Housing Inspector, Grant Services Specialist II (NCS) - Department of Housing and Community Development

This is a non-civil service position.

Pay

Salary Range: $43,901.00 – $69,639.00 annually
Hiring Salary Range: $43,901.00 – $56,770.00 annually

About the Role

A Housing Inspector inspects the exteriors, interiors, and adjacent grounds of vacant and occupied one- and two-family dwellings, as well as the exteriors and adjacent grounds of commercial establishments, to enforce Baltimore City Codes and Ordinances, including but not limited to health, housing, zoning, sanitation, building, fire, and related codes. This role involves no supervisory duties and receives moderate supervision from a technical superior. Employees work a conventional workweek and are on 24-hour callback duty. Work is performed in various City neighborhoods and may involve exposure to seasonal weather extremes, animals, insects, and deteriorating structures. The position requires continuous standing and walking.

Special Note: This position is grant-funded and valid for the life of the grant.

Responsibilities

• Inspects the exterior and interior of vacant and occupied single- and two-family dwelling units, adjacent property, and the exterior and adjacent property of commercial establishments for compliance with or violation of applicable Codes and Ordinances, including health, housing, zoning, sanitation, building, and fire codes.
• Identifies responsible parties, records, and reports unsanitary conditions such as trash, rats, high grass, and weeds, as well as housing code violations like defective doors, windows, paint, porches, and steps.
• Issues Violation Notices and Environmental Citations using a computerized system to property owners, landlords, or tenants for specific housing, building, environmental, sanitation, health, or fire prevention violations based on relevant City Codes.
• Recommends and issues notices to inform property owners and tenants of code violations and provides information on code compliance.
• Investigates complaints of improper disposal of residential and non-residential trash, interior and exterior violations, and reinspects to ensure compliance.
• Maintains files of all Violation Notices and Environmental Citations issued and coordinates inspection schedules through an automated inspection system.
• Develops case history folders containing forms issued by the inspector, notes of conversations, correspondence, field reviews with property owners, and related information.
• Prepares violation case records and materials for code enforcement case presentation and prosecution in Court by the Code Enforcement Legal Section; confers with attorneys, Assistant State’s Attorneys, or Assistant City Solicitors on case records and findings; testifies in court as an expert witness on inspection findings.
• Prepares and maintains inspection records and reports using computers, proprietary business software, and other common business software packages.
• Performs related work as required.

Requirements

Education: Completion of two years at an accredited college or university.

OR

Equivalency Notes: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a GED certificate and two years of experience in housing inspection work or completion of the one-year Baltimore City Housing Inspector Apprenticeship Program.

Skills

• Ability to learn Baltimore City building, housing, health, and related codes pertaining to unimproved lots, alleys, and the interiors and exteriors of occupied and vacant houses and commercial establishments.
• Ability to inspect property and determine code violations.
• Ability to deal effectively with property owners, tenants, and the general public.
• Ability to utilize computers, proprietary business software, and other common business software packages to prepare clear and concise reports and maintain appropriate records.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans
• Optional life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Wellness programs, support groups, and workshops

Note: Grant positions are not eligible for retirement benefits.

Additional Information

• Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions of trust will be required to complete a criminal background check and/or fingerprinting.
• All selected candidates, including current City employees, must complete a mandatory six-month probation.
• This position requires completion of a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. The initial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.