the upkeep of properties, and set technical requirements in the built environment. As part of the ONS Team, the Neighborhood Improvement Specialist II is tasked with improving neighborhood quality of life, enhancing safety in the built environment, and encouraging active participation in neighborhood redevelopment. Most of the time is spent in the field, having daily contact with property and business owners, tenants, community stakeholders, and neighborhood groups. The position requires managing an active caseload, negotiating improvement plans, ensuring timely follow‑up, abating deficiencies, and encouraging neighborhood improvement participation.

Compensation

The starting salary range is $58,885 to $60,362, depending on qualifications. The Town offers competitive health‑care benefits, a leave package, an excellent retirement plan, and $2,080 per year for bilingual English‑Spanish speaking and writing skills in addition to base pay.

Supervision Received

Work is assigned and performed under the general supervision of the Director of Development Services.

Supervision Exercised

None.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be seeking an exciting opportunity to assist in creating change throughout the Town's neighborhoods and business areas. A minimum of a Bachelor's degree is required, with a preference for degrees in engineering, construction management, architecture, or public administration. A combination of relevant experience and education may substitute. Demonstrated experience must include at least two years in community engagement, planning, code or law enforcement, licensing/permitting, familiarity with building development/construction, municipal operations, or related work. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.

Abilities

• Communicate verbally and in written form effectively with a diverse community and workplace; interacting with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Interpret and implement local policies and procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain discretion regarding files, reports, and conversations within the provisions of the Maryland Public Information Law and other applicable state and federal regulations.
• Demonstrate a high degree of comprehension, memory recall, and analytic ability involving technical and complex requirements.
• Define problems and deal with a variety of situations to think quickly, maintain self‑control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Multitask and prioritize requests and projects to meet deadlines, and organize work independently.

Certification and Licensing

Within six months of employment, the successful candidate must obtain and maintain certification as a Property Maintenance/Housing Inspector from the International Code Council. The Town will provide training. The candidate must also maintain a valid Class D vehicle operator’s license and a satisfactory driving record.

Department

Neighborhood Services encourages owners and tenants to work with the Town and partners to meet or exceed compliance with the Town's codes and community standards, ensuring safe and well‑maintained homes, businesses, and neighborhoods. The Office comprises two neighborhood improvement specialists reporting to the Director of Development Services, with centralized administrative support.

Physical Requirements and Activities

• This position requires light physical work, including lifting up to 25 pounds and carrying up to 10 pounds.
• Physical activities include stooping, pulling, lifting, reaching, grasping, and repetitive motions.
• Walking, standing, and mostly sitting at will, but possibly for long distances and sustained periods; movement may occur over uneven or rough terrain.
• Includes the necessity to communicate by talking, hearing, and listening.
• Vision capabilities must include close, distance, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

The Community

Riverdale Park is a growing community situated between Hyattsville and College Park, Maryland. With a population of approximately 7,351, the Town is experiencing significant development, including two Purple‑Line stations under construction. The Town operates under a Council‑Manager form of government with an elected mayor and six council members, supported by staff leadership led by the Town Manager.

Challenges and Opportunities

This role offers an exciting opportunity to positively impact the built environment and quality of life in a town experiencing growth. Challenges include evolving expectations, leading change, transitioning to data‑driven decision‑making, improving policy and process implementation, and enhancing community services within operational and budgetary constraints.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Town of Riverdale Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town provides equal opportunity to all qualified applicants based on demonstrated fitness and merit as determined through the selection process without regard to sex, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability, or any other basis protected by federal or state law, ordinance or regulation.