Minimum Housing Inspector

City of East Providence•East Providence, RI

21h•$0 - $59,096•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Building Official, the Minimum Housing Inspector performs technical inspection work to ensure compliance with approved plans, City Building Ordinances, State Building Code, and Minimum Housing Standards. The position conducts field and office work related to construction, alterations, property maintenance, and occupancy.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Possession of a valid driver’s license issued within the United States.
Ability to lift and move 40-50 lb. objects.
Ability to walk uneven terrain, construction sites, and residential properties.
Ability to climb stairs and ladders and access basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Ability to operate a City vehicle throughout the workday.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, keep routine records and work independently.
Ability to satisfactorily interact with fellow workers, other City Departments and public/regulatory agencies.
May occasionally be required to respond outside normal working hours to emergency conditions involving unsafe structures or other public safety matters.
At least five (5) years of responsible construction experience in the building trades.
An equivalent combination of experience and training that demonstrates required knowledge and abilities.
If selected, the candidate will be required to pass a BCI (Criminal Investigation).
Possession of following certifications or must be able to obtain said certifications within one year from date of hire: § Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (Commercial Applications Division) Right-of-Way Pest Control (Category 6) § Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (Commercial Applications Division) Public Health Pest Control (Category 8)

Nice To Haves

Ability to identify faulty construction methods, hazardous conditions, and structural deterioration.
Knowledge of ordinances and Minimum Housing Standards and the ability to interpret and apply them accurately.
Ability to read and interpret construction plans, blueprints, and technical specifications.
Ability to enforce regulations impartially while maintaining effective relationships with contractors, property owners, tenants, and officials.
Thorough understanding of statutes and ordinances related to building construction and occupancy.
Working knowledge of building construction practices across trades and accepted inspection methods.
Ability to maintain organized, accurate, and complete records and input information into Open Gov permitting system.
Ability to prepare violation notices accurately.
Five (5) years of experience in minimum housing or building inspection

Responsibilities

Coordinates inspections with plumbing, fire alarm, and electrical inspectors.
Inspects and processes applications and renewals for facilities such as convalescent and nursing homes, day care centers, childcare homes, churches, theaters, and other public assembly spaces.
Investigates unsafe buildings and structures and assists with condemnation, placarding, emergency securing, and demolition proceedings.
Conducts inspections and issues notices of violation, correction orders, citations, compliance deadlines, and other enforcement documents. Monitors compliance and recommends additional enforcement action when necessary.
Prepares inspection reports, documentation of violations, and recommendations for corrective action.
Conducts proactive and complaint-driven inspections to enforce Minimum Housing Standards, property maintenance regulations, and related City ordinances. Plans and organizes neighborhood inspections and submits findings to the Building Official.
Interprets and explains applicable ordinances, Minimum Housing Standards, inspection procedures, permit requirements, and compliance requirements to property owners, tenants, contractors, real estate professionals, architects, and the general public.
Performs rodent and pest abatements.
Coordinates enforcement activities with Police, Fire, Public Works, Planning, Animal Control, and other City departments.
Maintains accurate inspection records, photographs, and case documentation in the City's permitting and records management system.
Conducts follow-up inspections to verify compliance and determine when additional enforcement is necessary.
Assists during emergency incidents involving unsafe structures, condemnations, weather events, and other public safety matters.
Utilizes OpenGov permitting software, GIS, tablets, mobile inspection applications, digital photography, Microsoft Office, and related technologies.
Provides technical information and guidance to residents, contractors, property owners, tenants, and the public regarding City ordinances, inspection procedures, permit requirements, and compliance.
Performs inspections related to solid waste, recycling, illegal dumping, and property maintenance; issues notices of violation and citations as authorized.
Enforces City ordinances related to snow removal, overgrown vegetation, sidewalk obstructions, nuisances, and other property maintenance requirements.
Represents the City by preparing case documentation and providing testimony before Municipal Court and other administrative or judicial proceedings.
Performs related duties as assigned.