Property Maintenance Inspector (Union - AFSCME)

City of Evanston; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Evanston is seeking a Property Maintenance Inspector to enforce housing codes and promote safe, compliant properties across the city. The role emphasizes customer service, education, and proactive enforcement in both commercial and residential settings.

Inspectors evaluate housing conditions, issue notices of violation, and may present cases in adjudication hearings. A valid driver’s license, two years in code enforcement, and ICC certification are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• ICC certification as a Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector is required.
• Ability to read and interpret codes, ordinances, maps, drawings and legal documents.
• Ability to communicate effectively, write clear reports and testify when needed.

Responsibilities

• Inspect commercial and residential properties for code compliance.
• Perform inspections of heating, lighting, ventilation, and plumbing installations.
• Measure dwelling units to ensure ordinance space requirements.
• Prepare notices of violation and monitor corrective actions.
• Explain housing standards and code requirements to owners and contractors.
• This role may involve testifying in hearings and prosecutions.
• Coordinate with community groups on housing maintenance issues.
• Respond to maintenance complaints and ensure safe housing.

Skills

Excellent communication

Code interpretation

Report writing

Public speaking

Multitasking

Google/Microsoft apps

GIS/online research

Proprietary software

Timelines & judgment

Education

High School Diploma or GED

ICC Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector Certification

Job description

• Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

SALARY RANGE: $39.616 - $50.925/hourly

• Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

Nature Of Work

This position involves application and enforcement of Evanston housing codes in a fast-paced customer service-oriented environment. Inspectors encourage compliance by developing constructive relationships and educating residents and property owners. Property Maintenance Inspectors perform inspections on both commercial and residential properties throughout the City. Routine rental inspections are performed at regular intervals to ensure safe and adequate housing for residents. Additionally, the inspector will be assigned an area to regularly monitor for code violations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

• Inspects both commercial and residential properties, including registered rental units, shared housing, vacant buildings, and short-term rentals.
• Visually examines all areas to determine compliance with code standards for heating, lighting, ventilation, and plumbing installations.
• Measures dwelling units and rooms to determine compliance with ordinance space requirements.
• Inspects premises for overall cleanliness, adequate disposal of garbage, and signs of vermin infestation.
• Prepares notice of violation letters advising property owners and tenants of violations found and time allowed for correcting deficiencies.
• Reviews case and notice of violation reports and reinspects dwellings at periodic intervals adhering to Department policy requirements to verify correction of violations by property owners and tenants.
• Explains requirements of housing standards ordinance to property owners, building contractors, and other interested parties.
• Ability and willingness to take legal action on Property Standards cases when warranted by writing citations and giving testimony in adjudication hearings.
• Presents legal complaints for prosecution and testifies in court.
• Responds to property maintenance complaints/requests for service and verifies compliance with applicable codes.
• Works closely with community/neighborhood groups and organizations on a variety of housing maintenance issues to include violations, problems and resolutions.
• Performs other related duties and assignments as needed or required.

Minimum Requirements

• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED and at least two years of experience in code enforcement or a similar area of expertise.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Must possess an International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities In The Following Areas

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to read, understand and interpret code books, ordinances, maps, construction drawings, construction texts, policies, procedures, journals, newspapers, letters, reports, and legal documents.
• Understanding of general construction principles and practices; familiarity with building and housing codes a plus.
• Ability to write reports and memos with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
• Ability to speak before an audience with poise, voice control, and confidence, using proper English and a well-modulated voice.
• Ability to multitask many variable duties and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to use Google Suite and Microsoft products.
• Ability to use computer resources, such as the internet and GIS, for conducting job-related research.
• Ability and willingness to learn and utilize proprietary software for inspection purposes.
• Ability to follow established timelines and use good judgment when working on a Property Standards case file.

Physical Requirements Of Work

• Ability to lift medium weight objects, open and close building windows and doors, and apply pressure to building components as part of inspections.
• Ability to use and operate inspection tools and equipment.
• Ability to work indoors with possible exposure to human, animal and rodent fecal matter; rodents and pests; inadequate ventilation, lack of light, filth, and other unsanitary conditions.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to perform moderate manual work daily including sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and climbing.
• Ability to focus on small and distant objects, recognize depth of objects, stand for long periods of time, work outdoors at night with reduced lighting, speak, and hear.
• Ability to use machines, tools, equipment, and work aids of those commonly associated with this type of work, including, but not limited to, automobile, flashlight, room thermometer, cellular telephone, code books, tape recorder, personal computer, software, measuring devices, hammer, screw driver, awl, camera, electrical devices, and protection devices.

Supervision

Work is performed under the general direction of the Property Maintenance Supervisor. The employee uses judgment in determining code violations and the immediacy of the needed repairs. Instruction, verbal and written, is provided. Employees are responsible for completing work according to City work rules and safety regulations. Guidance is provided via the strategic plan, City Code, City policies and procedures, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations, ensuring that housing code initiatives are met. Work is evaluated on an ongoing basis with respect to progress toward achieving goals, communication skills, customer service, and ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization and the general public.

Public Contact

The employee has daily contact with other City employees, property owners, agents, tenants, and contractors. Employees will work with other departments in the course of inspections which may include Police, Fire and Health as well as other Departments or Divisions.

SELECTION METHOD

TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST

LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST

Structured Oral Interview

2 Years

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying preemployment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).