Residential Rental Inspector

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Residential Rental Inspector

Salary

$32.91 Hourly

Location

City of Bellingham, WA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

24-Residential Rental Inspect

Department

Planning and Community Development

Opening Date

08/16/2024

Closing Date

9/13/2024 4:30 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Local 1937

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Nature of Work

The Planning and Community Development Department (https://cob.org/gov/dept/pcd) is looking to hire a Residential Rental inspector who is committed to enhancing housing safety and quality for all residents. If you have experience in home inspections and/or have experience with the process of certifying properties for compliance with local regulations, apply today! We are growing our team, and this position will make a meaningful impact in our community.

This position inspects and monitors market rate and subsidized residential rental dwelling units in accordance with established procedures of the Rental Registration and Safety Inspection Program (RR&SIP) and in compliance with the Bellingham Municipal Code and inspection requirements for local, state and federally funded residential dwelling units. Evaluates structural, plumbing, mechanical, and other building systems for compliance with applicable codes and other regulations related to the safety, health and welfare of the residential renting public. Performs a variety of administrative functions including recording inspection results and coordinating with City Building Inspectors and contractors. Technical work includes performing inspections, preparing plans and evaluating cost estimates in the field of property maintenance to ensure compliance with the RR&SIP and other applicable codes and ordinances. Determines and evaluates which rental regulations and building and property codes apply to City-funded housing construction projects and monitors for compliance during and after construction.

This position will start at Step 1 ($32.91/hour). Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule) and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $32.91 - $40.42. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures. (Promotional: Employees will be placed in the appropriate step of the pay scale in accordance with City Pay Practices)

City of Bellingham employees receive medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as life insurance and long-term disability. Additional benefits include flexible spending accounts, a medical insurance opt-out program, and access to our employee assistance program. All eligible City employees are enrolled in a Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (https://www.drs.wa.gov/) pension plan. Additionally, employees may elect to participate in the City’s 457 deferred compensation retirement savings plan.

Employees will receive 12 paid holidays in addition to one paid floating holiday each year. Employees accrue 8 hours total of contract and state sick leave per month in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement and Washington State Law. At the time of hire, employees will accrue 7.33 hours of vacation per month. Vacation accruals increase based on years of service. Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employee to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

For additional information regarding benefits and compensation Information please visit the following:

• Labor Agreements, Pay Schedules and E-Team Employee Handbook - City of Bellingham (cob.org) (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule)

• Employment Benefits - City of Bellingham (cob.org)

Closing Date/Time: Fri. 09/13/24 4:30 PM Pacific Time

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Administers the residential rental inspection and monitoring functions of the RR&SIP. Prepares notices, responds to and monitors rental registrations under the direction of the Rental Protection Program Specialist, and certifies inspection results in accordance with the Final Inspection Checklist requirements of the RR&SIP. Advises and provides guidance to tenants and property owners and managers to resolve issues and achieve compliance. Answers questions and provides information regarding City codes and ordinances and state and federal requirements, assistance programs, and other rental requirements information.

• Inspects dwelling units and applies zoning, property maintenance and other applicable codes to determine if the units are consistent with health, welfare, and safety standards. Approves or disapproves property condition or work observed, issues correction notices, and generates inspection records to confirm and document that each aspect of the Final Inspection Checklist complies with applicable codes.

• Investigates and resolves complaints and reports of code violations or other rental property health, life-safety and nuisance problems. Generates and prepares written and or computer-based records and documentation of inspections and property condition findings. Uses a camera, measuring devices and other tools to note property conditions to substantiate documentation for enforcement action, including court action resulting from ordinance violations and other observations.

• Conducts Housing Quality Standards Inspections or other current inspection protocol as defined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and adopted by the City, of units utilized for Tenant Based Rental Assistance prior to occupancy, and annually as necessary.

• Conducts placed-in-service and annual onsite monitoring based on HUD National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) or other current inspection protocol for City-funded rental and multifamily properties with federal requirements.

• Conducts monitoring and inspection of City-funded acquisition/rehabilitation or construction of rental or multifamily housing requiring compliance with WA State Evergreen Development Standards and federal Americans with Disability Act / Section 502 standards, when not monitored by a third party. This includes transitional housing, coop/condo ownership or standard rental properties.

