Neighborhoods Inspector - Environmental

POSITION SUMMARY:

Inspectors enforce city and state laws regarding property maintenance and vehicles by monitoring city neighborhoods for building, environmental, and zoning violations. They also conduct inspections of properties within the city to identify substandard properties, trash and debris, tall grass/weeds, zoning issues, and abandoned vehicles as well as other violations as assigned. Inspectors complete thorough and accurate reports to document property conditions and violations. Inspectors may work with other city departments to resolve unsafe living conditions and/or neighborhood health and safety concerns. Inspectors proactively document hot spots, anticipate questions from the public based on complaint history, and respond to requests for information.

Environmental Inspectors focus on issues and inspect for trash/debris, tall grass/weeds, zoning issues, abandoned vehicles, and other violations as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform property inspections according to city processes based on local, state, and national standards.
• Enforce City and State laws regarding property maintenance and vehicles.
• Utilize mobile applications, including iPads, to document violations and conditions, take pictures, complete inspection reports, and track citation history.
• Complete required reports and keep accurate records and files.
• Track and report problem properties.
• Regularly monitor e-mail and new inspection requests throughout the day.
• Represent the Department professionally and interact with constituents courteously and knowledgeably.
• Analyze issues and propose solutions to chronic problems.
• Communicate concerns and critical issues to co-workers and supervisors.
• Educate city residents and local business owners about code issues and violations.
• Testify at Code Enforcement Hearings and court when needed.
• Generate or edit reports and public hearing presentations using MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Attend, as scheduled by supervisor, community activities which may occur on nights or weekends.
• Maintain up to date and accurate Outlook calendar.
• Be accessible by handheld radio, phone, and email throughout the workday.
• Use safety equipment and wear uniform per departmental policy.
• Maintain clean and sanitary equipment, vehicle, and work area.
• Other duties as assigned.
• NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
• Answer phones, assist customers, look up property information and support administrative staff as needed.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or equivalent. College degree related to construction, building inspection, engineering, or environmental health and safety, or criminal justice preferred.
• Three or more years of work experience preferred, especially in the building construction field and/or inspection work.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
• Experience with standard office software including Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel. Experience with GIS-based software and Accela is a plus.
• Conversational bilingual language skills preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated experience following processes to achieve goals.
• Ability to problem solve and critically think.
• Ability to accurately, and systematically, collect and track data.
• Ability to research, read and understand applicable ordinances, statutes, and codes.
• Knowledge of existing City and State laws regarding building codes, property maintenance, and vehicles is strongly desired.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have good technology skills and the ability to learn new technologies. Must be able to communicate using iPad, computers, and software.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of de-escalation methods; ability to diffuse tense situations.
• Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
• Ability to drive a vehicle, car and/or truck daily.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions requiring a moderate degree of physical stamina.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSE, REGISTRATION:

• A valid Driver's License is required.
• International Property Maintenance Code (IMPC) certification is required dependent upon the work focus area assigned. Certification must be achieved within one year of hire or when the work focus area assigned requires.
• Asbestos inspection certification, including medical evaluation and respirator fit tests, may be required dependent upon work focus area assigned. Certification must be achieved within one year of hire or when work focus area assigned requires. Annual recertification and tracking of state license numbers is required.

EQUIPMENT:

Desktop, mobile devices (i.e. iPad, tablet, smartphone) and laptop computer; telephone; camera; safety equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently be required to sit, walk, talk, bend, stoop, reach, and hear. The employee is required to walk, use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 75 pounds as needed. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is often performed in challenging environments including vacant buildings and debris-strewn areas. Workers are required to wear safety gear as needed. Work is performed outside as well as in office settings, with moderate inside temperatures. Outside temperatures vary with weather. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in the office and varies in the field. Entire office and all city vehicles are smoke-free.

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at will employer.

Essential Duty: Uphold Core Values

All employees of the City of South Bend are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate the City's Core Values in their daily work, which are summarized below:

• Excellence - Deliver high-quality service and strive for continuous improvement.
• Accountability - Take ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.
• Innovation - Seek creative solutions and embrace new ideas.
• Inclusion - Promote a respectful, equitable, and welcoming environment.
• Empowerment - Support and encourage others to grow and succeed.

This duty is fundamental to fostering a positive workplace culture and delivering exceptional public service. These values shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire our work every day.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity Statement

The City of South Bend is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or tolerate harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We value and celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees.