Field Inspector, J-51 Inspections Division of Building and Land Development Services

Overview

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) promotes quality and affordability in the city's housing, and diversity and strength in the city’s neighborhoods because every New Yorker deserves a safe, affordable place to live in a neighborhood they love.

• We maintain building and resident safety and health
• We create opportunities for New Yorkers through housing affordability
• We engage New Yorkers to build and sustain neighborhood strength and diversity

The Office of Development (OOD) leads the agency’s effort to create and preserve affordable housing in collaboration with other HPD offices as well as other city, state and federal agencies. The OOD is comprised of eight divisions, including New Construction Finance, Special Needs Housing, Housing Incentives, Building and Land Development Services (BLDS), Home ownership Opportunities and Preservation, Preservation Finance, Portfolio Management and Conversions, and Compliance and Enforcement.

The Division of Building and Land Development Services provides architectural, engineering, cost valuation, environmental planning, and construction support services to HPD’s Office of Development using a public-private partnership model. It offers loans, grants, and/or incentives to support housing development projects for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers.

NOTE:

The content below reflects the real-world structure and roles within the organization.

As a Field Inspector for J-51 inspections, you will oversee and monitor the construction activities for projects under the J-51 program.

The ideal candidate should have a background in Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field, with a thorough understanding of New York City building and construction codes, as well as Federal, State, and City housing codes and regulations. Experience with preservation of multi-family housing is required.

• Under the general supervision of the Deputy Director of Intake and Scope Services, the Supervisor for J-51 inspections determines the acceptability of building alterations and repairs and related materials to ensure compliance with contract specifications and regulations related to the J-51 Abatement and Exemption issued by NYC’s Department of Finance.
• Oversee and provide guidance for staff reviewing J-51 applications submitted by property owners.
• Inspect alterations and repairs up to project cost limits, including roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and related systems for conformance to specifications, drawings, quantity, quality, condition, and size.
• Review invoices and drawings to ensure completeness.
• Conduct building walk-throughs and site inspections; prepare reports based on field inspection of repairs; verify costs; provide recommendations on the issuance of J-51 benefits.
• Perform inspections to verify work meets NYC Building and Construction Codes, Zoning Resolution, Multiple Dwelling Law, and other applicable housing codes and regulations.
• Keep records and prepare required reports using manual and computer systems.
• Participate in and may supervise the review of architectural, structural, and mechanical plans; confer with department officials, applicants, contractors, and consultants to resolve non-compliance issues; evaluate complaints; keep records of invoices and examinations.
• Prepare extensive and complex analytical reports regarding building repairs, replacements, or related activities as needed.
• Engage in research, investigations, studies, or examinations related to architectural functions and activities of the Agency.

• Thorough knowledge of design and construction, including City, State, and Federal regulations and preservation standards for multi-family housing.
• Strong trade-base knowledge and familiarity with NYC government and affordable housing issues.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, apply independent judgment, negotiate with technical specialists, and collaborate effectively.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, organizational, communication, leadership, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines, coordinate multiple projects, and address…