ADA Specialist
Location
929 N. Front Street, NC
Job Type
Full Time-Regular
Job Number
FY26-00162
Department
Safety and Risk Department
Opening Date
04/28/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Post-Offer Required Pre-Employment Screenings
Driving History Check
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Drug Screen
Approved Hiring Salary/Range
$60,175.18 - $78,247.26
Full Salary Range
$60,175.18 - $96,291.52
Working Hours
Monday through Friday 8 AM - 5 PM. Must be available to respond during emergencies or other events.
The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position Description
One City. Access for All. Lasting Impact.
Play a vital role in ensuring our city is accessible, inclusive, and compliant at every level.
As our ADA Specialist, you'll coordinate citywide efforts to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination requirements. You'll serve as the City's central resource for ADA inquiries-managing, facilitating, and documenting requests, including formal complaints and grievances.
In this role, you'll collaborate closely with departments to identify, track, and implement barrier-removal improvements across City facilities and the public right-of-way. You'll also support efforts to enhance programmatic and technological accessibility, ensuring services, systems, and spaces are usable for all.
Beyond compliance, you'll drive education and awareness-developing and coordinating ADA training for City employees on laws, standards, and best practices. You'll also support emergency preparedness efforts, contributing to the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), mitigation strategies, and disaster recovery when needed.
Working in partnership with Human Resources, you'll help lead the interactive process for employee accommodation requests-ensuring timely review, documentation, and implementation in alignment with applicable laws and City policies.
If you're passionate about accessibility, collaboration, and making a measurable difference, this is your opportunity to help create a more inclusive community-for everyone.
Note: This position will remain open until filled with first application review taking place 2 weeks after posting date.
Typical Tasks
What Youll Do
Performs research, analysis, and administrative studies related to departmental and citywide ADA projects, including policy development, organizational improvement, and feasibility analyses; interviews personnel, gathers information, evaluates problem areas, and develops recommendations; and summarizes and presents findings to managers, elected officials, and the public.
Serves as the City's lead for ADA matters, acting as ADA compliance manager and project Specialist for the design, implementation, and modification of new or existing business systems; develops work plans, timelines, and resource allocations; monitors progress to ensure objectives of the City's ADA Transition Plan are met; and presents information to internal and external groups.
Develops, coordinates, and delivers ADA training and education programs for City employees and the public; prepares training materials, user manuals, and outreach materials; and ensures training activities align with applicable laws, standards, and regulations.
Evaluates the effectiveness of ADA policies, programs, and initiatives; tracks annual progress on ADA improvements; and prepares required reports in compliance with ADA regulations.
Assists staff in interpreting and implementing Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) in conjunction with ADA requirements.
Develops and maintains a centralized system for receiving, tracking, and resolving customer service requests related to barrier removal.
In coordination with other departments, develops, reviews, and updates policies and procedures to ensure ADA compliance.
Ensures appropriate processes are in place to provide prompt and equitable resolution of ADA-related inquiries and complaints from City employees and the public; coordinates with Human Resources staff on employee accommodation requests and interactive processes; responds to requests for assistance and code-violation complaints; and investigates complaints and violations related to the position.
Represents the City at meetings with governmental agencies and access-interest groups, including ADA advisory committees or boards.
Collaborates with departments to ensure digital and printed materials are developed in compliance with ADA requirements.
Assists with organizational safety and risk-management needs and supports Emergency Operations Center activations and disaster-recovery activities, as assigned.
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, urban planning, human resources, law, public policy, emergency management, or a closely related field
Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in ADA compliance, accessibility planning, human resources compliance, public administration, safety & risk management, or a related field, including experience interpreting and applying federal and state disability laws.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Experience coordinating ADA programs, managing compliance initiatives, conducting investigations, or overseeing accessibility improvements in a public sector environment is highly desirable.
Certifications:
Other Requirements:
Knowledge of:
Federal, state, and municipal laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and procedures related to disability nondiscrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Titles I, II, and III, and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Regulatory requirements for public and private facilities, public rights-of-way, program access, communication alternatives, digital accessibility, and barrier-free access to City programs and services.
Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) and related accessibility standards.
Principles and practices of public administration and municipal government operations.
Project management principles and methods.
