NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Recruitment #2208-5659-001

Introduction

This position is exempt from Civil Service and serves at the pleasure of the Commissioner-Department of Neighborhood Services.


The Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) supports neighborhood improvements by enforcing standards for buildings, property and land use. The department uses its enforcement, financial, and educational resources to encourage investment in housing and other buildings in Milwaukee’s neighborhoods. Various inspection and enforcement activities ensure compliance with building and property codes, supporting an attractive investment environment and fostering reinvestment into neighborhoods.


Purpose

Under the direction of the Commissioner of the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS), the Neighborhood Services Operations Director oversees the operations of the Development Center, Trades Inspection, and Neighborhood Improvement Project (NIP) Divisions and serves as a technical adviser to the Commissioner. 

The Neighborhood Services Operations Director performs all acts required by law in the absence of the Commissioner of the Department of Neighborhood Services. The Neighborhood Services Operations Director, one of two, serves in a deputy capacity, at times exercising supervision over a department of approximately 285 employees.

Essential Functions

Administration and Oversight

  • Oversee and direct the Development Center, Construction Trades Inspection, and Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Divisions. Consults regularly with managers and supervisors to ensure smooth operation.
  • Resolves problems and complaints which may arise in the performance of departmental functions.
  • Provide oversight and coordination of significant projects; work with staff in other departments to ensure timely execution of those projects.
  • Provide management oversight to ensure the Department meets key performance indicators, including staff development and training necessary to ensure continuity and improve retention.
  • Direct staff services and supervision of the department involving personnel, fiscal management, budget preparation, and public relations.
  • Maintain an effective working relationship with legislative committees, administrators of other departments, communications media and other organizations interested in the policies and activities of the department; develop methods of informing and gaining the cooperation of the public in departmental programs.

Technical Oversight/Direction

  • Provide direction of building and zoning code development in conjunction with other City and State agencies.
  • Plan, develop and direct the implementation of departmental administrative programs, policies and regulations.
  • Review building code variance requests and makes recommendations to the Commissioner.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date. You can find further information relative to the City’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy here.

· Must be willing to work beyond standard business hours to accomplish work and meet departmental needs.

· Travel outside the City of Milwaukee, including overnight, may be required.

Minimum Requirements

1.    Bachelor’s Degree in architecture, engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

2.    Five years of building code enforcement or comparable technical/specialized experience related to building inspection or building trades, including one year of administrative oversight and staff supervision.

3.    Obtain the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) certifications within one year of appointment:

Commercial Building Inspector

UDC Construction Inspector

UDC HVAC Inspector

4.    Valid Wisconsin Driver's License at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.


NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

· Building code enforcement experience.

· A related master’s degree from an accredited college or university.

· Architect license or Professional Engineer (PE) credential with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of building and construction, engineering, and public health and safety.
  • Knowledge of the State of Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and International Code Council (ICC) codes and standards, including specific knowledge of fire, safety, housing, building, zoning, sanitation, environmental health, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and elevator codes.
  • Knowledge of mathematics and geometry used in building design and construction.
  • Ability to make accurate calculations and to understand budgets and financial reports.
  • Mechanical knowledge, as well as ability to interpret technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Ability to read and understand documents such as laws, policies, and technical publications.
  • Analytical capacity to grasp the technical advice provided by code specialists and make decisions based on equitable and legal principles.
  • Critical thinking skills to be able to make decisions based on technical information and legal principles that result in effective code enforcement without unjust injury to the legal rights of property owners.

Leadership

  • Organizational and planning skills to be able to effectively oversee workflow processes and manage competing priorities and challenges under pressure.
  • Ability to expertly plan and manage multiple projects that have the highest level of Citywide and/or community impact and that may have changing priorities.
  • Ability to set expectations, manage employee development and provide training, coaching and mentoring.
  • Ability to provide operational oversight in the areas of strategic planning, budgeting, communications, organizational performance, resource allocation and customer service.
  • Decision-making skills and sound judgment.
  • Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
  • Knowledge of management principles, leadership ability, and supervisory skills to be able to effectively direct the activities of staff in designated divisions and the entire department in the absence of the DNS Commissioner.

Communication and Interpersonal

  • Political acumen to work collaboratively with colleagues and elected officials, contractors, community groups and the public.
  • Ability to effectively represent the department before public bodies and the media.
  • Superior written communication skills, including the ability to compose policies, articles, correspondence, and reports and presentations.
  • Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, boards of directors, media and legislative bodies.
  • Ability to convey thoughts clearly, concisely, and accurately, both inside and outside the organization.
  • Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary staff, other agencies, and the public.
  • Ability to manage emotional or difficult client situations.
  • Ability to respond to sensitive inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies or members of the business community. 
  • Superior verbal communication and presentation skills to effectively impart information and represent the department before legislative committees, boards, and civic organizations.
  • Honesty, integrity, ability to maintain confidentiality, and responsible stewardship of City resources.

Current Salary

The current salary range (Pay Range 1LX) is $93,232 - $130,521 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $96,029 - $134,437 annually.  

Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.


The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

· Defined Benefit Pension Plan

· 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

· Health and Dental Insurance

· Paid Parental Leave

· Comprehensive Wellness Program

· Onsite Clinic Services

· Onsite Employee Assistance Program

· Alternative Work Schedules

· Long Term Disability Insurance

· Group Life Insurance

· Tuition Benefits

· Paid Vacation

· 11 Paid Holidays

· Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves

· Flexible Spending Arrangement

· Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations and the Department of Neighborhood Services reserve the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

 

INITIAL FILING DATE: The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical after above listed deadline date. Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

  • APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
  • If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
  • The Department of Employee Relations is in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

EEO 101

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.