City of Tampa

This is responsible entry-level inspections work involving the enforcement of standards code compliance.  Bargaining unit position.

An employee in this class is responsible for learning the process of, and performing, building inspections, to include existing structures, residential, and commercial structures. Employees are required to have a background in the inspection field and knowledge of applicable codes, ordinances and inspectional procedures. The exercise of reasonable initiative and independent judgment is required in completing assigned tasks. Work is of more than average difficulty and involves the inspection of commercial and residential buildings that are existing or are being repaired, remodeled or enlarged. Inspections are conducted to ensure the building's structural integrity and to check for compliance with building codes and ordinances. Employees may provide inspections necessary to enforce related tree removal, zoning, site clearing, flood plain, landscaping, parking regulations, storm water regulations and sign ordinances. The operation of a lightweight motor vehicle in traveling to and from work locations is also required. In addition, an employee in this class must perform inspections to determine and enforce compliance with environmental standards and related codes. The purpose of such inspections is to uncover and correct such conditions as storage of junk and inoperative vehicles, excessive accumulations of trash and debris, illegal dumping, and improper or unsanitary harboring of animals which are a public nuisance, or which represent potential hazards to the health, welfare and safety of the city's citizens. In order to complete inspections in a timely and proper manner, employees must be knowledgeable of the contents of the code and keep abreast of any changes therein. Although employees have access to lead or supervisory personnel for assistance in resolving difficult, unusual or sensitive situations, reasonable initiative and independent judgment are required in seeking code compliance through voluntary cooperation, notices of violation and, when non-compliance persists, issuance of citation or processed through a court or magistrate hearing. Tact and courtesy are also required as work involves extensive public contact, often with irate or unreasonable people, builders, architects, property owners and other individuals involved.  Although work is performed under general supervision, considerable time is spent engaged in fieldwork without proximity to the immediate supervisor. Work is reviewed through reports submitted, field observation, conformance to workload standards, and results obtained.

Learning the process of inspecting improved properties with residential or commercial buildings, both occupied and vacant to determine the condition of foundations, concrete slabs, beams, pilasters, steel placement, framing, interior and exterior walls, floors, electrical, plumbing, stairways, insulation, roofing, and related structural components of buildings, appurtenances, and accessory structures for structural integrity, sanitary facilities, damaged, rotted or termite infested wood, and conformance with building codes, ordinances, permits, and approved plans; conducts elevation and drainage inspections to ascertain compliance with flood control ordinances.

Conducts secondary inspections after necessary repairs have been made.

Prepares demolition orders for structures that meet the criteria of a condemnation. Prepares securing orders for open/vacant structures, that due to neglect and/or vandalism, advanced deterioration has occurred. Prepares vacate orders for structures that are determined to be unfit for human habitation. Prepares property maintenance abatement work orders for neglected properties. 

Inspects improved and unimproved properties, including vacant lots and residential and commercial buildings, both occupied and vacant to determine compliance with environmental standards and related codes; observes and records detected violations, such as storage of junk and inoperative vehicles, placement of offensive matter on streets and vacant lots, littering, improper or unsanitary harboring of animals, harboring animals which are harmful to the public health, excessive accumulations of trash and debris, and other public nuisances; inspects illegal dump sites and participates in stakeout activities to identify persons responsible for illegal disposition of materials and trash; performs inspections to determine and enforce compliance with provisions of zoning/land-use and related sign ordinances;.   

Receives, records, and investigates code violation complaints; explains code violations and requirements for corrective action to property owners and occupants of residential and commercial properties.

Maintains records of inspections and other work performed; prepares and submits reports of field activities; utilizes computers and related software for research and report generation.

Performs related work as required.

May inspect sites for issuance of site clearing and tree removal permits; checks plans, proposed and completed tree removals, landscape work, and site clearing activities for conformance with codes and ordinances.  

Inspects retail businesses for compliance with the City of Tampa’s fertilizer ordinance.

Verifies that persons performing work are properly licensed and have secured necessary permits; takes statements from witnesses and gathers other information for prosecution of violators.

Issues notices of violation, parking tickets and civil citations as necessary to secure code compliance; conducts re-inspections to determine whether or not corrective action has been taken; gathers information and testifies in court for prosecution of violators.Contacts property owners and contractors to explain the nature of violations detected and to provide building, permitting, and other code information.

Keeps records of inspections and other work preformed; compiles data and submits written reports.

Ensures that electronic equipment and automobile are in proper working condition; arranges for other transportation when notified to take car to garage for maintenance.

Performs related work as required.

Working knowledge of: the contents and interpretations of environmental standards and related codes; methods and techniques used in conducting code enforcement inspections; content and interpretation of zoning and sign ordinances.

Some knowledge of: the geographic layout of the city; computers and related software.

Ability to: communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and prepare written reports; interpret and enforce applicable codes and ordinances firmly, tactfully and impartially; perform work requiring moderate physical exertion; operate a lightweight motor vehicle; operate a decibel reader, various electronic devices and digital cameras; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.

Mostly standing; outdoors very frequently. Requires some use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.

Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school and one (1) year of public contact work experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. 

Possession of a valid Florida driver's license.

Must obtain an ICC (International Code Council) Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector certification within 12 months of employment. Failure to obtain certification within 12 months of employment may result in termination.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.