HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing InspectorUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Housing Inspector
Department: Neighborhood & Development Services
Division: Neighborhood Services
Supervisor: Senior Housing Inspector
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 11
Job Number: 1117
Job Summary
Under general direc�on, performs residen�al inspec�ons under city code as well as for the
Housing Choice Voucher program. Prescribes ac�on for conformance to housing, building,
zoning, and fire codes and standards.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Schedules and conducts field inspec�ons of rental proper�es and rental licensing,
including proper�es whose tenants have a Housing Choice Voucher.
• Schedules and inspects residen�al structures for compliance with codes and regula�ons.
Inspector also inspects any open residen�al building permit when comple�ng rental
license inspec�ons.
• Iden�fies and documents non-compliant items and code viola�ons regarding rental
proper�es and inspec�ons, provide report to property manager/owner, and responds to
ques�ons, provides follow up inspec�ons for compliance.
• Serves as liaison for public educa�on for housing code enforcement under local, state
and federal programs.
• Tracks inspec�ons and compliance, manages rental permit renewals, provides
documenta�on and inspec�on reports.
• Issues no�ce of viola�on, fines and cita�ons when not in compliance, condemns units or
buildings when determined necessary.
• Tes�fies and presents evidence in court cases related to code enforcement.
• Generals and distributes invoices, receives and enteral rental permit fee payments.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Provides informa�on concerning the housing, building and zoning code enforcement and
procedures to the general public and conducts public educa�on and outreach.
• Atends Board of Appeals hearings and ini�ates legal ac�on.
• Tes�fies and presents evidence on behalf of the City on maters related to housing and
building code enforcement.
• Issues rental permits and closes out open building permits.
Updated: March 2024
• Inves�gates and researches vacant and abandoned buildings.
• Iden�fies non-compliance issues associated with specifica�ons and the inspected
buildings and informs appropriate par�es of lack of compliance with City standards;
works with other inspectors and City staff regarding compliance issues and
interpreta�on.
• Responds and meets with building owners, tenants, contractors, developers, architects,
general public and homeowners to answer ques�ons concerning code requirements,
typically to determine if improvement will meet the requirements for rental licensing.
• Inves�gates nuisance complaints.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related
experience; or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience.
• Cer�fied Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor cer�fica�on within one year of hire. Valid State of
Iowa driver’s license with sa�sfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass
criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution; or four years of related
experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in
construction/building trades.
• Interna�onal Code Council Residen�al Building Inspector (B1) cer�fica�on within 12
months of hire. Interna�onal Code Council cer�fica�ons such as Commercial Building
Inspector (B2), Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector (64), or other Residen�al,
Commercial or Plans Examiner cer�fica�ons (B3, M1-3, E1-3, P1-3).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions,
propor�ons, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to deal with upset customers and to explain code interpreta�on in a calm and
understandable manner to the public.
• Ability to detect defec�ve materials and workmanship and work well in a team
environment.
• Ability to effec�vely present informa�on and respond to ques�ons from groups of
managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instruc�ons furnished in writen, oral, diagram, or
schedule form.
Updated: March 2024
• Ability to perform mathema�cal func�ons in order to review contractor compliance with
standards.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifica�ons, blueprints, easement documents,
design manuals and textbooks, professional journals, technical procedures, or
governmental regula�ons.
• Ability to record concise field notes and report progress.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to solve prac�cal problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in
situa�ons where only limited standardiza�on exists.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regula�ons and codes related to building
construc�on.
• Knowledge of materials, methods and prac�ces used in building construc�on.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving
mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic
chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, confined space, and traffic hazards. The employee
is regularly exposed to outside weather condition, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen,
insect stings, and animals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Involves
Updated: March 2024
moderate exposure to dangerous situations. Involves moderate exposure to stress due to the
work environment and/or crisis situations.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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