Property Maintenance Inspector

$39.616 - $50.925 per hour

* Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.

This position involves application and enforcement of Evanston housing codes in a fast‑paced customer service‑oriented environment. Inspectors encourage compliance by developing constructive relationships and educating residents and property owners. Property Maintenance Inspectors perform inspections on both commercial and residential properties throughout the City. Routine rental inspections are performed at regular intervals to ensure safe and adequate housing for residents. Additionally, the inspector will be assigned an area to regularly monitor for code violations.

• Inspects both commercial and residential properties, including registered rental units, shared housing, vacant buildings, and short‑term rentals. Visually examines all areas to determine compliance with code standards for heating, lighting, ventilation, and plumbing installations.
• Measures dwelling units and rooms to determine compliance with ordinance space requirements.
• Inspects premises for overall cleanliness, adequate disposal of garbage, and signs of vermin infestation.
• Prepares notice of violation letters advising property owners and tenants of violations found and time allowed for correcting deficiencies.
• Reviews case and notice of violation reports and reinspects dwellings at periodic intervals adhering to Department policy requirements to verify correction of violations by property owners and tenants.
• Explains requirements of housing standards ordinance to property owners, building contractors, and other interested parties.
• Ability and willingness to take legal action on Property Standards cases when warranted by writing citations and giving testimony in adjudication hearings.
• Presents legal complaints for prosecution and testifies in court.
• Responds to property maintenance complaints/requests for service and verifies compliance with applicable codes.
• Works closely with community/neighborhood groups and organizations on a variety of housing maintenance issues to include violations, problems and resolutions.
• Performs other related duties and assignments as needed or required.

• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED and at least two (2) years of experience in code enforcement or a similar area of expertise.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• Must possess an International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector or be able to obtain it within one (1) year of employment and maintain it as a condition of employment.

• Ability to read, understand and interpret code books, ordinances, maps, construction drawings, construction texts, policies, procedures, journals, newspapers, letters, reports, and legal documents.
• Understanding of general construction principles and practices; familiarity with building and housing codes a plus.
• Ability to write reports and memos with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
• Ability to speak before an audience with poise, voice control, and confidence, using proper English and a well‑modulated voice.
• Ability to multitask many variable duties and responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to use Google Suite and Microsoft products.
• Ability to use computer resources, such as the internet and GIS, for conducting job‑related research.
• Ability and willingness to learn and utilize proprietary software for inspection purposes.
• Ability to follow established timelines and use good judgment when working on a Property Standards case file.

• Ability to lift medium weight objects, open and close building windows and doors, and apply pressure to building components as part of inspections.
• Ability to use and operate inspection tools and equipment.
• Ability to work indoors with possible exposure to human, animal and rodent fecal matter; rodents and pests; inadequate ventilation, lack of light, filth, and…