Housing Inspector

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Housing Inspector

Salary

$33.01 - $41.79 Hourly

Location

1120 SW 5th Ave, OR

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

2022-01360

Bureau

Bureau of Development Services

Opening Date

09/26/2022

Closing Date

10/17/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

The Position


The City of Portland's Bureau of Development Services (BDS)is actively recruiting for two Housing inspectors to help the community understand and comply with Title 29, the Portland Property Maintenance Regulations and Oregon building codes for residential housing units.  Excellent customer service, sound professional judgement and problem-solving skills are key to successfully resolve complaints and help owners with the most effective path to compliance. Our Housing Inspectors do their work in collaboration with other BDS workgroups, city bureaus, and partner agencies.   Housing Inspectors receive training and support in finding new and creative ways to provide services in an equitable manner to the community.  

As a Housing Inspector, you will: 

  • Inspect residential dwelling units and the exterior of non-residential commercial buildings to identify maintenance violations of the Title 29 and building work done without permit. 
  • Use judgement and discretion to cite violations and manage customer expectations. 
  • Research historic building records and interpret case evidence to make informed determinations. 
  • Document inspections with photographs and comments.  Prepare accurate violation letters.
  • Communicate with owners, renters, occupants, property managers, and other interested parties over the phone, via email, and in person to problem solve and communicate expectations.  
  • Collaborate with other housing inspectors, BDS workgroups, and city bureaus to make informed decisions and assist customers manage their cases.        
As a person, you have: 
  • Construction knowledge and some experience with building construction, maintenance, and terminology. This may be previous experience in construction, building maintenance, building inspections, building design/plan review, or work with a non-profit provider of home repair services, or other construction related experience.
  • Customer service skills: you are comfortable meeting and communicating with variety of customers including occupants, owners, complainants, and contractors especially in situations where you are “knocking and talking” without a scheduled appointment.  
  • Diplomacy and tact: you have experience working with customers who are frustrated, angry, confused, or upset.
  • Self-direction and are able to work independently in the field and office to perform inspections and manage cases.
  • Communication skills: you have great verbal and written communication skills.
  • Organizational skills: Are  organized and able to develop personal systems to accomplish your work and use time efficiently.
  • Collaboration skills: you work well with team members, employees from other BDS divisions, and agency partners to generate solutions for customers.
  • Equity awareness: you are open learning about racial and disability equity issues and operationalizing anti-racism in your daily work with BDS customers and staff.   
Although not required, you may have:
  • Fluency in speaking, reading, and writing a language other than English.  Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Vietnamese would be particularly helpful in our work.
  • Experience in reading building plans.
  • Experience in reading and interpreting code regulations.  
  • Experience with researching and analyzing records to make determinations and summarize findings in written reports.
  • Experience with Microsoft products and proficiency with Amanda 7, Portland maps, Mapworks and Google Maps.
This classification is represented by the District Council of Trade Unions (DCTU).  To view this labor agreement, please go to https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/labor-relations/labor-agreements and click on the appropriate link. Applicants start at the entry salary rate. If you are a DCTU represented employee, see labor agreement for additional information or talk to your union representative.

About the Bureau:
Our Equity Commitment: 
The Bureau of Development Services is committed to eliminating racism and all discriminatory practices in our services and in our workplace because we understand the positive value of equitable systems.
 
Equity: Conditions that allow everyone to flourish so that race, gender, ability and/or other held identities do not determine access or outcomes.
 
To learn more at The Bureau of Development Services equity commitment - please review our equity commitment: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/670171  

Why work at the City of Portland?
The City of Portland workforce serves a population of over 650,000. We are culture- and solutions-driven, viewing every challenge as an opportunity to learn, improve, and share our expertise. We are committed to removing systemic barriers to resources, access, and opportunity. The City is a believer in all people and continues to actively recruit and retain diverse top talent every day. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, basic life, short- and long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families. If you are open-minded, motivated, community-focused, and self-aware, please apply yourself at the City of Portland today.

The City of Portland also participates in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). For more information on the City of Portland's benefits please click here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement
As of October 18, 2021, all City employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This is required for all positions at the City of Portland. Proof of being fully vaccinated is required by date of hire. You may request an exception, for health or religious reasons, from getting the COVID-19 vaccine at the time a position is offered.
 
Work Location
Currently, many positions with the City of Portland are being performed remotely due to COVID.  In the future, current positions classified as “full-time remote” will: 1) become a remote/onsite mix or 2) revert to full-time at a city work location.

The City is offering optional information meetings for this recruitment.  Please see the Additional Information section below for details.    

To Qualify

Applicants must specifically address and demonstrate in their supplemental question responses and resume how their education, training, work experience and/or lived experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications:    

  1. Knowledge of – and some experience with – construction methods, practices, terminology, building systems and components used in the construction, rehabilitation and repair of residential structures.
  2. Experience and skill communicating effectively with people who are angry, hostile and/or confused.  
  3. Experience and skill with organizing and scheduling daily work activities.
  4. Ability and experience using computers and related software.
Applicant must also:
  • Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per City/State mandate or have an approved exception by date of hire.
  • By the date of hire, a valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record; and
  • Within one year of appointment, employee must possess one of these Oregon Residential Inspector certifications: Structural, Electrical, or Plumbing, or must meet the Oregon certification requirements to perform residential mechanical inspections.  

The Recruitment Process

An evaluation of each applicant's training and experience, as demonstrated in their resume and supplemental questions are weighted 100%. Do not attach materials not requested.  Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on an equally ranked eligible list. You have 14 days from the notice of the examination results to let us know if you disagree with your results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information. Additional evaluation may be required prior to establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

** PLEASE NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies**

Recruitment Activity Schedule:

  • Job Posting closes: 10/17/2022
  • Applications Reviewed:  week of 10/24/2022
  • Eligible List / Notices Generated: week of 10/31/2022
  • 1st Round of Interviews: early November
  • Job Offer: mid November

*Timeline is approximate and subject to change.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit a professional resume and responses to the supplemental questions online, specifically focused on your qualifications for this position as identified in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement in accordance with the following Application Instructions:

  • Your résumé and responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
  • Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement.
  • Your resume should support the details described in your responses to the supplemental questions.
  • If you are requesting Veteran's Preference, as identified below, please describe in your responses to the supplemental questions and resume any transferrable skills obtained during your military service and how they relate to each of the required minimum qualifications under the "To Qualify" section above.

Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment.  All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process.  Do not attach materials not requested.   E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Additional Information

Work Status: Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Veterans' Preference: If you are requesting Veterans' Preference, attach a copy of your DD214/DD215 and/or Veterans Administration letter stating your disability to your profile, as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veterans' Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment to which you apply. Veterans' Preference documentation must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the closing date of this recruitment.

ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations: If you identify as a person with a disability, are pregnant or nursing, or observe a religious practice(s), and would like to request a reasonable accommodation when applying for this job, please contact the Recruiter below for assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply.

Language Pay Differential: City of Portland employees who speak one or more languages in addition to English, may be eligible to receive a “language pay differential.” This is compensation for qualifying multilingual City employees who use their language skill to assist the community. More about the language pay differential can be found here.

Did you know? The City of Portland offers How to Apply Classes that are free and review best practices for applying to the City.  Follow the link for the most recent list of scheduled dates: https://www.portland.gov/bhr/events.

Contact Information:
Bureau of Human Resources
Karen Ehn, Senior Recruiter
karen.ehn@portlandoregon.gov 

An Equal Opportunity Employer

OPTIONAL INFORMATION SESSION
To assist you in understanding this position and the recruitment process, we will offer an Optional Information Sessions that will provide you with details about the position and about the application process. You are not required to attend to apply for this job. You are welcome to join us for the optional session below:

Information Session 1 -Housing Inspector
Wednesday, October 5th, 2022, 6PM-7PM (PST)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvduqppjkpGdPp3d6No3R2Rh3LPIZXxAKJ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

Information Session 2 -Housing Inspector
Monday, October 10, 2022, 6PM-7PM PST
Register in advance for this meeting:
 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlceCupj0tGNU_hXrETEY4xQ6GrDQ5joDR
 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.  

A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits
 
This summary outlines the benefit programs, actual benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

The City of Portland offers a comprehensive benefit package that is competitive with other private and public sector employers.

More detailed information can be obtained by calling the Benefits & Wellness Office at 503-823-6031.
 
  • A choice of two medical/vision plans and two dental plans.
  • Coverage is available to benefits-eligible employees, their spouse/domestic partner and eligible dependent children up to age 26.
  • For full time employees, the City pays 95% of the cost of coverage, you pay 5%.
  • The part-time employees' cost is pro-rated based on the number of hours in the employee's regular work schedule.
  • We offer many on-site fitness center locations and classes, stretching,
  • discounts to local fitness clubs,
  • smoking cessation benefits,
  • chronic care coaching programs,
  • worksite wellness screenings and flu shots.
  • Basic life insurance at no cost to full time employees.
  • Levels of coverage are based on bargaining units, employment status and/or annual salaries.
    • Supplemental life insurance - employees may purchase up to $500,000 for themselves
    • up to $300,000 for their spouse or domestic partner.
    • up to $25,000 for dependent children.
    • This coverage is portable upon retirement or separation. There are some limitations on coverage level.
  • Depending on your bargaining unit, you may be eligible for Basic Long Term disability coverage which will pay up to 40% of your basic monthly earnings up to $3,333 per month.
  • The benefit is available 60 days from the onset of the approved disability, or exhaustion of sick leave, whichever is later.
  • Preexisting condition limitations do apply.
  • Employees may also purchase an additional 20% (of your basic monthly earnings up to $1,667 per month) coverage.
Short-Term Disability
  • Depending on your bargaining unit, you may be eligible for Basic Short-Term disability coverage which will pay up to 40% of pre-disability earnings for eligible employees
  • The benefit is available after a 14-day waiting period, and can continue for 90 days.
  • Pre-existing condition limitations do apply.
  • Employees may also purchase an additional 20% benefit (of your basic monthly earnings up to $1,667 per month) coverage.
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) provides confidential counseling services for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Effective July 1, 2013, the plan provides up to five free visits per year.
  • Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) allows you to make pre-tax contributions to your account to pay for eligible medical/dental/vision expenses which are not paid by your health insurance (deductibles, co-pays, etc.)
  • Dependent Care Account Program (DCAP) allows you to pay for your eligible dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. The maximum allowable you may contribute to this plan is $5,000. 
  • Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP)
    • The City currently pays the employee's share of the retirement contribution.
    • Employees who are OPSRP members are vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65 (age 60 for police and fire.)
  • Option to contribute a portion of your earnings on a pre-tax basis to the City's Deferred Compensation Program.
Paid Leave
  • 112 hours of vacation each year initially. This accrual will increase over time.
  • Sick leave typically accrues up to a maximum rate of 40 hours per calendar year
  • 10 paid holidays each year
  • Three personal days accrue each year
Family Medical Leave