• Coordinates with other jurisdictions and state and federal funding agencies regarding current trends, changes in inspection protocols and federal expectations. Participates on the quarterly statewide Monitoring and Coordination Task Force. Keeps up to date on federal inspection requirements and attends training.

• Researches, interprets and incorporates information and data necessary to fully inspect and understand new products, materials and regulations encountered in the residential rental inspection process.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

• Works closely with the Rental Protection Program Specialist and other departmental staff in evaluating the program, determining operational objectives and meeting overall program goals.

• Offers suggestions, devises solutions, identifies alternatives, and otherwise aides in the efficient, creative, and helpful application of regulatory intent to a variety of problematic circumstances related to the RR&SIP and rental protection.

• Uses electronic communication systems and automated data management systems as necessary to access, capture and utilize information in the performance of inspection related tasks.

• Collects and reviews special inspection reports from other agencies including HUD, NW Clean Air Agency and Whatcom County.

• Conducts pre-construction conferences with parties involved in residential rental dwellings including the Housing Rehabilitation Program.

• Assists with inspections for interim housing, condos or other types of temporary residential use or owner/community-ownership situations when properties are rehabilitated or built utilizing City funds.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is shared between office and field environments in a frequently stressful atmosphere. Office work is performed at the public counter or in an office setting, using computers, phones and other office equipment. Field work is performed at and around rental properties and rental construction sites in various states of repair and /or cleanliness, where safety practices are always expected. Rental inspection projects frequently require ascending and descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding and steep sites. Access to under floor areas and attic spaces require positioning of oneself to inspect at all angles. Lighting may be limited, movement may be restricted, loud noises may be present, and terrain uneven. Sites may be wet and slippery. All weather conditions should be expected. Inspectors should expect to enter and exit their vehicle many times daily. Position may involve transporting paper files, inspection and measurement tools, large rolls of plans, or boxes of records weighing up to approximately 40 pounds.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job including:

• transport approximately 40 pounds;

• operate a computer and other standard office equipment-safely move about construction sites and rental properties;

• the ability to remain stationary for periods of time in an office setting, and

• ascending or descending equipment to inspect above ground and below structures.

Experience and Training

• High school graduation or equivalency (GED) required.

• Two years’ experience in building construction, general contracting, construction management or repair/weatherization programs required, OR

• One year of experience in coordination of federally funded housing rehabilitation programs AND

• Must secure and maintain an ICC Residential Building Inspector Certification or Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector Certification within one year of hire.

• Experience and/or training as an inspector with a municipality is preferred.

• Experience and/or training in one or more of the following is preferred:

• Federal Housing and Urban Development Housing Quality Standards (HQS),

• Uniform Physical Inspection Standards (UPCS), and/or

• National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE)

• Experience as a qualified Rental Housing Inspector (RHI) preferred.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Valid Washington State driver's license at time of hire.

• Good driving record. Candidate considered for hire must submit an abstract of his/her driving record for the past three years.

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check and child and adult abuse records check (see Fair Hiring Practices below).

• Failure to secure required certifications or meet skill standards within established time limits will result in dismissal.

Selection Process

You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and required supplemental questions). Provide as much detail as you believe will fully describe your experience and training.

Application Review Process:

• Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must provide specific, detailed information so an initial determination can be made regarding your level of qualifications for this position. Applicant status will be updated on or around September 16, 2024.

• Experience and Training Rating: Applicants that meet minimum qualifications will go through an Experience and Training Rating. Relevancy of your experience and training, together with composition, grammar, spelling and punctuation will be considered when evaluating responses. Applicant status will be updated on or around September 24, 2024.

• The top seven (7) scoring applicants from the Experience and Training Rating will be invited to participate in an Oral Board Interview, tentatively scheduled for the week of September 30, 2024.

• Applicants will be notified via email of Final Scores & Ranks. The final ranking of the register will be based on total scores for the following: Supplemental Question Review (40%) and Oral Board Interview (60%). Candidates must obtain a minimum score of 60% on the Oral Board Interview to continue in the selection process.

