SANITATION INSPECTOR 1

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a workforce committed to providing exemplary service to its residents. If you are passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider this opportunity. 

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

To maintain safe, clean neighborhoods, the Sanitation Inspector 1 enforces garbage, recycling, and solid waste ordinances and refers other conditions to applicable City departments.

Code Enforcement and Field Work

• Perform code enforcement for various solid waste, snow, and ice removal ordinances.
• Write correction orders and post notification tags related to bulky waste, garbage and recycling, construction material, cart returns and storage, and other violations.
• Document violations by taking digital photos and managing them within the department’s enforcement and record-keeping systems.
• Coordinate with field supervisors for abatement of violations.
• Conduct field surveys and assessments at the direction of field supervisors.
• Enter code violations and service responses into the Department of Public Works (DPW) Work Orders application or Accela platform and refer situations to the appropriate, responsible department.
• Educate residents on applicable codes and diffuse potential conflict using de-escalation techniques.
• Assemble, dismantle, deliver, and pick up refuse/recycle carts.
• Assist supervisors with tracking progress and reallocating equipment while performing snow duty.
• Assist drivers with mounting plow blades on city vehicles during snow and ice control operations.
• Perform custodial duties such as sweeping, cleaning, and loading/unloading trucks.
• Serve as a gate attendant at City Drop Off Centers as needed, verifying eligibility for site usage, screening vehicle loads, and directing customers.
• Serve in a lead role on special projects and assist in monitoring sanitation crews as needed.
• Shovel snow and spread sand or salt on city streets and walkways.

Administrative Support

• Maintain detailed, accurate, and organized records of code enforcement activity.
• Create and maintain reports and spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel and other job-related software systems.
• Utilize resources to verify property ownership and to research and investigate matters; summarize findings and recommendations.
• Serve as a departmental representative during neighborhood walk-throughs and other public meetings.
• Assist with preparing departmental information for public hearings, such as Judicial and Legislative Committee Meetings and Administrative Review Appeals Board.

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 Sanitation Inspector must be willing and able to do the following:

• Work 24/7 to assist during snow and ice control operations.
• Work outdoors in all types of weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• Perform physically demanding work, including the ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. or more of equipment/material, and heavier weight with assistance.

Required pre-employment tests include the following:

• Physical Exam with Lift test
• Vision Exam
• Audiogram
• Drug Screen

1. One year of experience conducting inspections or working in a compliance capacity with codes, ordinances, regulations, or statutes.
2. Valid driver's license at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
3. A good driving record 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.

• Familiarity with the layout of Milwaukee streets.
• Familiarity with City of Milwaukee solid waste regulations.
• Familiarity with State and Federal hazardous waste regulations.

Technical

• Knowledge of inspection techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret City of Milwaukee codes and ordinances.
• Operational knowledge of Microsoft Office’s Word and Excel programs.
• 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.
• Written communication skills to create orders accurately and compose well-crafted correspondence and documentation.
• 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.

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 starting salary (Pay Range 8DN) is $51,816 annually, and the current resident starting salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $53,889.  Appointment will be made in accordance with the City of Milwaukee Salary Ordinance.

NOTE: A Sanitation Inspector 1 is eligible for promotion to the Sanitation Inspector 2 position after two years of successful service as a Sanitation Inspector 1. The minimum starting salary (Pay Range 8EN) for a Sanitation Inspector 2 is $54,407annually and the current resident starting salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $56,583.

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

EEO = 301

The City of Milwaukee is an equal opportunity employer.