Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Inspector

City of Richmond, VA•Richmond, VA

50d

About The Position

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. Note: Other reporting relationships may apply.

Requirements

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
Skills (some combination of the following):
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
Abilities (some combination of the following):
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
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
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
LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
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

Responsibilities

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.