In accordance with federal and state law, and the City policy for family medical leave, the City grants family and medical leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical related reasons.
 
  • City's TRIP Reduction Incentive Program (for transportation options)

01
Thank you for your interest in joining the team at the City of Portland. We sincerely value your time and hope to make your application experience as positive as possible.

The following supplemental questions are an important step to assist us in determining if you have the minimum qualifications to succeed in the posted vacancy.

Write specific and unique responses to each question. Answering "No", to any of the Yes/No questions or answering an essay questions with the following "See resume", or entering "N/A" for any of the minimum qualifications listed in the "To Qualify" section may eliminate you from further consideration.

Note: If you are requesting veterans' preference, please be sure upload a copy of your DD214 and/or Veteran's administration letter stating your disability. Veteran's preference documentation must be submitted by the closing time of this announcement.


Have you read and understood all the information listed above?
  • Yes
  • No - If you have any questions, please contact the recruiter on the announcement.
02
Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website or job board, please specify which one)
03
The City of Portland receives public records requests at times. Please indicate which response you find appropriate: (Answer will not disqualify you from the process)
  • My application was submitted with the understanding that the City of Portland would keep the information confidential and would only disclose the information if ordered to do so. I would not have submitted this application without the promise of confidentiality.
  • You may release my application; I am waiving confidentiality.
04
I have read the City of Portland's COVID-19 vaccine requirement.
  • I plan to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine requirement by being fully vaccinated by my hire date and submitting proof of vaccination, or by asking for a religious/medical exception.
  • I do not plan to be vaccinated or ask for a religious/medical exception for the COVID-19 vaccine requirement.
05
Do you have knowledge of – and some experience with – construction methods, practices, terminology, building systems and components use in the construction, rehabilitation and repair of residential structures?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Provide a detailed example(s)of your knowledge of – and some experience with – construction methods, practices, terminology, building systems and components use in the construction, rehabilitation and repair of residential structures.

In your response, include details which clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:
  • Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability.
  • Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).
  • Skills, training, transferable skills or lived experience you have that will help you in this area.
  • Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill, or ability.
07
Do you have experience and skill communicating effectively with people who are angry, hostile and/or confused?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Provide a detailed example(s)of your experience and skill communicating effectively with people who are angry, hostile and/or confused.

In your response, include details which clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:
  • Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability.
  • Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).
  • Skills, training, transferable skills or lived experience you have that will help you in this area.
  • Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill, or ability.
09
Do you possess experience and skill with organizing and scheduling daily work activities?
  • Yes
  • No
10
Provide a detailed example(s)of your experience and skill with organizing and scheduling daily work activities.

In your response, include details which clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:
  • Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability.
  • Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).
  • Skills, training, transferable skills or lived experience you have that will help you in this area.
  • Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill, or ability.
11
Do you have ability and experience using computers and related software?
  • Yes
  • No
12
Provide a detailed example(s)of your ability and experience using computers and related software.

In your response, include details which clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:
  • Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability.
  • Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).
  • Skills, training, transferable skills or lived experience you have that will help you in this area.
  • Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill, or ability.
13
Do you possess or will you possess by the date of hire, a valid state driver's license and acceptable driving record?
  • Yes
  • No
14
Do you have or can you obtain within one year of appointment, one of these:
  • Oregon Residential Inspector certifications
  • Structural, Electrical, or Plumbing
  • or must meet the Oregon certification requirements to perform residential mechanical inspections.
    •
    • Yes
    • No
    15
    Please note the following question will not be considered during minimum qualification review. The information provided will be reviewed after the eligible list is created.
    Although not required, please provide information for any of the following preferred qualifications:
    • Provide detailed example(s) of experience you have writing professional letters, emails, and/or reports.
    (Enter N/A if you do not have relevant experience)

    Required Question

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