Final candidates will be referred to the department for additional examination, assessment, or test.

This recruitment process will create a Civil Service eligibility register that will be used to fill current and future vacancies as they become available. There is currently 1 full-time vacancy in Planning and Community Development. This position is represented by a union.

If you wish to claim Veterans’ Preference Points, please complete the Veterans Scoring Criteria Declaration Form (https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/COB-Veterans-Scoring-Criteria-Declaration-PDF.pdf) and upload it to your application with your DD214.

Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.

Equal Opportunity:

Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices

• The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.

• The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.

• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.

• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.

There are many good reasons for working at the City of Bellingham. The work is rewarding and you have an opportunity to serve your community. Another good reason is the great benefits that the City offers its employees. See our benefits section (https://www.cob.org/employment/pages/benefits.aspx) for additional information.

This position is represented by The Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 bargaining unit. Specific benefit information including Holidays, Vacation Accruals, Health, Dental and Vision Plans with cost sharing and Deferred Compensation Match can be found in the Local 1937 labor agreement (https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/1937-2022-2023-CBA.pdf) .

This position is covered by the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems PERS plan. PERS requires mandatory employee and City contributions. Please visit the DRS website (http://www.drs.wa.gov/) for more information on PERS.

Civil Service Information

This position is subject to the Bellingham Civil Service Commission. When a vacancy occurs, the top fifteen candidates or the top 25% of the register will be forwarded to the department for further consideration. All new Civil Service employees are subject to a one-year probationary period. A candidate may challenge the scope, content, or method of an examination or test, and a protest may be filed in writing with the Examiner within five (5) days following the date of the challenged examination. A candidate may also challenge the scoring of an examination or test, failure of the candidate on any part of an examination, or clerical error in examination results of any examination or test, and a protest may be filed in writing with the Examiner within five (5) days of notification of the challenged result. The Examiner shall consider all timely filed protests and make appropriate corrections if an error is demonstrated.

Veteran's Scoring Criteria

Applicants who have been honorably discharged from active military duty may be eligible to receive veteran's scoring criteria points as provided by Washington State Law (RCW 41.04.010). If you wish to claim Veterans’ Preference Points, please complete the Veterans Scoring Criteria Declaration Form (https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/COB-Veterans-Scoring-Criteria-Declaration-PDF.pdf) and upload it to your application with your DD214.

01

Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)?

• Yes

• No

  02

  Do you have two (2) years' experience in building construction, general contracting, construction management or repair/weatherization programs? [Note: this must be reflected under Work Experience on application]

• Yes

• No

  03

  If you answered NO to question #2, do you have one (1) year of experience in coordination of federally funded housing rehabilitation programs? If yes, please explain in detail including dates and employer(s).

  04

  If you answered NO to question #2, do you have the ability to secure and maintain an ICC Residential Building Inspector Certification or Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector Certification within one year of hire?

• Yes

• No

  05

  The following qualifications are preferred. Please select the ones that match your experience. {Note: if you do not have any of the preferred qualifications, this will not disqualify you.]

• I have experience and/or training as an inspector with a municipality.

• I have experience and/or training with Federal Housing and Urban Devlopment Standards (HQS).

• I have experience and/or training with Uniform Physical Inspection Standards (UPCS).

• I have experience and/or training with National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE).

• I have experience as a qualified Rental Housing Inspector (RHI).

• I do not have any of the preferred qualifications.

  06

  Do you have or are you willing to obtain a Washington State drivers license and provide a 3-year driving history prior to hire if required by the position?

• Yes

• No

  07

  If you are requesting Veteran's Preference points, a completed Veterans Scoring Criteria Status Declaration is required along with a copy of your DD214. The required form is in the Selections Process section of the Job Posting. Check "YES" here if you are attaching a Veteran's Declaration form and DD214.

• Yes

• No

  08

  Describe in detail your experience performing home inspections and include information on any certifications or accreditations you may have.

  09

  To be a successful home inspector you must possess key skills. Which skills do you have that make you the best candidate for this position?

  Required Question

Agency

City of Bellingham

Address

104 West Magnolia Street Bellingham, Washington, 98225

Phone

360-778-8228

Website

http://www.cob.org/employment

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