Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Inspector

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• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

Description

The City of Richmond Department of Planning & Development Review is seeking highly qualified candidates to fill the position of Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Inspector. This class provides compliance and enforcement of the Uniform Statewide Building Code and International Property Maintenance Code as adopted by City ordinance. Incumbents provide inspections of buildings and structures in accordance with standard procedures and protocols, and serve as enforcement officers. As assigned, work may include: reviewing permit applications and plans; approving plans and permits that correct code violations; preparing structural and other reports; recommending approval of corrective proposals; coordinating contractor work; interpreting and explaining codes, rules, and regulations; corresponding and meeting with property owners, attorneys, architects, and other organizations to coordinate inspections and referrals; preparing Certificates of Occupancy, construction, and demolition permits; processing liens for properties demolished or boarded; maintaining databases and files and generating reports from the database; preparing, using, and serving court summons, subpoenas, and administrative appeals; researching ownership data through legal documentation; inspecting properties for nuisance and environmental violations, unlawful vegetation, and unlawful vehicles; and attending mandatory in-house and local training.

Supervision Exercised/Received:

Exercised: This classification typically does not supervise other employees. Received: Depending upon assignment, this classification typically reports to an Inspection Field Supervisor or other similar level position.

Duties include but are not limited to

• Conducts field inspections and follow up inspections. Inspects buildings for code compliance. Inspects properties for nuisance and environmental violations, unlawful vegetation and unlawful vehicles.
• Performs routine case management activities. Enters and retrieves data from database. Reviews permit application. Approves plans/permits to ensure work meets existing code. Prepares/records official documents. Issues and serves summons, subpoenas and appeals to present cases before judicial hearings. Updates and enters new case information in computer system. Reviews existing and old case files for updates and enters new data. May create photos and other documents and upload to case files.
• Performs administrative and customer service duties. Reviews phone messages and emails from internal/external customers; responds to phone calls from citizens or other City workers; and provides clarity for complaints and issued notices of violation. Attends meetings.
• Creates, prepares, and maintains documentation such as magistrate summonses or other information required for court cases, demo files, and contractor abatement files. May discuss case dispositions with relevant City personnel (e.g. City Attorney), and attend court on behalf of City of Richmond Code Enforcement.
• Conducts case file research and investigations such as searching derelict property for ownership, utility, or tax status. Utilizes available resources to search for, identify, and locate owners.

Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge (some combination of the following):

• Construction materials, methods, and techniques
• Maintenance codes and applications
• Inspection techniques, including judgments regarding seriousness of violations and risks to the public
• State statutes and local ordinances related to building maintenance
• General terms associated with housing construction and trades
• Current and obsolete construction codes
• Enforcement techniques, preparation of Notices of Violation, court summonses, and inspection warrants
• Standard construction/building equipment
• Building inspections
• Microsoft Office Suite

• Computer proficiency
• Research methods
• Critical thinking and reviewing
• Documenting and reporting
• Strong customer service and Interpersonal skills
• Effective oral and written communication
• Time management, organization, and prioritization
• Collaboration
• Initiative
• Creative problem-solving

• Interpret construction codes, Virginia Property Maintenance Codes, and City of Richmond Municipal Codes
• Conduct on-site inspections of residential/commercial properties in a variety of conditions and environments
• Work professionally with diverse populations in potentially difficult or hostile situations
• Be a strong team player and maintain good working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to communicate with clarity and conciseness
• Explain City and international building codes
• Prepare documentation and testify in district/circuit court hearings
• Learn, adapt to, and use inspection and tracking software
• Work and utilize time effectively with limited direct supervision
• Identify, locate, and contact property owners, including evasive persons
• Find alternative solutions and continue with enforcement activities until violations have been resolved
• Communicate and transmit information/technical data in a clear and coherent manner, including individuals not familiar with the subject matter
• Conduct research, collect data, and maintain information safely and securely
• Adhere to policies and procedures

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Three years of experience in building construction or maintenance, fire, or housing inspections
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department)may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

• Valid Driver's License with satisfactory driving record and a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire
• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Property Maintenance Inspector certification
• Virginia Special Police Officer certification within a timeframe established by the city

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Jessica McKenzie, Human Resources Manager by email at Jessica.McKenzie@RVA.GOV.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Richmond Values Veterans. We are an official V3 Certified Company.

The City of Richmond is a proud partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program.

With over 4,000 employees, the City of Richmond is an "Employer of Choice" among cities throughout the nation. The City strives to hire and retain employees who bring dedication and talent to the workforce. Offering a competitive, cost effective, and quality benefits package is one element of an "Employer of Choice".

The City offers a full range of benefit programs from initial hire through retirement. Please visit our Web site for details.