Commercial and Residential Code Enforcement Inspector

The Commercial Code Enforcement Inspector and Residential Code Enforcement Inspector ensure that commercial and/or residential properties are maintained, operated, and occupied in accordance with applicable municipal, state, federal, and international codes.

The Commercial Code Enforcement Inspector primarily performs life safety and fire permit inspections at non-residential and mixed-use properties.

The Residential Code Enforcement Inspector focuses on life safety inspections at multi-family residential properties and respond to property maintenance complaints at one/two family homes and multi-family residential properties.

The Commercial Code Enforcement Inspector 1 and Residential Code Enforcement Inspector 1 are the first titles in the Code Enforcement Inspector promotional series.

Essential Functions

GENERAL CODE ENFORCEMENT

• Conduct both interior and exterior inspections to identify building and nuisance code violations in a thorough, efficient, and professional manner.
• Conduct fire inspections, review emergency plans and test records of fire protection systems; issue fire prevention permits.
• Identify hazardous materials, inspect production processes and equipment, and perform maintenance inspections.
• Conduct inspections of vacant buildings to ensure that they are secure and meet lot, exterior, and interior maintenance standards.
• Identify unpermitted alterations or conversions and changes in occupancy or uses that are inconsistent with a building’s construction or existing occupancy permit.
• Perform periodic inspections of billboards, projecting signs, covered openings, underground vaults, fire escapes, and building facades.
• Issue and serve legal orders and citations, explain violations, and enforce ordinances.
• Document results of inspections, update departmental records, conduct follow-up re-inspections, and take appropriate action to obtain compliance.

ADMINISTRATION AND ENGAGEMENT

• Complete supporting updates and documentation of written and electronic records, including daily route sheets, violation letters, and data in the Land Management System (LMS).
• Attend in-service and other training programs to stay informed regarding city, state, federal, and international codes.
• Work with property owners, residents, neighborhood groups, and other City departments to gain compliance to maintain safety, stabilize property values, and improve the quality of life in City neighborhoods; share information about the services provided by the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS).
• Represent the DNS in legal proceedings.
• Coordinate inspection and regulation of violations with the appropriate DNS trade or enforcement sections.

COMMERCIAL CODE ENFORCEMENT

• Investigate complaints from residents.
• Conduct fire prevention inspections of commercial occupancies, review emergency plans and test records of fire protection systems; issue fire prevention permits.
• Conduct license inspections of taverns and waste tires.

RESIDENTIAL CODE ENFORCEMENT

• Assess the maintenance, construction, plumbing, and electrical systems and other conditions of residential buildings and their surroundings to determine overall safety and habitability.
• If assigned, perform rodent and pest control or animal control investigations and enforcement.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

The Commercial and Residential Code Enforcement Inspector must be willing and able to do the following:

• Perform field work throughout Milwaukee.
• Perform interior inspections on commercial and/or residential properties.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Climb ladders, stoop, and bend.
• Comply with the departmental dress code.
• Pre-employment tests:
• Physical Exam w/ 50 lb. lift test
• Audiogram
• Vision Test
• Drug Test

Minimum Requirements

1. Associate degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, real estate, fire protection management, environmental health, or a related field from an accredited college or university;
2. OR
3. Two years of experience in a building design and construction trade, such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or carpentry, above the level of laborer;
4. OR
5. Successful completion of the DNS Code Enforcement Intern program.
6. International Code Council (ICC) Property Maintenance Inspector within one year of appointment, as a condition of passing probation and throughout employment.
7. International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I certification within one year of appointment, as a condition of passing probation and throughout employment.
8. Valid driver’s license and availability of a properly insured personal automobile for use on the job ( mileage reimbursement provided pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code ) at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

NOTICE : Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, real estate, fire protection management, environmental health, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Conversational language proficiency in Spanish or Hmong.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

TECHNICAL

• Knowledge of building and construction principles, methods, and materials, including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Ability to read and interpret policies and procedures and technical material related to fire, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) codes, real estate and zoning.
• Ability to interpret and apply codes, such as the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances, Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, International Existing Building Code, International Mechanical Code, National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA) codes, and ICC’s occupancy classifications and code requirements pertaining to residential occupancies.
• Ability to read plans and blueprints.
• Inspection skills to assess and gauge code compliance, determine habitability, and eliminate fire and safety hazards.
• Ability to learn and use job-related software applications and 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.

COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL

• Verbal communication and presentation skills to clearly explain technical information to customers.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization, including elected officials, representatives of City departments, property owners, tenants, and community groups.
• Customer service skills, tact, and diplomacy to serve customers from all cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds professionally and appropriately.
• Ability to be fair, persuasive, empathetic, and calm when working with people who may be upset.
• Written communication skills to create orders accurately and compose well-crafted correspondence and documentation.

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROFESSIONALISM

• Attention to detail and organizational skills to maintain accurate inspection records.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to make independent decisions and exercise sound judgment.
• Planning skills to accomplish work under a deadline; flexibility to adjust priorities as needed.
• Ability to be flexible, open to change, and calm under pressure.
• Ability to work efficiently and independently.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness and safely perform work when working in the field.
• Commitment to improving neighborhood conditions throughout the City of Milwaukee.
• Honesty, integrity, and careful and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.

Current Salary

The current salary range (PAY RANGE 7AN) is $51,816-$61,978 , and the current resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $53,889-$64,457 . Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.