NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT INSPECTOR 1

Recruitment #2401-2541DC-001

Introduction

** THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT CITY OF MILWAUKEE EMPLOYEES ONLY. **

Purpose

The Neighborhood Improvement Project (NIP) Inspector 1 provides comprehensive property inspections, creates and approves scopes of work, estimates rehabilitation costs, and ensures that rehabilitation and new construction work meets building codes. Projects must comply with the City of Milwaukee Code of Ordinances, City of Milwaukee construction specifications, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, and Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) regulations. The NIP Inspector 1 inspects and signs off on construction permits and approves payment requests to contractors and agencies. 

Essential Functions

Construction Project Inspection

  • Inspect residential properties (new construction, rehabilitation, and city owned foreclosures) to prepare rehabilitation scopes of work, including construction, electrical, plumbing, and lead hazard abatement work for the Neighborhood Improvement Project (NIP), Compliance Loan Program, Milwaukee Health Department (MHD), Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation (NIDC), and the Department of City Development (DCD).
  • Perform interim and final inspections (new construction, rehabilitation, and City owned forclosed properties) to assure compliance with building code and City specifications. Manage Compliance Loan Program projects, including bidding and awarding contracts. Monitor new construction, rehabilitation, and City owned foreclosure projects to assure manufacturer’s standards are complied with.
  • Transfer field inspection notes to a spreadsheet to create written scopes of work and cost estimates. Review construction plans and review approved scopes of work provided by other City departments and City funded agencies. Issue repair orders to purchasers of City of Milwaukee properties, including emergency/placard orders when required.
  • Sign off on and approve interim and final payment requests for contractors and housing agencies. Sign off on construction permits. Sign off on City real estate purchase agreement compliance requirements.
  • Approve contractor draw requests.
  • Approve contractor progress and final draw requests.
  • Approve change orders for required additional work.
  • Grant final approval at completion of work.
  • Perform progress inspections and hold meetings to clarify with contractor.
  • Perform final code compliance inspections.
  • Inspect all permitted construction and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) work.
  • Review and approve contract draw request for HUD HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)-funded projects. Approve final forms for HUD/Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) HOME-funded projects.
  • Reinspect the City's portfolio of completed HOME funded projects for compliance HOME Period of Affordability Regulations.

Professional

  • Use the NIP system, field notes, measurements, and photographs to write scopes of work.
  • Issue Certificate of Code Compliance and Certificate of Occupancy approval at completion of large In Rem projects.
  • Meet with clients, including homeowners, contractors, and community groups in person or over the phone to explain the NIP, coordinate construction work, and provide technical support.
  • Prepare reports and correspondence relating to project activity. Maintain photo folder for each project. Log inspection activity in the Land Management System (LMS) and NIP databases.
  • Handle complaints and maintain communication with complainants regarding complaints.
  • Troubleshoot problems at jobsites and recommend solutions.
  • Prepare reports and correspondence relating to project activity. Assist department in completing annual fire inspections.

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

The preplacement medical requirements for this title include the following:

  • Physical test
  • Audiogram
  • Vision test

Minimum Requirements

1.   Regular status as City of Milwaukee employee, having successfully completed a probationary period for a civil service position, or status as a City of Milwaukee employee in a fixed term position.

2.   Five years’ experience in residential housing inspection, rehabilitation, and/or new construction OR Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in architecture, engineering, or a closely related field, plus one year of experience in housing rehabilitation and/or new construction or a closely related field OR Current status as a Code Enforcement Inspector or above with the City of Milwaukee’s Department of Neighborhood Services and three years of experience in residential housing rehabilitation and/or new construction.

3.    Valid driver's license at time of application, throughout the selection process, and throughout employment and the availability of a properly insured automobile for use on the job at time of appointment and throughout employment (Private Auto Allowance may be paid pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code).

4.    Possession of the following certifications within one year of appointment as a condition of completing probation:

a.  State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC)-Construction Inspector Certification.

b.  Wisconsin DHS Lead (Pb) Risk Assessor Certification.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may 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

  • Experience working with Federal, State, or City grant-funded programs.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

  • Knowledge of accepted practices used in building rehabilitation.
  • Knowledge of accepted standards and materials used in the construction of new residential homes.
  • Knowledge of building codes pertaining to the construction of new residential homes.
  • Knowledge of carpentry codes pertaining to porches and decks.
  • Ability to read blueprints and drawings.
  • Ability to use mathematics to calculate square footage of roofs, floors, and walls.
  • Ability to apply knowledge of building codes and construction practices to examine work and materials and detect deviations from plans, codes and standard construction processes.
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills to maintain accurate inspection records.
  • Ability use standard office computer systems and other equipment such as a smart phone, tape measure, and flashlight.

Communication, Customer Service, and Interpersonal

  • Verbal communication and presentation skills so as to clearly explain technical information to customers.
  • Interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external customers, including elected officials, representatives of City departments, property owners, tenants, contractors, and community groups.
  • Customer service skills, tact, and diplomacy to serve customers from all cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds professionally and appropriately.
  • Ability to be fair, persuasive, empathetic, and calm when working with people who may be upset.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with others whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
  • Written communication skills to be able to create orders accurately and compose well-crafted correspondence and documentation.

Critical Thinking

  • Analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to make independent decisions and exercise sound judgment.
  • Time management skills to manage workload and meet deadlines.
  • Planning and organizational skills to be able to prioritize work assignments; flexibility to adjust priorities as needed.
  • Ability to be open to change and calm under pressure.
  • Ability to work efficiently and independently.
  • Ability to demonstrate absolute integrity in performing all jobs duties and responsibilities.

Current Salary

The current starting salary range (Pay Range 7HN) is $74,365-$92,290 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $76,596-$95,058. Appointment will be made in accordance with the City of Milwaukee salary ordinance.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of related education, experience and accomplishments, an evaluation of written communication, interviews, and/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 proceed in the selection process. Information from the selection process will be used to make a hiring decision. Selected candidates will be transferred and/or promoted to the position.

INITIAL FILING DATE – The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications 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 selection process at the time and place designated by the hiring authority.

NOTE: Transfer/Promotional Opportunities and Promotional Examinations are not open to Milwaukee Public Schools employees or to the public. Only current City of Milwaukee employees and civilian personnel in MFD and MPD hired through a City Service Commission process who have successfully passed a probationary period for a Civil Service position or who have status as a City of Milwaukee employee in a fixed term position will be considered. Individuals with exempt, provisional, temporary, or emergency appointments are not eligible for transfer.

Additional Information

  • Applications can 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 located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

EEO Code = 207

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