Property Code Inspector 1

Madison, City of (WI); Madison (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Madison is seeking a Property Code Inspector to perform field inspections and enforcement of environmental and zoning regulations. The role combines outdoor inspections, office duties, and contact with property owners to explain violations and ensure compliance.

You will issue notices, coordinate abatements, and maintain case files while supporting seasonal staff in snow removal and related tasks.

Qualifications

• Experience communicating or explaining organizational policies to the public.
• Familiarity with inspection methods for identifying code violations.
• Computers and software used for inspections and recordkeeping.

Responsibilities

• Field work: investigate property maintenance complaints and conduct surveys on grass/weed control, snow removal, graffiti, junk, debris, and zoning concerns.
• Conduct onsite code conferences with owners/management to explain observed violations.
• Coordinate abatement actions (trees, mowing, junk removal, graffiti, obstructions).
• Enter inspection results into Accela and maintain accurate records.
• Coordinate and train seasonal snow removal staff in assigned areas.

Skills

Communication with public

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree

Two years' code enforcement experience

Tools

Accela

Job description

The City of Madison is hiring a Property Code Inspector

This position involves technical and inspection work to enforce City rules related to environmental issues and zoning. These issues may include weed control, snow removal, graffiti cleanup, removal of dead trees, keeping sidewalks clear of obstructions, addressing vision obstructions, and removing junk or trash. Zoning concerns may involve inoperable vehicles, or front yard parking. The job includes both independent fieldwork and office duties. You will respond to property complaints, conduct inspections, identify violations, gather information, issue notices to violators, and follow up with additional inspections until the issue is resolved. You may also coordinate seasonal contractors who handle grass cutting, tree removal, graffiti removal, and snow removal in different areas of the City. You will work under the supervision of the Housing Inspection Supervisor, who will ensure that City policies and procedures are followed and will provide guidance on more complex enforcement cases.

Movement to a Property Code Inspector 2 will depend on workload demands and will be accomplished by internal or external competition.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Field Work

• Investigate property maintenance complaints from the public and conduct survey inspections regarding grass and weed control, snow removal, erosion control, graffiti, junk, trash and debris, tree concerns, zoning restrictions, right of way obstructions, vision clearance violations, trash bin storage, and other specialized inspection projects.
• Conduct other property maintenance inspections as authorized.
• Conduct onsite code conferences with property owners/management companies explaining in detail observed violations that have resulted in official notices being issued.
• Coordinate abatement action to comply with notices (i.e. trees, mowing, junk, trash and debris, graffiti, right of way obstructions, etc).
• Enter result of inspections into Accela.

Administrative Work

• Write Official Notices, extension, citations, letters and referrals to City Attorney resulting from observations made during field work inspections.
• Answer email questions and respond to telephone inquiries from property owners, property management companies, contractors, other City’s agencies and residents in general.
• Issue re-inspection fees.
• Maintain accurate records and files of inspections conducted.
• Review resident concerns and create cases as needed.
• Research properties past history for relevant information regarding all previous cases.
• Refer relevant exterior property maintenance and repairs issues to various City and government agencies when applicable.
• Coordinate and train on work of seasonal snow removal staff in assigned areas of the City.

Customer Service Work

• Respond to questions regarding property maintenance and relevant City ordinances governing property maintenance.
• Respond to questions about past majority maintenance cases and property histories.

Miscellaneous Work

• Participate in legal action referral process as requested by City Attorney. Appear in court as witness for property maintenance non-compliance cases.
• Collaborate with city programs and initiatives (i.e. Neighborhood Resource Teams and Racial Equity & Social Justice).
• Educate residents, tenants, property owners, property management companies, contractors and organizations.
• Train and assist less experience inspectors in the field and office.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the field or office as needed.
• Participate in trainings as assigned.

Perform related work as required.

• One (1) year of experience involving significant independent responsibility for communicating or explaining organizational policies and procedures to the general public.

OR

• Possession of an Associate's or Bachelor's degree may be substituted for the experience requirement

OR

• Two (2) years experience in applying the following:
• Standard recordkeeping procedures.
• Communication or explanation of organizational policies and procedures to the general public.

Familiarity with the following:

• Inspection methods applicable to the identification and resolution of code violations.
• Computers and computer software applicable to the duties of the position.

The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to effectively work with multicultural communities.

For the complete list of the knowledge, skills, and abilities, please reference the classification specification online.

Possession of a valid driver's license.

Employees in this classification are required to provide their own reliable vehicle to conduct inspections. Mileage and parking will be reimbursed as provided by the employee handbook.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires work outdoors in all types of weather and on various terrain, including uneven and slippery/wet surfaces. The employee will be expected to physically visit residences and businesses throughout the City and must be able to physically inspect the site.

* The payroll title is Property Code Inspector 1.