Inspector: Property Safety & Maintenance - BNS

Agency Summary

The purpose and mission of the Department of Business & Neighborhood Services (DBNS) is to protect and improve the quality of life of persons and animals in the City of Indianapolis. DBNS is the City of Indianapolis and Marion County’s principal department responsible for business licenses, residential and commercial permits, and the enforcement of the Revised Code of Ordinances of the Consolidated City and County. The department also oversees operations at the city’s animal shelter, Indianapolis Animal Care Services. DBNS is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County. 

Job Summary

The Property Safety & Maintenance Inspector is a code enforcement officer position which specializes in the technical interpretation, communication, application, and field inspection practices of ensuring properties are in compliance with local property maintenance codes and other related ordinances. Property maintenance codes include but are not limited to: inspecting the exterior conditions of vacant structures, high weeds and grass, litter/trash accumulation and illegal dumping. Property Safety & Maintenance Inspectors become the subject matter experts in all applicable codes, regulations, and ordinances, as well as the different adjudication processes for each.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

• Responsible for reading, interpreting, and assisting others in understanding local ordinances
• Conduct field inspections of the exterior conditions of vacant structures, high weeds and grass, litter/trash accumulation and illegal dumping.
• Researching legal property information
• Initiating enforcement action which includes issuing letters, taking photographs
• Preparing case files and testifying in administrative hearings.
• Inspectors represent BNS in hearings, at neighborhood meetings, correspond with City/County Councilors and collaborate with other government agencies and other community stakeholders regarding code matters. 
• Property Safety & Maintenance Inspectors are the subject matter experts in all applicable codes, regulations, and ordinances, as well as the different adjudication processes for each.
• Inspectors may be required to conduct after-hours inspections in accordance with departmental policy

  This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

  • Skills and knowledge that are typically acquired through a college degree OR at least four (4) years of work experience in a position that required expertise in customer service, conflict management, public administration and/or interpretation and application of technical content. Any combination of education and/or related work experience totaling four (4) years is acceptable.
  • Strong customer service and communication skills; ability to speak in public forums and respond to questions. Incumbent will serve as the department’s expert witness in administrative hearings related to their investigations.
  • Strong conflict management skills. Must be able to solve practical problems with tact, diplomacy, and persuasiveness in dealing with a variety of people in a variety of situations. A supervisor is generally available by phone, email and/or other messaging system; however, incumbent spends most of the working day in the field independently.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgement and critical thinking when working alone. Candidate will work alone for much of the workday and will need to exercise sound judgement and independent decision making. Errors in judgement could result in regulatory, budgetary, or negative legal consequences for BNS.
  • Attention to detail. Incumbent will spend a significant amount of time evaluating structures for exterior maintenance deficiencies, researching property, case history, as well as the ordinance. Incumbent will be responsible for properly documenting inspection events and details, taking photographs and compiling reports for investigations.
  • Ability to learn basic building structural systems and exterior building maintenance.
  • Ability to read, understand, interpret, and communicate local ordinance requirements to others.
  • Ability to obtain and hold Special Police Powers issued by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD).
  • Must have and retain a valid Indiana Driver’s license and have ability to operate and take home a City-issued vehicle.
  • Incumbent must certify in the appropriate, approved disciplines per the department’s policy to maintain employment. Certifications may be obtained after hire and are not required prior to employment.
  • Proficient in the use of computers, smartphones, and general office equipment. Incumbent will be required to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, GPS software and general internet use. Incumbent will be trained on internal software programs.

  Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

  • Prior knowledge of building construction and/or maintenance is beneficial, but not required.
  • Prior experience in reading and interpreting ordinances and laws.
  • A working knowledge of city streets is helpful to this position; however, ability to use GPS software is sufficient.
  • Most work is performed in a mobile office setting and in the field; though some work is performed in a standard office environment.
  • Incumbent must be willing to proactively engage citizens in the field when a situation requires it. Incumbent will be performing inspections in a variety of conditions, locations, and areas of the city.
  • Regular shift working hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm. Regular shifts include two (2) fifteen-minute breaks and a one (1) hour lunch break. Incumbent may be required to occasionally work after-hours, per the shift bid process outlined in the AFSME Union contract. After-hours shift times and locations may vary.
  • This is an AFSME Union eligible position. Incumbent will be required to adhere to HR City-County Handbook guidelines as well as the latest edition of the AFSME Union contract with the City-County.

  Physical Conditions

  • While conducting inspections, incumbent may be required to walk over rough or uneven terrain surfaces, climb steps, maneuver over trenches or other obstacles and remove signs from the ground or overhead.
  • Work is performed in a variety of weather conditions.
  • Incumbent should have vision that will allow driving at night and inspecting properties and places in low light conditions.
  • Incumbent must be able to lift/move up to 25lbs.
  
  

  If your qualifications meet the requirements of the posted position, your application will be referred to the hiring agency. Once the agency receives your application, all further communication during the interview and selection process will be handled directly BY THE AGENCY. It is IMPERATIVE that you record the contact information of the individual who is scheduling your interview. City-County HR will not have access to this information, is not involved in the interview or selection process, and can only confirm whether an application has been referred. After selection of the successful candidate, an official offer of employment will be made by HR.