Housing Inspector

City of Hartford•Ct 06103, CT

About The Position

The Housing Inspector works in the Licenses and Inspection Division of the Development Services Department under supervision. The role supports a city public health program by conducting systematic housing surveys and inspections to promote housing hygiene and the conservation and rehabilitation of dwellings through enforcement of health and housing technical codes. The inspector conducts routine and detailed inspections of housing facilities in response to complaints, personal observations, and referrals from other agencies. Inspections cover the interior and exterior of single- and multiple-family dwellings, rooming houses, and other buildings, checking for sanitation and safety hazards, structural deterioration, ventilation, lighting, insect and pest infestations, garbage and rubbish disposal, and adequate heating and plumbing. The inspector investigates reported violations, consults with property owners about violations and corrective methods, may initiate joint inspections with outside contractors, and prepares written reports and correspondence for corrective or enforcement action. The position also participates in special housing surveys and studies. The position is 40 hours per week. Extended hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required. The incumbent must also be available for rotational 24-hour emergency on-call duties. Work takes place in an office and in community settings, with travel to inspection sites. Appointment is subject to a physical examination, drug and alcohol screening, and background check; appointed employees serve a 12-month probationary period.

Requirements

Graduation from high school supplemented by two years of college and two years of responsible professional experience in real estate, construction, housing hygiene, sanitation inspection, or a closely related field; or graduation from high school and five years of such experience.
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Submit a copy of the degree or transcript with the application, if applicable; submitted education documentation will be verified.
Submit a copy of the driver's license with the application.
Knowledge of modern techniques and practices of housing hygiene.
Knowledge of laws, ordinances, and regulations governing housing hygiene.
Knowledge of general principles and practices of environmental sanitation pertinent to housing hygiene rehabilitation.
Knowledge of general construction methods and terminology and general knowledge of technical codes.
Ability to enforce regulatory provisions firmly and objectively.
Ability to read and interpret building plans and draw rough sketches of room layouts.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of other agencies and the general public.
Availability for rotational 24-hour emergency on-call duties.
Ability to meet physical demands that may include negotiating rough terrain, lifting up to 25 pounds, and working outdoors in all weather conditions.
If selected, pass a physical examination administered by a city physician, drug and alcohol screening, and background check.

Nice To Haves

Hartford residency is preferred.
Eligible veterans may receive preferential points if they submit the required Veteran's Preference Form and supporting documentation.

Responsibilities

Conduct routine and detailed housing inspections for compliance with health and housing laws, ordinances, regulations, and technical codes.
Inspect the interiors and exteriors of dwellings, rooming houses, and other buildings for sanitation and safety hazards, including structural deterioration, ventilation, lighting, pests, waste disposal, heating, and plumbing.
Investigate reported housing and health code violations arising from complaints, personal observations, and referrals from other agencies.
Prepare written reports and correspondence for corrective or enforcement action.
Consult with and advise property owners about housing code violations and methods of correction.
Initiate joint inspections with outside contractors.
Participate in special housing surveys and studies.
Perform additional related duties as required.