Neighborhood Inspector

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Performs a variety of inspection and enforcement actions with a proactive community approach. Works with neighborhood groups, the public and other organizations.

The principal function of an employee in this class is to enforce and obtain compliance with the City’s housing, environmental health, vector control, noise, odor, graffiti, zoning and public nuisance ordinances and regulations. Employees work closely with neighborhood groups, the public and other organizations to obtain voluntary compliance with city codes and to provide information and education on the City code requirements to the general public.

The City of Des Moines promotes a healthy work life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

Residency Incentive Program
Paid Volunteer Time-Off
Parental Leave
Vacation and Sick Leave
12 Paid Holidays
Health/Dental/Life/LTD Insurance
Wellness Programs and Activities
Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Education Programs
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Benefit
Defined Benefit Pension Plan through IPERS
Deferred Compensation Plan with City Match up to 2.5%
Voluntary Insurance Benefit Options
Employee Discount Program

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a GED; and
• Two years of post-high school education in property maintenance, business administration, public administration, environmental health, planning, education, public relations or a related field; or
• Two years inspection experience (housing, building, zoning or health); or
• Three years of experience in building construction, building maintenance or a related field.
• Education may be used to satisfy up to one year of experience.

Required Special Qualifications

• Possession of or acquisition within 12 months of appointment the Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector Certification.
• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screen.
• Possession of a valid Iowa Driver’s License or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Surveys, inspects, investigates and enforces requirements for residential properties to determine compliance with the City’s Housing Code and other related codes including applicable fire, building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes;
• Surveys, inspects, investigates and enforces City zoning, environmental health, nuisance vegetation, minimum property standards and related regulations;
• Conducts vector inspections and performs eradication measures as needed;
• Collects data and prepares reports and correspondence on inspection findings which may be referred to the Housing Appeals Board, Board of Health and the Zoning Board of Adjustment;
• Observes violations, issues notices, counsels code violators, prepares case files, pursues legal remedies, initiates public nuisance actions and oversees forced clean-ups and board-ups of non-compliant properties;
• Maintains records of current activities and updates automated property files;
• Assists in the preparation of injunctive, citation and condemnation cases for court presentations and testifies in court when needed;
• Performs code related enforcement and monitoring activities on a scheduled or an “on-call” basis after normal working hours as required;
• Meets with the public, neighborhood groups, boards or commissions, or other agencies, or City staff to explain, encourage and coordinate the compliance of minimum property, housing, zoning, nuisance vegetation or health related codes or ordinances;
• Refers to public to City services related to neighborhood concerns;
• Contacts owners and tenants to provide technical assistance and to promote improved property maintenance;
• Conducts specialized inspections as assigned;
• Assists in the training of new and temporary staff in the proper delivery of related services;
• Acts for supervisor as directed; and
• Performs related duties as required.