Code Inspector I / Gs 13

City of Alexandria•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

Employees in this class work in the Property Maintenance Division of the Department of Code Administration. They conduct proactive inspections, review complaints, identify applicable code violations, perform on-site inspections, and work with property owners, tenants, and business owners to determine violations and recommend effective corrective actions. The position works under the general supervision of the Property Maintenance Division Chief. The Code Inspector I performs entry-level work while developing code inspection skills in accordance with the USBC. The inspector assists staff by researching code, ordinance, and City policy provisions; responds to complaints; communicates abatement actions and follows up; enters inspection information and results into an automated database; and prepares violation notices and corrective directions. The inspector manages an inspection schedule and reports, operates and maintains a City vehicle and issued equipment, and follows safety practices and uses required safety equipment. The inspector attends community meetings and may testify in court as required. They attend training to earn and maintain continuing education and certification requirements established by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Code Administration, and maintain current knowledge of City and department policies, procedures, and guidelines. Work assignments increase in complexity and involve applying accepted code inspection knowledge and techniques, responding to community service requests and complaints, and helping ensure compliance with the Virginia Maintenance Code and Alexandria’s Code of Ordinances.

Requirements

Code Inspector I: At least three years of experience in construction or a construction-related field; or an associate degree in fire science, criminal justice, public administration, building construction, or a related field and at least one year of experience in a property inspections-related field.
Code Inspector II: At least four years of experience in code enforcement, property maintenance, or a property inspections-related field; or an associate degree in fire science, criminal justice, public administration, property inspections, or a related field and at least two years of property inspections-related experience; or a bachelor's degree in fire science, criminal justice, public administration, or building construction and at least one year of property inspections-related experience.
Code Inspector III: At least five years of experience in code enforcement, property maintenance, or a property inspections-related field; or an associate degree in fire science, criminal justice, public administration, building construction, or a related field and at least three years of property inspections-related experience; or a bachelor's degree in fire science, criminal justice, public administration, or building construction and at least one year of property inspections-related experience.
Possess a valid driver's license.
Meet the City of Alexandria Code Inspector Career Ladder requirements within the 12-month probationary period after original appointment.
Ability to lift 50 pounds with assistance, operate keyboard-driven equipment, work in adverse weather, climb ladders up to 40 feet with required safety equipment, crawl, crouch, stoop, work in uncomfortable conditions, climb multiple levels of stairs, reach overhead, go up and down steep inclines, and walk and maneuver indoors and outdoors.

Nice To Haves

Code Inspector I: An associate degree in fire science, criminal justice, or public administration and one year of experience in a property inspections-related field.
Code Inspector II: At least four years of experience in code enforcement, property maintenance, or a property inspections-related field; or an associate degree in fire science, criminal justice, or public administration and one to two years of experience in a property inspections-related field.
Code Inspector III: At least five years of experience in code enforcement, property maintenance, or a property inspections-related field; an associate degree in fire science, criminal justice, or public administration and three years of experience in a property inspections-related field; or a bachelor's degree in fire science, criminal justice, or public administration.
Knowledge of the USBC and applicable City of Alexandria building and maintenance ordinances, or the ability to acquire that knowledge readily.

Responsibilities

Conduct proactive field inspections and on-site inspections.
Review complaints and service requests, identify applicable code violations, and respond to community members.
Work with property owners, tenants, and business owners to determine violations and recommend corrective abatement actions.
Research specific provisions of codes, ordinances, and related City policies.
Communicate abatement actions and provide required follow-up.
Enter inspection data, results, and reports into an automated database.
Prepare violation notifications and corrective directions.
Manage the inspection schedule and maintain inspection reports.
Operate and maintain a City vehicle and other issued equipment.
Attend community meetings and testify in court as required.
Follow established industry safety guidelines and practices and use necessary safety equipment.
Attend training and earn and maintain required continuing education and certifications.
Maintain current knowledge of City and department policies, procedures, and guidelines.