PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE INSPECTOR

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is responsible property maintenance inspection and code enforcement work involving the inspection of commercial, residential and industrial properties to assure compliance with the BOCA (Building Officials and Code Administrators) property maintenance code.

Work involves responsibility for conducting inspections of property to ascertain if these properties comply with the health, safety and public welfare provisions of the code.  Duties include inspections on a regular and routine basis as well as in response to unsightly, unsafe and/or unhealthy conditions.  This position also has the responsibility for making difficult code enforcement decisions, particularly as they relate to the time frame to be allowed for corrective measures.  This work requires that the employee have considerable knowledge of the property maintenance code and of field inspection work.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision` of the Building Official.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts routine and detailed inspections of properties for compliance with the property maintenance code based upon complaints, personal observations and referrals from other agencies.

Inspects the interior and exterior of single and multiple dwellings, rooming houses, abandoned buildings, other buildings and their appurtenances for sanitary conditions and/or potential safety hazards.   Checks for structural deterioration, ventilation, lighting adequacy, insect and rodent infestations, adequacy of heating and plumbing facilities and garbage and rubbish removal or disposal.

Refers apparent building, health, safety and fire hazards to appropriate departments for action, as well as addressing those violations as per the Property Maintenance Code.  

Reviews, researches and investigates violations of the building maintenance code.  Notifies responsible parties of effects and issues written or oral instructions for corrections.  Conducts follow-up inspection to monitor compliance.  Makes referrals to Corporation Counsel as warranted.

Makes telephone and personal contacts to schedule appointments with property owners.  Provides information and guidance to members of the office regarding code complaints.

Keeps records and unites reports of inspections performance, actions taken and corrections secured.  Prepares letters regarding violations and other related issues.

Prepares affidavits regarding code violations.   Collaborates with city's legal staff regarding code cases and testifies in court.  Makes follow-up inspections when so directed by the court.

Supervises assigned labor crew in the removal of rubbish, in and on properties which have been subject to condemn violation proceeding.

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Good knowledge of the provisions of government codes pertaining to housing and health codes and code enforcement procedures.

Some knowledge of building construction practices, materials and standards.

Considerable ability to diagnose defects and hazards in building structures.

Considerable ability to enforce regulations with firmness and tact.

Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, associates, property owners, other agencies and public.

Good ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school graduate, plus three to five years of construction, inspection experience and be able to meet the statutory requirements for State of Connecticut Assistant Building Official certification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid Connecticut drivers license and be able to meet the statutory requirements for obtaining a State of Connecticut Assistant Building Official Certification.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Motor vehicle, computer, printer, electrical tester, telephone, still and video camera and safety equipment such as hard hat and safety glasses.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed both in an office setting, outdoors, and at housing site locations, commercial and retail facilities and industrial settings.  Field work is required in the inspection of housing sites.  Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate various pieces of office equipment.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk or hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.  When the employee is working inside housing units unfavorable conditions involving dirt, smells, lighting, cold, heat, dampness, and air circulation can frequently range from moderately to severely uncomfortable.  There is also the risk of coming into contact with communicable disease and carelessly discarded needles of drug users.  Occasionally the employee may encounter hostile owners, tenants and vagrants occupying structures.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

THE CITY OF WEST HAVEN IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER