Housing Inspector I

Job Description

The work involves responsibility for performing inspections of existing residential dwellings for compliance with housing codes, ordinances, and related laws. Inspections are performed on single and multiple family homes, apartments, rooming houses and dormitories in response to complaints or requests from owners, tenants, or the courts, or in the course of a regular inspection schedule. Work is performed under the administrative supervision of the Director of Codes Enforcement. Supervision is generally not exercised by this class. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

• Performs inspections of interior and exterior of residential dwellings for structural soundness, hygienic conditions, potential hazards, and any code violations.
• Investigates complaints of violations of the Syracuse Property Conservation Code.
• Investigates complaints of violations of the Property Maintenance Code of New York State.
• Prepares reports of inspections made and violations found; may document specific violations through the use of photography.
• Requests inspections by specialized inspectors when routine electrical inspection results in suspicion of non-compliance with electrical codes or possibly faulty or dangerous conditions.
• Notifies tenants, owners, or appropriate persons of the exact nature of violations and necessary remedial action; follows up on violations by performing additional inspections to ensure corrections by property owner.
• Follows up on all violations recorded that jeopardize the health and safety of the public; makes appropriate referrals or may contact other City, County, or State departments or agencies to assist in problem cases.
• Maintains records of inspections using departmental report forms and/or software programs through the use of a computer.
• Appears in housing court to provide technical testimony regarding the prosecution of violators.
• May perform minor maintenance, debris removal, board-ups and cleaning on properties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good knowledge of housing codes, ordinances and related laws.
• Good knowledge of principles and practices used in the inspection of residential structures.
• Working knowledge of the structural, mechanical, and electrical components of residential buildings.
• Ability to inspect residential structures for habitability.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to function independently under administrative supervision.
• Ability to exercise good judgment.
• Ability to understand and follow simple oral and written instructions.
• Ability to deal tactfully with the public.
• Ability to manually enter data into a handheld recording device.

Minimum Qualifications

• A) One (1) year of full-time work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in the inspection, construction, or repair of buildings; or,
• B) One (1) year of full-time work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in clerical work experience which included providing information to the public; or,
• C) Satisfactory completion of a minimum of thirty (30) semester credit hours in Architectural Technology, Building Construction Technology, or a related field, from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees; or,
• D) Successful completion of a New York State Department of Education Construction Technology, Electrical Trades, Welding, or Mechanical Technology Career and Technical (CTE) Programs; or,
• E) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of A, B, C and D above.

Note: At time of appointment, New York State Public Officers Law requires United States Citizenship.

Special Necessary Requirement

Once appointed, candidates must meet the training and certification requirements set forth by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. (see section 434.5 – Certification of Code Enforcement Personnel - of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR)).

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan