DEPUTY COMMISSIONER - BUILDING INSPECTION

Recruitment #2406-5556-001

Introduction

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

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

Purpose

THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) supports neighborhood improvements by enforcing standards for buildings, property and land use. The DNS 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. 

THE POSITION

Under the direction of the Commissioner – DNS, the Deputy Commissioner – Building Inspection functions as the technical adviser to the Commissioner and provides oversight of the day-to-day operations of all divisions. In the absence of the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner is designated to perform all acts required by law on the Commissioner’s behalf.

Essential Functions

Administration and Oversight

  • Oversee and direct the day to day operations of all DNS Divisions. Consult regularly with managers and supervisors to ensure smooth operation.
  • Resolve problems and complaints that 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 DNS meets key performance indicators, including staff development and training 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.

Minimum Requirements

  1. Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
  2. Five years of professional experience as a code enforcement manager, project manager, engineer, or architect involved in the design and/or construction of buildings, including three years of experience providing administrative oversight and staff supervision.
  3. Possession of the following Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) certifications at time of appointment and throughout employment:

· Commercial Building Inspector

· Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) Construction Inspector

· UDC HVAC Inspector

  1. Valid Wisconsin Driver's License at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Private Auto Allowance may be paid pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code.

 Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

IMPORTANT NOTE: College transcripts are required and must be emailed as an attachment to DNSJobs@milwaukee.gov by the application closing date and time. Student/unofficial copies are acceptable; however, your transcript must be legible and include your college/university name, your name, the degree completed and the date completed.

Desirable Qualifications

  • A related master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Architect license or Professional Engineer (PE) credential with the Wisconsin DSPS.
  • Building code enforcement experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of building and construction, engineering, and public health and safety.
  • Knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply 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, including the ability to interpret technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Ability to read and understand documents such as laws, policies, and technical publications.

Leadership

  • 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.
  • 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 and leadership ability 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, reports, and presentations.
  • Superior verbal communication and presentation skills to effectively impart information and represent the department before legislative committees, boards, and civic organizations.
  • Ability to convey thoughts clearly, concisely, and accurately, both inside and outside the organization.
  • Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a multicultural, multidisciplinary 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.

Critical Thinking and Professionalism

  • Organizational and planning skills 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.
  • Analytical capacity to grasp the technical advice provided by code specialists and make decisions based on equitable and legal principles.
  • Critical thinking skills 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.
  • Decision-making skills and sound judgment.
  • Honesty, integrity, ability to maintain confidentiality, and responsible stewardship of City resources.

Current Salary

The current salary range (Pay Range 1SX) is $149,117-$208,755 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $153,591-$215,018 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

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 https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Selection Process

  • Screening for this position will be based on an evaluation of each applicant’s education, experience, and professional accomplishments, which should be detailed in a cover letter, resume and transcripts.
  • Cover letter, resume, and college transcripts must be sent via email to: DNSJobs@milwaukee.gov  by 4:45 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024.
  • Please indicate Deputy Commissioner – Building Inspection in the subject line of the email message.
  • Questions relative to the selection process may be directed to Sha’Nese Burnell Jones by calling 414.286.2563 or via email at sburne@milwaukee.gov.
  • The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only the most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process.

INITIAL FILING DATE:

  • The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical after Friday, July 19, 2024.
  • 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.

Conclusion

EEO 101


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