COMMERCIAL and RESIDENTIAL CODE ENFORCEMENT INSPECTOR 1

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a workforce committed to providing exemplary service to its residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity. 

The Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) has two impactful opportunities for Code Enforcement Inspectors in both the Commercial and Residential Code Enforcement divisions. 

Two separate eligible lists will be produced; applicants may apply for either or both vacancies. 

Candidates selected for hire will start on or after December 21, 2026.

The Commercial Code Enforcement Inspector and Residential Code Enforcement Inspector ensure that commercial and/or residential properties are maintained, operated, and occupied in accordance with applicable municipal, state, federal, and international codes.

The Commercial Code Enforcement Inspector primarily performs life safety and fire permit inspections at non-residential and mixed-use properties.

The Residential Code Enforcement Inspector focuses on life safety inspections at multi-family residential properties and respond to property maintenance complaints at one/two family homes and multi-family residential properties.

The Commercial Code Enforcement Inspector 1 and Residential Code Enforcement Inspector 1 are the first titles in the Code Enforcement Inspector promotional series.

GENERAL CODE ENFORCEMENT

• Conduct both interior and exterior inspections to identify building and nuisance code violations in a thorough, efficient, and professional manner.
• Conduct fire inspections, review emergency plans and test records of fire protection systems; issue fire prevention permits.
• Identify hazardous materials, inspect production processes and equipment, and perform maintenance inspections.
• Conduct inspections of vacant buildings to ensure that they are secure and meet lot, exterior, and interior maintenance standards.
• Identify unpermitted alterations or conversions and changes in occupancy or uses that are inconsistent with a building’s construction or existing occupancy permit.
• Perform periodic inspections of billboards, projecting signs, covered openings, underground vaults, fire escapes, and building facades.
• Issue and serve legal orders and citations, explain violations, and enforce ordinances.
• Document results of inspections, update departmental records, conduct follow-up re-inspections, and take appropriate action to obtain compliance.

ADMINISTRATION AND ENGAGEMENT

• Complete supporting updates and documentation of written and electronic records, including daily route sheets, violation letters, and data in the Land Management System (LMS).
• Attend in-service and other training programs to stay informed regarding city, state, federal, and international codes.
• Work with property owners, residents, neighborhood groups, and other City departments to gain compliance to maintain safety, stabilize property values, and improve the quality of life in City neighborhoods; share information about the services provided by the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS).
• Represent the DNS in legal proceedings. 
• Coordinate inspection and regulation of violations with the appropriate DNS trade or enforcement sections. 

COMMERCIAL CODE ENFORCEMENT

• Investigate complaints from residents.
• Conduct fire prevention inspections of commercial occupancies, review emergency plans and test records of fire protection systems; issue fire prevention permits.
• Conduct license inspections of taverns and waste tires.

RESIDENTIAL CODE ENFORCEMENT

• Assess the maintenance, construction, plumbing, and electrical systems and other conditions of residential buildings and their surroundings to determine overall safety and habitability.
• If assigned, perform rodent and pest control or animal control investigations and enforcement.

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.

The Commercial and Residential Code Enforcement Inspector must be willing and able to do the following:

• Perform field work throughout Milwaukee.
• Perform interior inspections on commercial and/or residential properties.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Climb ladders, stoop, and bend.
• Comply with the departmental dress code.
• Pre-employment tests:
  • Physical Exam w/ 50 lb. lift test
  • Audiogram
  • Vision Test
  • Drug Test

1. Associate degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, real estate, fire protection management, environmental health, or a related field from an accredited college or university;
   OR
   Two years of experience in a building design and construction trade, such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or carpentry, above the level of laborer;
   OR
   Successful completion of the DNS Code Enforcement Intern program. 
2. International Code Council (ICC) Property Maintenance Inspector within one year of appointment, as a condition of passing probation and throughout employment. 
3. International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I certification within one year of appointment, as a condition of passing probation and throughout employment. 
4. Valid driver’s license and availability of a properly insured personal automobile for use on the job (mileage reimbursement provided pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code) at the time of appointment and throughout employment. 

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, real estate, fire protection management, environmental health, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Conversational language proficiency in Spanish or Hmong.

TECHNICAL

• Knowledge of building and construction principles, methods, and materials, including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Ability to read and interpret policies and procedures and technical material related to fire, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) codes, real estate and zoning.
• Ability to interpret and apply codes, such as the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances, Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, International Existing Building Code, International Mechanical Code, National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA) codes, and ICC’s occupancy classifications and code requirements pertaining to residential occupancies.
• Ability to read plans and blueprints.
• Inspection skills to assess and gauge code compliance, determine habitability, and eliminate fire and safety hazards.
• Ability to learn and use job-related software applications and databases, laptop computers, digital cameras, and mobile phones.
• Ability to take on-site measurements, perform mathematical calculations, and record data accurately.
• Good spatial orientation and ability to read maps.

COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL

• Verbal communication and presentation skills to clearly explain technical information to customers. 
• Ability to build effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization, including elected officials, representatives of City departments, property owners, tenants, 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.
• Written communication skills to create orders accurately and compose well-crafted correspondence and documentation.

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROFESSIONALISM

• Attention to detail and organizational skills to maintain accurate inspection records.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to make independent decisions and exercise sound judgment. 
• Planning skills to accomplish work under a deadline; flexibility to adjust priorities as needed.
• Ability to be flexible, open to change, and calm under pressure.
• Ability to work efficiently and independently.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness and safely perform work when working in the field. 
• Commitment to improving neighborhood conditions throughout the City of Milwaukee.
• Honesty, integrity, and careful and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.

The current salary range (PAY RANGE 7AN) is $51,816-$61,978, and the current resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $53,889-$64,457. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

• Employees will receive an additional 5% when performing special assignments.

BENEFITS

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

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) 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
• 12 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 http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews 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 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 City's needs have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative dates or times for the selection process. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• 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.

EEO 207

The City of Milwaukee is an equal opportunity employer.