Code Enforcement-Housing Inspector

"We're extending a hand, welcoming you to join a movement—a movement where businesses are breaking ground and families are setting down roots…where we’re building bright futures, playing with the best, and living as a vibrant community. We are Altoona. We are happening now."

Position Overview:  The City of Altoona has an opportunity in the Building Department for a Code Enforcement-Housing Inspector, full-time position.  The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:30am until 4:00pm.  This position has an hourly wage range from $26.22- $34.22 per hour depending on education and experience.

Day to Day Job Functions:

• Inspect all residential rental properties to determine compliance with applicable housing codes and regulations and initiates correction action as authorized by city ordinance.
• Inspect all existing properties to determine compliance with applicable zoning regulations.
• Inspect new construction of fences, and signs for applicable codes and regulations.
• Assist in the regulation of the sign ordinance.
• Investigate code compliance complaints regarding nuisances; as well as determining compliance with regulations of the property maintenance code.
• Interact and assist the public by answering inquiries or explaining procedures relating to city permits, codes, inspections, and nuisances, to resolve needs or complaints.
• Maintain accurate records of all inspections and correspondence including, but not limited to, rental certificates, property activity, code violations, and code compliance complaints and schedule appointments as required.
• May be reassigned to assist in other areas within the City of Altoona.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education – High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Experience – One (1) to two (2) years in building trades or inspection and code enforcement work.
• Valid Iowa Driver’s license
• Certified as a Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector within six (6) months of employment and certified as a Zoning Inspector within twelve (12) months of employment through a nationally recognized agency and approved by the Building Official.
• Periodically called during off-hours to respond to citizen and construction related inquiries.
• Must be insurable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to take initiative and work efficiently.
• Ability to work independently with intermittent direct supervision.
• Excellent oral and interpersonal communication and listening skills including, but not limited to tact, diplomacy and professionalism when dealing with members of the public and staff.
• Effective written communication skills.
• Problem-solving ability appropriate to the work activities.
• Ability to conduct rental inspections.
• Ability to operate a personal computer using various software programs for word processing, permits, and zoning enforcement operations.
• Ability to concentrate in a diverse work setting.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to climb up to rooftops, crawlspaces, etc. to perform a complete inspection.
• Perform job functions adhering to safety guidelines and policies set for by the administration and/or supervisor.
• Ability to read and correctly interpret City Code.
• Detail oriented with ability for complete follow through.
• Accurate record keeping.
• Knowledge of general construction practices and equipment.
• Knowledge of office equipment, including telephone, photocopier, tablet, smart phones, laser printers, personal computers, etc.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

• Combination of normal office environment and outside working conditions.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Frequent climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching,
• Intermittent crawling and reaching in tight spaces.
• Moderate exposure to inclement weather.

The successful applicant will be required to pass a medical exam including a drug and alcohol screen and complete background check prior to beginning work.

The City of Altoona is located in Polk County, Iowa about five miles from Des Moines. Altoona houses approximately 20,000 residents and is one of the lowest city tax rates in the metro area.  We offer many large city amenities but with small town quality and convenience. Altoona hosts beautiful recreational trails, parks, an abundance of shopping and restaurant opportunities, and our entertainment is renown.

They City of Altoona is an Equal-Opportunity Employer.