Sanitation Inspector 1

The City of Milwaukee•Milwaukee, WI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Milwaukee seeks a Sanitation Inspector 1 to help maintain safe, clean neighborhoods by enforcing garbage, recycling, and solid waste ordinances and referring other conditions to the appropriate City departments. The role combines field inspections and code enforcement with administrative recordkeeping, resident education, and operational support. Selected candidates will start on or after December 21, 2026. The inspector performs field surveys and assessments, documents violations, issues correction orders and notification tags, coordinates abatement, enters violations and service responses into City systems, and explains applicable codes to residents. Duties also include handling refuse and recycling carts, supporting snow and ice operations, performing custodial work, serving at City Drop Off Centers, and assisting with special projects and sanitation crew monitoring. The position maintains organized enforcement records, creates reports and spreadsheets, researches property ownership and other matters, and represents the department at neighborhood walk-throughs and public meetings. The inspector may also help prepare information for public hearings. The role requires outdoor work in all weather, physical work including lifting and carrying 50 pounds or more, and availability to assist with snow and ice control operations at any time, including 24/7 coverage. Required pre-employment tests include a physical examination with lift test, vision exam, audiogram, and drug screen.

Requirements

At least one year of experience conducting inspections or working in a compliance capacity involving codes, ordinances, regulations, or statutes.
Valid driver's license at appointment and throughout employment.
Good driving record at appointment and throughout employment.
Willingness and ability to work 24/7 to assist with snow and ice control operations.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in all types of weather.
Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting and carrying 50 pounds or more of equipment or material, and heavier weights with assistance.
Technical knowledge of inspection techniques.
Ability to read and interpret City of Milwaukee codes and ordinances.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
Ability to learn and use job-related software, databases, laptop computers, digital cameras, and mobile phones.
Ability to take on-site measurements, perform mathematical calculations, and record data accurately.
Good spatial orientation and ability to read maps.
Verbal communication and presentation skills to explain technical information to customers.
Written communication skills to create accurate orders and well-crafted correspondence and documentation.
Ability to build effective working relationships with City personnel, elected officials, property owners, tenants, and community groups.
Customer service skills, tact, and diplomacy when serving people from varied cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to remain fair, persuasive, empathetic, and calm when working with upset people.
Attention to detail and organizational skills for maintaining accurate inspection records.
Analytical and problem-solving skills, independent decision-making, and sound judgment.
Planning skills to meet deadlines and adjust priorities as needed.
Flexibility, openness to change, and composure under pressure.
Ability to work efficiently and independently, maintain situational awareness, and work safely in the field.
Commitment to improving neighborhood conditions in Milwaukee, honesty, integrity, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
Successful completion of required pre-employment physical examination with lift test, vision exam, audiogram, and drug screen.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the layout of Milwaukee streets.
Familiarity with City of Milwaukee solid waste regulations.
Familiarity with State and Federal hazardous waste regulations.

Responsibilities

Enforce solid waste, snow, and ice removal ordinances.
Write correction orders and post notification tags for violations involving bulky waste, garbage and recycling, construction material, cart returns and storage, and other matters.
Document violations with digital photographs and manage records in departmental enforcement systems.
Coordinate with field supervisors to abate violations and conduct field surveys and assessments as directed.
Enter code violations and service responses into the DPW Work Orders application or Accela, and refer issues to the responsible department.
Educate residents about applicable codes and de-escalate potential conflicts.
Assemble, dismantle, deliver, and pick up refuse and recycling carts.
Assist supervisors with tracking progress and reallocating equipment during snow duty.
Assist drivers with mounting plow blades on City vehicles during snow and ice control operations.
Perform custodial tasks, including sweeping, cleaning, and loading or unloading trucks.
Serve as a gate attendant at City Drop Off Centers as needed, verifying eligibility, screening vehicle loads, and directing customers.
Lead special projects and assist with monitoring sanitation crews as needed.
Shovel snow and spread sand or salt on City streets and walkways.
Maintain detailed, accurate, and organized records of code enforcement activity.
Create and maintain reports and spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel and other job-related software.
Verify property ownership, research and investigate matters, and summarize findings and recommendations.
Represent the department during neighborhood walk-throughs and public meetings.
Assist in preparing departmental information for public hearings, including Judicial and Legislative Committee Meetings and Administrative Review Appeals Board proceedings.