Code Enforcement Inspector

Housing Inspector

Responsible for inspecting housing and dwelling units to promote and enforce conformity with laws, ordinances, and regulations promulgating minimum standards of fitness of use for human habitation. Although supervisory advice and assistance is available with new or unusual problems, work is ordinarily performed independently in the field, and decisions made require considerable technical judgment and discretion, with review through reports and conferences. No supervision is exercised over other employees.

Essential Functions

• Makes regular and special inspections of residential buildings and premises for adequacy, sanitation, safety, installation and maintenance of kitchen, bathroom, hot water, heating, lighting, electrical and ventilation facilities.
• Makes regular and special inspections of residential buildings and premises for installation and maintenance of structural elements, of space and use under applicable zoning ordinances, and for adequacy, sanitation, and safety of sewage disposal, exits, insect and rodent control, and garbage and rubbish storage and disposal.
• Inspects old and potentially dangerous structures, which may be subject to condemnation.
• Investigates complaints and obtains evidence as to violations of minimum housing standards, including curtailment of services, or other dangerous or unsanitary housing conditions.
• Issues verbal and written orders for the correction of violations. Re-inspects and follows up to ensure compliance. May obtain show-cause orders and assist in the prosecution of persistent violators.
• Cooperates with federal, state and municipal inspectors in joint investigations and inspections of related fields.
• Interprets findings, responsibilities and regulatory provisions to landlords and tenants. Promotes community interest and cooperation in minimum housing standards.
• Prepares reports to superiors covering inspections made, conditions found, and actions taken or recommended.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of laws, ordinances, codes and regulations relating to minimum standards of fitness for human habitation.
• Considerable knowledge of accepted and pertinent principles, practices and standards of public health, sanitation, housing and home safety practices.
• Ability to recognize substandard housing conditions and to prescribe corrective measures.
• Ability to enforce regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, tenants, other inspectors, and the general public.
• Ability to promote interest and cooperation in minimum housing standards and environmental sanitation.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree supplemented by courses related to housing inspection and environmental sanitation.
• Minimum of two years of experience in housing inspections, environmental sanitation or closely allied work.