Property Standards Inspector

Office of Public Response; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of Public Response in Plano, TX seeks an entry-level Property Standards Inspector to inspect residential, commercial, and industrial properties for compliance with city codes and ordinances. You will educate residents on maintenance requirements to improve neighborhood livability.

You will investigate violations, notify owners, maintain case files, prepare affidavits, and testify in hearings as needed. The role emphasizes careful documentation, safe driving, and field work.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic codes and ordinances related to housing, zoning, health and safety; computer systems and software use.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to deliver public presentations.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree as listed; Experience: None; substitutions allowed.

Responsibilities

• Inspect residential, commercial, and industrial properties for code compliance.
• Notify property owners of violations and recommend corrective actions.
• Educate citizens to promote healthier, safer neighborhoods.
• Attend community meetings and interface with residents and groups.
• Maintain accurate case documentation and issue abatement orders as needed.
• Prepare affidavits and other documents for court or hearings.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Public presentations

Investigative research

Time management

Decision making

Motor vehicle operation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Social Science, Construction Management, Political Science, Urban Planning, Criminal Justice or related field

Tools

Office software

Job description

Summary of Duties

Under direct supervision, the Property Standards Inspector is responsible for developing and applying the knowledge, skills and abilities to inspecting residential, commercial and industrial zoned properties for compliance with City codes and ordinances. Educates citizens and community on property maintenance requirements for long term conservation and enhancement of communities and neighborhoods.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry-level classification in the Property Standards Specialist series that follows diversified procedures and implements processes to accomplish end results, within guidelines. Works under direct supervision, all assignments and work is reviewed for completeness and accuracy. This class is distinguished from the Property Standards Specialist in that the latter is a higher-level class in the series that performs more complex technical and investigative duties requiring a higher level of knowledge and skill.

Examples of ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Investigates and inspects residential, commercial, and industrial properties for compliance with City codes, zoning ordinances, and other applicable property use and maintenance regulations.
• Notifies property owners, occupants or other responsible parties of violations regarding City codes, ordinances, or other applicable property use and maintenance regulations and makes recommendations for corrective actions in accordance with current regulations.
• Educates citizens and community on City codes, ordinances and other applicable property use and maintenance regulations to promote and enhance the health, safety, welfare, and overall livability of neighborhoods, commercial districts, and other urban areas within the City of Plano.
• Attends community meetings and works directly with residential or other groups to alleviate neighborhood issues or other concerns.
• Maintains accurate case documentation of investigations, inspections and all other case actions taken; issues abatement work orders and citations as required.
• Prepares probable cause affidavits and affidavits of administrative search warrants and any other documentation necessary to represent the City in court cases or other administrative hearings.
• Maintains case files on substandard housing cases and prepares files and documents for presentation to the Building Standards Commission as needed; provides recommendation on cases to Building Standards Commission members when necessary.
• Researches information to process code case violations, property ownership, and citizen contact information.
• Provides testimony during court hearings.
• Assists with property and neighborhood assessments and surveys to determine overall condition; identifies property maintenance needs and deficiencies.
• Completes periodic after hour and weekend inspections as needed.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

Marginal Duties

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Decisions

The incumbent determines if properties and structures located within the City of Plano are in compliance with applicable codes, ordinances and regulations. In addition to identifying methods and techniques to promote compliance with current City codes, zoning ordinances, and other applicable property use and maintenance regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of: Basic codes and ordinances, property use, maintenance regulations, and other statutory guidelines preferably related to housing, zoning, health, and safety; computer systems, software applications, and software use; typical construction practices and material applications.

Skill in: Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing; performing various customer relations activities; delivering public presentations; conducting investigative research; demonstrating time management, decision making, and sound judgment; operating a motor vehicle safely.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Science, Construction Management, Political Science, Urban Planning, Criminal Justice or a related field.

Experience: None.

Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Licenses and Certifications

Texas Class C driver’s license. Must obtain certification as a State of Texas Certified Code Enforcement Officer within one (1) year of hire date.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to work in the field inspecting housing units, including traversing uneven terrain, to operate a motor vehicle, and tools and equipment, and to visit various City sites; vision to inspect assigned facilities, to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking conducting inspections to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, to operate standard office equipment, to turn faucets on and off, manipulate door knobs, conduct tests and to operate tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information, obtain samples, and set up equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 35 pounds.

Employees partly work in the office and partly in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer - EOE/M/F/V/D

Open positions are subject to close without notice.