Vacant Building/Property Inspector

Carbondale, City of•Carbondale, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position involves technical and administrative work focused on enforcing City codes related to housing, zoning, environmental standards, weed control, mobile home parks, and vacant properties. The primary responsibilities include managing the vacant building registry, conducting regular inspections of vacant properties to ensure compliance, and coordinating enforcement efforts with other City departments. During the active weed season, the role also includes seasonal weed control inspection and enforcement. Additionally, the position coordinates mobile home park licensing and inspection activities and maintains accurate records in CivicGov for various Building & Neighborhood Services programs. The work requires a blend of office and field duties, with significant interaction with colleagues, property owners, licensees, applicants, and the public through various communication channels. The employee reports to the Building & Neighborhood Services Supervisor.

Requirements

At least three (3) years of experience inspecting or working in building maintenance, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, property maintenance, code enforcement, or related work.
Must possess and maintain a valid Illinois Driver's License.
Ability to operate computer systems, maintain accurate electronic records, and learn CivicGov or similar permitting/licensing software is required.
Successfully complete required background, drug, and alcohol screening.

Nice To Haves

Must have, or successfully obtain within ten (10) months of employment, the International Code Council (ICC) Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector Certification.
Experience with municipal code enforcement, licensing, permitting, records management, or regulatory databases is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage the City vacant building registry and related enforcement program, including identifying and tracking vacant properties, maintaining ownership and contact information, conducting inspections, and preparing reports.
Inspect vacant buildings and other assigned properties for compliance with housing, zoning, environmental, property maintenance, building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and related codes. Document violations and prepare necessary enforcement documents.
Maintain accurate CivicGov records for vacant property, mobile home park, weed control, licensing, inspection, and enforcement activities, including entering and updating property, owner, and inspection information.
Track licensing and registration deadlines, prepare and send correspondence, monitor outstanding requirements, and identify expired or delinquent records, referring matters for enforcement action as needed.
Administer and coordinate the mobile home park licensing process, including reviewing applications, confirming information and fees, coordinating inspections, and preparing recommendations for approval.
Conduct and document inspections of mobile home parks to ensure compliance with City requirements, including plans, utilities, sanitary conditions, and property maintenance. Monitor corrective actions and coordinate enforcement steps.
Collaborate with City departments such as the City Attorneys office, Police Department, Fire Department, Planning, Finance, and Purchasing to provide information, coordinate inspections, and resolve discrepancies.
Interpret and apply City codes and procedures, respond to inquiries from the public and colleagues, provide program information, and direct technical or legal matters to the appropriate staff.
Perform seasonal weed control surveillance and enforcement on private property and designated areas, responding to complaints and inspecting for violations. This includes visually observing and measuring grass/weeds, posting properties with notices, and documenting violations in CivicGov.
Enforce weed Notice of Violation and posting procedures, re-inspecting properties, issuing mowing orders to contractors, and preparing citations as authorized.
Maintain and distribute weed-control records, including daily postings, re-inspections, contractor mowing orders, and completion status. Submit documentation for processing.
Operate City vehicles, computers, software, and other approved tools and equipment safely and effectively. Maintain professional communication, use sound judgment, work independently and as part of a team, and keep the Supervisor informed of activities and case status.