Investigation and complaint resolution procedures.
Personal computers and related software applications used for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, and tracking systems.
Skills and Abilities:
Interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, codes, and technical standards.
Conduct research, analysis, and program evaluations; develop practical recommendations and implement solutions.
Communicate clearly, concisely, and tactfully, both orally and in writing, including making effective presentations to management, elected officials, employees, and the public.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, outside agencies, advocacy groups, and the general public.
Work independently with minimal supervision while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
Exercise initiative and sound judgment in developing proactive and innovative programs.
Manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
Provide responsive and professional customer service.
Handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, particularly in accommodation and complaint processes.
Comply with and actively promote safe work practices.
Navigate controversial or sensitive issues with professionalism and strong interpersonal awareness.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Office Work: Primarily sedentary, involving prolonged sitting, computer use, telephone and office equipment operation, and standard office tasks. Requires visual acuity, hearing, and manual dexterity for reviewing documents, analyzing data, and completing administrative responsibilities.
Field Work: May require standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting or carrying objects up to 10 pounds occasionally. Employees may encounter uneven terrain, traffic and outdoor weather conditions and must use appropriate personal protective equipment.
General Requirements: The position involves occasional travel to meetings, events, or weather-related response. Often handles multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and maintains situational awareness. All work is performed in compliance with applicable State and Federal OSHA regulations, including hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and slip, trip, and fall prevention.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with frequent use of standard office equipment and computers. The position requires occasional travel to City facilities, construction sites, and public rights-of-way to assess accessibility, monitor compliance, and conduct inspections. The incumbent may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, construction environments, and varying levels of accessibility challenges, and may be required to walk, stand, or navigate uneven surfaces for extended periods.
The position may require evening or weekend work to attend meetings, public hearings, or training sessions, and occasional lifting or carrying of materials. The incumbent must handle sensitive and confidential information related to disability accommodations and accessibility complaints, communicate effectively with employees, management, elected officials, and the public, and may participate in emergency operations and disaster-recovery activities as assigned.
Our Core Values:
INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY
Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.
What we offer:
The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:
Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.
Health Benefits are offered to employees working at least 30 hours per week.
Health Insurance - The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire for employees and their eligible dependents. Both you and the City contribute to the overall cost of coverage.
Dental Insurance - Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire. Employees, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for coverage.
Life Insurance - The city pays to provide coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance is available for employees to purchase. Optional coverage for dependents is also available for purchase.
Retirement:
Paid Leave (offered to employees working at least 1,000 hours annually*):
Miscellaneous:
Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi-weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to recieve their first paycheck approximately 3 weeks after their start date.
This is intended to be a brief overview of the benefits offered. Please visit our website at https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Human-Resources/Benefits for more information.
01
Please acknowledge that you agree to fully complete all required sections of the application, including work experience, education, and the supplemental questionnaire; and that your responses are truthful and complete and can be verified within your application. Entering "N/A or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.
02
Do you have a valid US Drivers License?
03
How many years of progressively responsible professional experience do you have in ADA compliance, accessibility planning, human resources compliance, public administration, safety & risk management, or a related field, including experience interpreting and applying federal and state disability laws?
04
Please identify the company/agency/organization where you gained the experience described in question #3. Note: These employers must be listed in the work history section on your employment application to receive credit. Entering "N/A or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.
05
Please detail any experience you have coordinating ADA programs, managing compliance initiatives, conducting investigations, or overseeing accessibility improvements in a public sector environment. Note: This experience must also be clearly reflected in the Work Experience section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please enter "N/A."
06
Please indicate whether you hold a certification as an ADA Specialist, Certified Access Specialist (CASp), or any related credential. Please note: This is not a requirement for the position. If you do not hold any certifications, please enter "N/A
07
Which best describes your highest level of education in public administration, business administration, urban planning, human resources, law, public policy, emergency management, or a closely related field?
08
The hiring salary for the position is posted on the job posting. Salary determination is supported by budget availability and qualifications of the candidate to maintain internal equity. Please acknowledge that you understand this process.
Required Question
Employer City of Wilmington
Address PO Box 1810
929 N. Front Street, 11th Floor
Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401
Phone 910-341-7840
Website http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/jobs